Here’s The News You Might Have Missed Over The Summer Break
let's catch up
By Victoria Lewis | 8th January 2026Hey! You there! Welcome back!
If you’re fresh off two glorious weeks of OOO bliss and low screen time, you might have missed a few things. While we took a break, the pop culture news cycle did not. From major film releases and local restaurant openings to Aussie celebrity weddings, award-winning moments, and Spring fashion launches, there’s been a lot happening!
Here’s your roundup of what went down while your nose was in a book, or you simply refused to engage with the world over the break. Time to catch up… let’s dive in.
Emily in Paris is back, baby
Oh, we are so back! We know her, we love her – Emily In Paris returned to our screens late last year with season five of everyone’s favourite showcase of fashion, foreign romances, and French flair, except this time, she’s made the move to Rome. So expect more free-spirited fashion, new romantic displays, and plot lines so bad they are so, so good. And if you’re part of Emily in Paris’ cult-like posse, you’ll be especially excited to know that season six has also just been confirmed. Mamma mia, here we go again!
Brisbane welcomes Anyday Hospitality’s The French Exit
Say bonjour, because this is one restaurant opening you do not want to miss. The hospo heroes behind Brisbane’s most coveted venues like Agnes, sAme sAme, Biànca, and Golden Avenue, have brought a little slice of Paris to Brisbane City’s streets with The French Exit opening late last December. Alive with clinking glassware, muted chatter, and dimly-lit booths, The French Exit is a local take on a Parisian bistrot, blending heritage elegance with modern French fare. This hot new venue is a must-try for any local foodie wanting to eat their way through 2026 in style. Make your reservation here.
The Housemaid (finally) came out
One of 2025’s most anticipated premieres, The Housemaid, finally hit the big screen over the holidays. Starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar, this steamy thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. If you’ve ever fallen down a BookTok rabbit hole, you’ve probably heard of the global sensation that inspired it – and the movie is generating just as much buzz. I’ve already caught it in cinemas, and all I can say is… what a rollercoaster.
Is Harry Styles returning in 2026?
After a near three-year hiatus, Harry Styles has taken to his YouTube account with a nostalgic and ultra-mysterious video, and it’s left the internet in speculative shambles. The heartfelt and somewhat cryptic video, titled “Forever, Forever“, shows footage of Styles performing the last song of his tour back in 2023, with a poignant finishing slide that fans haven’t been able to ignore, showing the text “we belong together.” This video, and the release of a new website, have obviously got fans worldwide in a hopeful frenzy. Could it be? Is Harry Styles finally coming back to music?
Jacob Elordi wins big at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards
Brisbane-born heartthrob Jacob Elordi snagged the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor for his hauntingly good turn in Frankenstein (see what I did there). But it wasn’t just his first major industry win that got tongues wagging – Jacob also turned heads on the red carpet, rocking a retro mullet chop paired with a ’70s mo, and yes, it’s been the talk of the town ever since. Another Aussie star shining bright was our favourite Succession queen, Sarah Snook, who took home Best Actress in a Limited Series for All Her Fault. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
Saint Laurent goes lo-fi for Spring ’26
We welcomed a new year over the break, and you know what that means – new collections on the horizon! And to celebrate Spring ’26 at Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello takes things back in time with a grungy-chic, camcorder-style campaign with some of fashion’s hottest players – Charli XCX and Bella Hadid. As for the RTW collection itself, we are treated to ultra-high heels, crinkled canvas bombers, technicolour tones, and my personal favourite, dainty lace negligee playsuits. An energetic start for another vibrant, maximalist year in fashion? We say, yes.
Sam Kerr got hitched
Matilda’s star and beloved Aussie icon, Sam Kerr, rang in 2026 with a scenic New Year’s Eve wedding to long-time partner, Kristie Mewis, and it was a party for the ages (to say the least!). Set in a luxe European-style estate in Perth’s scenic Swan Valley, an all-star football guestlist in attendance, and Kerr entering reception popping a champagne bottle with a sabre (in a crisp Hugo Boss suit no less) – what a wedding to start the year. Don’t you just love, love!
Yes, the Brisbane International has already started
There is no time for rest, Brisbanites, for some of the world’s greatest tennis talent have already descended upon Queensland Tennis Centre for the Brisbane International in a flurry of fierce rivalries, summer sunshine, and chic on-court outfits. From now until 11 January, catch world-class athletes like Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, and Grigor Dimitrov, as well as homegrown heroes like Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios, live and in action in this unmissable lead-up to the coveted Australian Open. And, you can still buy tickets here – talk about game, set, match.
Dior Spring/ Summer ’26 launch ft. Greta Lee
With muted colour grading, classic structural silhouettes, and a somewhat Victorian era whimsy, Dior brings us the launch of its Spring/Summer ’26 campaign featuring none other than ultimate cool-girl and actress extraordinaire, Greta Lee. Launching this campaign in an era where cottage core, old-school romance, and period film pieces are all the rage is no shock, but Dior does it with a classic sensibility that feels contemporary. C’est magnifique!
Brisbane Stadium plans unveiled
Brisbane City has unveiled its plans for the new mega-stadium opening in Victoria Park ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and it’s looking pretty major. Equal parts a celebration of our local lifestyle and a world-class stage for international sporting glory, Brisbane’s new stadium promises to be a social and cultural hotspot, seating 63,000 people and taking inspiration from traditional Queenslander homes, all while utilising the natural landscape.
That’s a wrap, folks! We trust you’re all back to regular (high screen time) programming, so until next time!
Imagery: @brisbaneinternational / @ysl / @lilyjcollins
