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David Jones

Date with Kate

DATE WITH KATE: RYAN LOBO

31st January, 2016

Lunch with Ryan Lobo at Missy French, Potts Point

Australian fashion designer Ryan Lobo launched the label Tome with his friend Ramon Martin in 2011. The duo are based in New York and in the past five years the brand has established a strong following and been seen on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Amal Clooney. Before Tome, Lobo studied at the University of Technology Sydney and became a fashion buyer and stylist for Australian brands and magazines. He told me about how he made his break in fashion, his biggest pinch-me moment and the highs and lows of working in New York.

Tell me about your childhood and growing up in Australia.

I moved to Sydney from Kolkata, India, at the age of five. I was always drawing from a very young age … I remember it was always horses, then clothes. I didn’t play sport. Ever.

How did you get into fashion design?

I always consulted with brands. I worked as a buyer and stylist until I officially became a design consultant. It was fairly organic, as they say. I studied at UTS but, honestly, that doesn’t prepare you for the industry, and not in the way I was ready for. Retail does!

In what way?

Retail prepares you for the realities of consumption – what a woman is willing to spend money on and why. As designers we are asking people facing bulging Western wardrobes – who claim to have nothing to wear! – to add Tome to the mix and it’s a very nuanced relationship between brand and woman. It’s a very sensitive exchange.

Tell me about the inception of Tome.

Ramon and I have known each other for almost 20 years, and after getting over initially hating each other we have been like brothers ever since. We decided in 2010 to begin. By 2011 I had moved to NYC to join Ramon, and thus Tome was born.

Why did you first hate each other?

Because that’s what you do when you are a brooding teen, right? Hate first, ask questions second. We made each laugh hysterically and we still do, often with the same jokes, so the ice melted quickly.

Did you have any struggles when launching Tome?

Being heard amidst everything that is going on globally in fashion, let alone in NYC, is tough. You have to do something that people develop an emotional connection to to stand out. Also nothing is free in NYC. Everything comes at a price. We were lucky to have so many people help us, and alongside them we have worked like never before in our lives to get to this place. Having your own business is like having a baby.

What do you think sets the brand apart?

Somebody recently said that our clothes have integrity and that makes me super-happy. I think there is a sincerity to our approach to clothes, an honesty that women respond to. The same writer who said our clothes have integrity also said that the clothes feel real. Now that’s unique in a world full of mixed messages, isn’t it?

How would you describe a Tome woman?

She is every woman: strong, formidable, artistic, clever, very aware or her own style and uses clothes to accentuate her attributes not disguise them or paint a false picture of herself. Like the clothes she is real.

Do you enjoy being based in New York?

100 per cent it is now home. I love the pace and access to everything any time you want. Everyone who is anyone is and wants to be here so this is the city that represents the best of the best in all industries – fashion, art, food, music, theatre, dance and literature.

What do you do in your spare time in New York?

Honestly, we have the most low-key existences, which involves a lot of sleep and time at home. We both love art, film and dance so that consumes a lot of our spare time, either in person or on TV.

Would you ever move back to Australia?

Of course! It’s so great to be able to come back twice a year … why not more?

How important is the Australian market to you?

It’s the ultimate validation to return home and have women in our clothes. Homecoming is an emotional experience and it is fulfilling when you feel successful here.

You recently launched Tome into David Jones. What does that mean to you?

DJs is the ultimate department store here in Australia. It’s so great to hang next to the brands that we do.

What has been your biggest pinch-me moment during your career?

Meeting Tilda Swinton and having her tell us she likes our clothes and would like to get some for herself. We met her after a friend’s cabaret show. She is very close with Justin Vivian Bond and we dressed Justin for the show, The Drift. We met over a cocktail and she was exquisitely beautiful, very warm and basically a porcelain emu in draped jersey. She knew about us and loved the dress on Justin and thanked us. Thus, we died!

Who are some of the celebrities to have worn your clothes?

SJP [Sarah Jessica Parker], Amal Clooney, Solange Knowles, Isabella Rossellini, Melissa George, Giovanna Battaglia, Julianne Moore, Dakota Johnson, the list goes on.

