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Date with Kate

Date with Kate: Khloe Kardashian

24th November, 2013
Keeping up with Khloe. Photo: Belinda Rolland Photography.

Keeping up with Khloe. Photo: Belinda Rolland Photography.

Khloe Kardashian travels the globe filming her hit reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians and promoting her fashion label Kardashian Kollection, in which she and her sisters are in partnership with Aussie fashion entrepreneur Bruno Schiavi. The TV personality was in Sydney to launch their latest ready-to-wear and new shoe range. While questions about her rumoured marriage collapse with her husband Lamar Odom were strictly off-limits, it was back to business for the 29-year-old as her camera crew followed her every move, including when she caught up with Kate Waterhouse to chat about her label, the highs and lows of being a reality TV star and her Christmas holiday plans.

Welcome to Australia!

Thank you, it is one of my favourite places in the world. I have been here about four times. I love it here. Only Kim and I have been here but the rest of the family will all have to come. I was saying we should shoot an episode here but it’s hard with [my sister’s] kids.

What are you doing while you’re here?

I am here for the launch of Kardashian Kollection and we just launched our shoes here in Australia. And I have two meet-and-greets with fans, one [was] at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne and at Westfield Parramatta here in Sydney. And I’m filming my show. They are here with me now and then my best friend Malika [Haqq] is here and we are going to stay an extra day and do touristy things.

What touristy things do you plan to get up to?

We are going to go to the zoo and then we are going to climb the Harbour Bridge, I hear you have to wear some ugly suit and get sobriety tested, so no drinking the night before! [Laughs.]

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