If you could dress anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

Tilda Swinton, Nina Simone, Diana Vreeland, Tina Chow – because they are style icons.

What is a typical day for you when you’re not working?

Sleep in, brunch, dry cleaning, art gallery visit or film, dinner, cocktails!

If you hadn’t gone into fashion, what would you be doing?

I’d be a food critic. I can’t stop eating – everything – and would love to be paid to do so.

What are your favourite restaurants?

I love anything Asian. My favourite Chinese is Grand Sichuan and Japanese is Soba-ya, both in the East Village [of New York], where I live. In Sydney I love Quay, East Ocean, Fratelli Paradiso.

 

WE WENT TO Missy French, Potts Point

WE ATE Woodside goat’s curd, leek and caramelised honey tart; sauteed veal sweetbreads with peas, mint and lemon.

WE DRANK Champagne and sparkling mineral water.

I WORE Bec & Bridge Liberty Twist Midi dress

Photography by Michele Mossop

Date with Kate, Fashion

DATE WITH KATE: JESINTA CAMPBELL

29th November, 2015

Lunch with Jesinta Campbell at Cured & Cultured Bar, Bennelong.

Jesinta Campbell is a model, television host and winner of the 2010 Miss Universe Australia title. The 24-year-old is engaged to Lance “Buddy” Franklin of the Sydney Swans. She talked to me about her wedding plans, the difficulties she and Franklin have faced in the past year amid reports he has been affected by mental-health issues, and her role as an ambassador for hair-product maker Joico’s “Joi of Giving” campaign.

I keep reading headlines that you’re getting married in December. Is that not true?

No. Not true at all! [Laughs] We’ve actually never set a date for the wedding. We weren’t ever going to get married this year. So, it’s quite funny that everyone thinks that we are. I remember getting off a plane and reading, “Jesinta gets married in six weeks.” I thought to myself, “Shit. I’ve got to get my dress. I’ve got to get guest list.” We always wanted a long engagement and to enjoy it. There has never been any rush for us. And it’s not really going to be a big affair anyway. It’s going to be quite intimate.

Can you give away any wedding plans? 

Just something really small and intimate. We’re both really close with our families so; it’s going to be quite a small affair. I always keep reading everywhere that it’s going to be so lavish and glamorous and there’s going to be like an A list, like star-studded [event] and I’m like, “We don’t even have famous friends. What is this?” [Laughs]. It’s just going to be really, really simple and it’s just about celebrating us, our love and our families.

Buddy has had a tough year, how is he going? 

He’s good. We just take each day as it comes. It has been really difficult. I’ve continued working throughout the entire process, which has taken its toll on me. I’m quite exhausted from it all. I think the hardest thing with all of it is that it’s being played out really publicly.

It must be hard having it all played out publicly.

Yes, that’s the hardest thing. This is something that has required a lot of privacy and unfortunately, we haven’t really been granted that. I think, looking back on it, yes, it has hindered his recovery and his well-being and my well-being too and it’s just really sad that we weren’t given the respect that was needed for it. I think what people fail to realise sometimes is, yes, he is a sports star and yes, I’m doing whatever it is that I’m doing, but we’re human beings and you’re playing with two people’s lives here. It’s really delicate and really fragile and I think people just need to be really wary of that… People have been a little bit nasty too. There have been some people in the media that have just said some really incredibly nasty and hurtful things that are just so left of field and so wrong in this day and age.

How do you keep strong while being such a pillar of support?

I think I’m probably stronger in the public eye than I am behind closed doors. It has definitely been really hard. But my family has definitely been a great thing for me to be able to lean on. I’ve been talking to lots of people and that’s really important as well, not to bottle it up. I’m definitely stronger in the public. There has been a lot of times that I’ve had my full hair and makeup done and I’ve had to go and get it touched up because I’ve been in tears on the way to work. But, you’ve just got to keep going. That’s unfortunately, the way that it is. You’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do and the best way you can as well. You can’t always choose the cards you’re dealt with in life and you’ve just got to do what you can with the cards that are in your hands.

Has Buddy decided to play next year?

Yes. Buddy is playing next year. He is back into training, which is fantastic. He is looking really fit and strong, which is great. We actually have been training a little bit together and I went for a run with him the other day. It was so hard because his one step is about five of mine! [Laughs]

How do you stay fit?

For me, fitness is about nutrition, your exercise and also to sleep and relaxation as well. So when I talk about fitness, I think, it’s a whole package. It’s my job at the end of the day.

What’s next for you? 

I’m obviously continuing my relationship with David Jones next year, which is really exciting for me. I’m just taking every day as it comes and they’ve been an amazing company to work for. And then, I’m launching a shop on my website at the end of this year, which will be really exciting.

What are your plans for Christmas?

Christmas is all about family. We actually don’t give presents within our family. We donate whatever we would spend on each other for presents to charity.

Tell me about your role with Starlight and JOICO.

This is the second year I’ve signed up with JOICO. It’s all about granting wishes to kids over Christmas and it’s through the Starlight Foundation.

What makes you so passionate about the kids and this cause?

Children are so innocent. They’ve done nothing wrong. They don’t deserve to be [sick]. I think, especially for someone like me, who is in such a privileged position, it’s so important to give back to them and just to hear their stories.

How can people get involved?

They can just buy the Christmas gift packs online and a percentage of that goes towards the Starlight Foundation or you can make a direct donation.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

In five years’ time, I’d definitely like to be more in charge of my business and be seen as a businesswoman. At the moment, whenever I see my little bio it’s like TV presenter, model, personality, celebrity. But, I’m glad to be seen as a businesswoman. I think that’s really important. I’m still young. I’m only 24. I feel like I’ve got a long way to go.

 

WE WENT TO Cured & Cultured, Bennelong.

WE ATE Raw Mooloolaba yellow fin tuna with mushroom soy, pickled white radish and sesame oil; Roasted carrot salad with almonds, sherry caramel, feta and amaranth; Byron Bay pig culatello, barley toast, truffle butter and radishes

WE DRANK Wild Kombucha by Ballsy

JESINTA WORE a Dion Lee dress.

I WORE a Lover dress.

Photography: Edwina Pickles

Date with Kate

Date with Kate: Emma Freedman

8th November, 2015
Breakfast with Emma Freedman. Photo: Janie Barrett

Breakfast with Emma Freedman. Photo: Janie Barrett

Emma Freedman is an Australian television personality and radio presenter. She is also the daughter of five-time Melbourne Cup-winning horse trainer Lee Freedman. Emma, 26, talks to me about winning Dancing with the Stars this year, her new radio venture and, as an ambassador for David Jones, her love of fashion on the field during racing season.

What’s a day in the life of you?

At the moment, a day in the life would be getting up pretty early to exercise. So, yoga, run, Pilates, something like that, wanting to try and keep my dancer’s figure. And at the moment I’m going through the second edit of my young-adults novel called Turning Pointes. It’s about a ballet school and for nine- to 13-year-old girls.

What was it like to win Dancing with the Stars?

It was a big win and we weren’t expecting it. I had worked really hard. But I think the biggest thing that I got out of it was the incredible friends you make on the show, because you’re all going through this really weird ride together and having to kind of muster up the courage to get out there and … perform a dance you’ve learnt three days before.

You say you had to muster the courage … were you able to let go?

Totally. Everyone is used to seeing you in gumboots in the morning weather and there you are [dancing] … and it’s like, “Here’s my body, Australia” [laughs].

Are you enjoying your new radio role as host of The Scoopla Show and national drive news presenter on 2DayFM? 

Radio is awesome because I can go in dressed mostly in whatever I want. It’s delivering news or entertainment news and you’ve got to make it a bit engaging. People want to be able to listen to you and have an image in their mind as to what you’re talking about. So I like that creative element.

Everyone was shocked when you left Channel 9.

Yes, everyone was very shocked, including myself! When everyone asks me still what happened, I can only kind of tell them what I know, which is that it was budget cuts and possibly a different direction for the couple of shows that I was working on.

Do you miss live TV?

I do, but I don’t at the same time. I get my live fix each night with radio because it’s an adrenalin rush.

You and your family are heavily involved with racing. What were your commitments during the Spring Carnival?

My big two projects were with David Jones on Caulfield Cup Day and then Lexus Design Pavilion on Derby and Cup.

Do you prefer the fashion or the racing side when it comes to races?

Oh, that’s like the hardest question in the world. It’s like choosing between children. I do love the racing side, to be honest. I love that kind of old-world feel, that kind of tradition that racing has around it as a sport – and particularly this time of year, I think. I’m so full of admiration for all the trainers and jockeys and owners and everyone who works at the stables across the country … I do love the fashion side of it as well though, obviously, and I think that’s only natural for a young woman to have a kind of fondness for that part of racing. But it would be by the shortest of like half-noses; racing as a sport would win over fashion.

You have done many interesting stories in your journalistic career. What’s the most memorable moment for you?

One of my most amazing was hosting a show last year with Usain Bolt. And then, one of the stories that I’m most proud of that I put to air was a profile piece on Tommy Berry, who I absolutely adore. If he has a winner on a big day, I still text him and he always replies back. He’s such a sweetheart. And then, in the last kind of eight or nine months, I guess, I’m just really proud that I was able to get back on the horse quickly with Jules [Lund, her co-host on The Scoopla Show]. I don’t often say I’m proud of myself because I’m so self-critical and I’m quite a big perfectionist. But I, honestly, can look back on that process and say, “I gave it everything”.

If you could have any job in media, what would be your dream role?

Honestly, I kind of think about things differently nowadays; I don’t think of like a one role that I would love. But I think of areas that I’d love to work in more. For me, whether it’s radio or television, like the live format is just, I want to keep doing it. Racing and sport, they’re both areas that I love and then I’ve developed knowledge and a keen interest in.

Who do you look up to and admire?

I think Edwina Bartholomew – her work, right at the moment, is through the roof. I’ve seen it first-hand and I think she’s just an amazing woman to do what she does. Bruce McAvaney – obviously he’s just the Dwayne of sport – I love how he stuck to his guns over the years. What he does works for him. He has become this figure of like eternal knowledge. He works so hard at it. In radio, I do look up to Jules. He’ll love me saying that. But he’ll also be embarrassed by that at the same time. Jules is like a hard worker. But he is a really kind soul.

What do you do in your spare time?

I’m so boring – I don’t have any weird hobbies. But, mostly, I exercise. I eat great food and cook great food – not always great in terms of quality, but in terms of nutritional value. I have a good glass of red, watch the footy, hang out with friends.

 

WE WENT TO The Boathouse, Balmoral Beach.

WE ATE Market fruit plate with yoghurt and honey; avocado and tomato on charred toast with goat’s curd and fresh basil; buttermilk scones.

WE DRANK Mixed fruit juices.

EMMA WORE A Camilla and Marc dress and Scanlan Theodore boots.

I WORE a Zara shirt and Skin and Threads jeans.

 

 

Date with Kate, Fashion

Date with Kate: Erin Wasson

6th September, 2015
Chatting to Erin Wasson. Photo: Jake Terrey

Chatting to Erin Wasson. Photo: Jake Terrey

American model Erin Wasson​ has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle and Esquire magazines and walked for designers from Armani to Balenciaga​ and Victoria’s Secret. During a visit to Australia to launch Re: Denim into David Jones, the 33-year-old chatted to me about growing up in Texas, the best beauty secret she’s learned, and her biggest pinch-me moment.

What is a day in the life of you?

It depends on the week. I’m mostly based out of California now and I live in Venice … I’ve got my office at my home so I try to work out of my home as much as possible. But for the most part, if I’m not working, I have a horse so I ride as much as I can.

What are you doing while in Australia?

I’m here for the launch of RE: Denim here at David Jones. It’ll be a new brand for them to be carrying in stores. Anybody that knows me knows I’m a diehard denim fan. So I’m happy to be here and to be the face of the brand.

Tell me about the label. 

RE: Denim is eco-conscious. It’s all sustainably sourced cotton – all of the actual cotton fibres come from plastic bottles, which is so the way to the future.

If you could only own one pair of jeans, what style would they be?

I really like the skinny [leg] cut.
What was it like growing up in Texas?

I lived outside – we would actually come home when the streetlights came on. We’d be outside playing or running around the ditches and in big open fields. I had just a simple, normal upbringing.

How did you get your big break into modelling?

My dad turned my picture in for a modelling contest for the Dallas Morning News when I was a kid at 15. He didn’t tell me about it. And I got a call back and I ended up winning the local contest there in Texas. I worked locally in Texas for a couple of years and then moved to New York at 18 and the rest is kind of history. The first photographer that I met was Mario Testino. He gave me my big break and one of my first jobs was for American Vogue with Mario Testino. I got really lucky, man!

What was it like when you first met Mario? 

I had no clue who he was. I walked in, I handed over this piece of paper with four Polaroids [as my portfolio]. A couple of weeks later I was in LA shooting with him for American Vogue. He really took a chance on me and I owe a lot of my career to him.

What has been your biggest pinch-me moment? 

The day that I signed with Maybelline was huge because not only is it prestigious to be the face of a brand but it also gives you quite a lot of financial stability in a very finicky business. I’m very proud to say that I was with them for 13 years. They were with me from the time that I was 18 until I was a grown woman, so they became a family and they watched me grow up and watched me come into myself.

What’s your top beauty secret you learnt while modelling?

Just f—ing sleep, babe! (Laughs.) Honestly, it’s one of those funny things; there are no tricks that I know that nobody else doesn’t know. I just know that I will always look my best if I get a good night’s sleep. No amount of concealer can hide it [if I haven’t].

What has been the best advice that you’ve ever been given?

I always tell people; “You’ve got to check out to check in.” It’s really important to take time for yourself. It’s important to check out and get off the grid and just don’t look in the mirror and don’t think about you as a “face” or as anything. I always tell girls, “Don’t forget those things you really loved to do before you got into this industry.” You’ve really got to continue to have hobbies and things that you are passionate about. When I’m not working, I’m out at the stable and riding my horse. While I’m on my horse I don’t think about anything else. I just think about me and her and that relationship.

What’s something that people don’t know about you and would be surprised to find out?

I’m a really f—ing good cook! (Laughs.) I love to cook. I’m far more domesticated I think than people realise. I think over the years, people think “Oh my gosh. She is so rock’n’roll.” I hear all these funny things. I’m really a homebody. I love to cook. I love to entertain. I love to be home. I’m kind of a lot less crazy than I think people paint me out to be.

What is the biggest misconception people have about you?

According to the world, I live the most interesting life in the world. According to most, I’m out there living a crazy good life. [But really] I’m sitting on my couch reading a book. Everyone thinks that I go to one rock concert after the next and I’m always out at some bar slinging beers back. I mean, there’s a time and a place for that, but at the end of the day I’m far more relaxed I think than my public persona portrays me as.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

More patience, being less reactionary. I don’t look at the things that I would like to change about myself on a physical level. It’s more metaphysical and psychological. I want to become more empathetic. I want to become more patient. I want to become more kind. All those things … we’re all striving for as we get older.

What’s next in the pipeline?

I’m launching my fine-jewellery collection. And I’ve been designing a clothing line for a brand called PacSun, which is sort of like a younger demographic company that has got a bunch of stores and malls all over America. So between that it keeps me pretty busy. [And] I’m working on launching an equine company. I want to do the street version of equestrian wear. I want to call it Buck Off!

If you hadn’t become a model what would you be doing? 

I would have been a chef. I would have some amazing little restaurant, maybe a little bed and breakfast somewhere, near the sea where people would come in and I cook for them and they tell me their stories and we play records … Who knows, there’s still time!

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO St. James Station, Sydney CBD
WE ATE canapes of hand cut truffle fries with shaved reggiano, charred kingfish tortilla with chilli, lime and toasted corn salsa, buttermilk popcorn chicken with chilli and cilantro.
WE DRANK Chandon Brut and San Pellegrino Water.
ERIN WORE  RE: Denim, Witchery sheer jumpsuit & Sandro Jacket.

I WORE A Dion Lee dress, Balenciaga leather jacket and Alaia boots.

 

Fashion, What I Wore

What I wore: Feeling preppy

2nd September, 2015

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This is a look I wore for lunch with the girls. I was in the mood for wearing something a bit more preppy so I teamed these Studio.W shorts with a Studio.W white shirt- with the sleeves rolled up – to give it more of a smarter feel. I am all about accessories to add interest to an outfit so I added a statement necklace under the collar to add a feminine touch.

SHIRT: Studio.W, exclusive to David Jones

SHORTS: Studio.W, exclusive to David Jones

NECKLACE: ETRO (see similar)

HEELS: Gianvito Rossi

SUNGLASSES: CELINE

PHOTOGRAPHY: Sophia Athas

 

Date with Kate, Fashion & Beauty

Date with Kate: Joan Smalls

23rd August, 2015
Breakfast with Joan Smalls. Photo: Jessica Hromas.

Breakfast with Joan Smalls. Photo: Jessica Hromas.

 

 

 

Joan Smalls was the first Latina model to represent Estee Lauder cosmetics and was ranked number 8 on Forbes magazine’s 2013 list of the world’s highest-paid models. The Puerto Rican supermodel is the face of fashion brand Studio.W and was in Australia this week to launch it exclusively into David Jones. I caught up with the 27-year-old to chat about being an adrenaline junkie, the one thing she would change about herself, and working alongside Beyonce.

How did you get your big break into modelling?

I had an exclusive for Givenchy Couture, and people in the industry started seeing me differently. From there, I shot with Steven Meisel, Mert and Marcus, Patrick Demarchelier, Mario Testino etc, appearing in Vogue and getting one of my ultimate dreams come true: to be the first Latina ambassador for Estee Lauder.

Did you always want to be a model?

No. I love animals – I wanted to be a veterinarian and I grew up on six acres [2.4 hectares], so we had every animal you can think of, and I loved taking care of animals. Also, my mother is a social worker and she always puts herself second, and that is something I’ve always admired so [it inspired me] to study psychology.

What have you done during your visit to Sydney?

I have been to Bondi, and then I went to the zoo, as I wanted to see a kangaroo, a Tasmanian devil and a koala. But I have just walked around [the city], when I am in a new environment. I love being with the locals and seeing how they live.

Tell me about the Studio.W collection. 

They make lovely pieces that are great for mixing. I have been working with them for a while in South Africa, so it has been a wonderful relationship to build with a brand that makes so many options for everyday wear.

How would you describe your style? 

Eclectic. I go from tomboy sexy to classic and edgy, depending on my mood. I love feeling comfortable and making sure it complement my body at all times. Form-fitting dresses are my favourite – that have a unique detail or asymmetry to it.

What is one fashion item you couldn’t live without?

My cuff earrings.

What has been your biggest pinch-me moment?

Being in Beyonce’s video for Yonce and licking her. It was an epic moment. My girl crush came out immediately.

What was it like to work alongside Beyonce?

It was dream come true. I remember all her music videos as a girl, growing up and learning the dance moves and I’ve just always admired her for being such a powerful woman and being so creative. She is just a positive role model, so to be apart of that was awesome.

Who do you look up to and admire?

My parents, because you don’t know celebrities or public figures. Now, being in the same arena, you know that you only put out what you want people to see, so it’s hard to judge a person’s character. I always say my parents are my idols because they installed really good values [in me].

What was it like to become the first Latina model to represent Estee Lauder? 

An honour. I feel so proud of my heritage and showcasing to the world that Latin and black women are beautiful and diverse; that you don’t have to be only one thing. You can be a mixture of cultures like myself and that is a true representation of the world we live in, and it’s beautiful.

What is your top beauty secret you’ve learnt while modelling?

Highlighting the skin. Particularly the cheekbones and the upper brow – I always add a little highlighter in these areas when I go out.

What is still on your bucket list?

I would love to get a fragrance and hair contract, amongst other things. I like keeping things I want to accomplish close to my heart and not share with everyone because I want people to see the results and be surprised.

You have over a million followers on Instagram. Is it hard to find the balance on what to put out there and what to keep personal? 

Not at all, I have a good sense of privacy and respecting other people’s privacy as well. I try not to give away too much on the jobs I’m doing so that it’s a surprise and something to look forward to.

What is off-limits when it comes to social media? 

My home, my precise location. I try to stay away from political views as well, staying neutral when it comes to religious and political matters.

What would be your advice to someone starting out in modelling?

Follow your instinct. And always ask questions. People can always give you advice but you should always remember why you started and to stay focused.

How do you stay in shape?

I work out every other day. I like the idea of a woman feeling empowered and pulling her own weight. I go to the gym on my own and have two excellent trainers – one for full body and another for Muay Thai kickboxing and ju-jitsu.

What’s something that most people don’t know about you and would be surprised to find out?

I don’t feel comfortable in extremely crowded places. I’m an occasional adrenaline junkie. Whenever I have the chance to do something crazy, I’ll do it, but I will always be cautious while doing it.

You say you are an adrenaline junkie. What is the craziest thing you have done?

Probably going cage-diving with sharks in Hawaii. It was quite peaceful and magical. They are so majestic that you forget your own fear … Next, I want to do skydiving!

Do you ever get nervous on the catwalk any more? 

Not at this point! I get excited and have an adrenaline rush from all the energy backstage.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My left foot is slightly bigger than my right. So shoes always hurt on my left foot … or the toes hang out when I wear sexy open-toe heels.

What is next in the pipeline?

My second collection with True Religion, which I’m super-excited about.

 

WE WENT TO MCA café, The Rocks

WE ATE Brushcetta with avocado, cherry tomatoes, Rocket and Binnorie Feta.

WE DRANK orange juice.

JOAN WORE Dion Lee top and a Studio.W skirt.

I WORE a TY-LR skirt and top.

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: London Calling

17th August, 2015

studio w

While I was in London, I was after something that was easy and comfortable to wear during a day of sightseeing. I love the freshness of a crisp all white outfit but wanted to add a hint of colour so popped on this Studio.W trench over the top. I think a trench coat is a definite wardrobe essential but I love that this Studio.W trench is in a pale blue; it’s a unique touch on a classic look. I am also really loving brogues at the moment. My meandher brogues were great for doing lots of walking and running around after Sophia as we explored the city.

TRENCH COAT Studio.W, exclusive to David Jones.

TOP camilla and marc

SUNGLASSES Marc by Marc Jacobs

BROGUES Meandher

What I Wore

What I Wore: Beach Days

13th August, 2015

IMG_0123
I’m currently on a family holiday in Italy and have been loving spending my days by the beach and enjoying the sunshine. When it comes to beachwear, I like to keep it simple. I usually opt for monochrome colours for swimwear or something classic like khaki or navy. I think wearing a crisp white shirt kaftan over a black bikini is always a great look at the beach. This Studio.W shirt is perfect for travel as it can be worn in so many different ways. I can wear it as a kaftan when I am at the beach or team it with a skirt or jeans and I can easily wear it if I’m heading out for lunch or dinner.

 

SHIRT/KAFTAN: Studio.W, exclusive to David Jones.
SUNGLASSES: House of Holland
BIKINI: Zimmermann

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: David Jones Autumn/Winter 2015

19th February, 2015

I can’t get enough of the white on white trend at the moment. To attend the recent launch of David Jones’ Autumn/Winter 2015 collection I wanted to wear Aussie designers in the DJs stable so I opted for a Manning Cartell coat and skirt and camisole by Camilla and Marc. To keep the look looking quite tonal I went with a brand new addition to my shoe collection, lace-up Gianvito Rossi heels.

Coat: Manning Cartell
Skirt: Manning Cartell
Top: Camilla and Marc
Heels: Gianvito Rossi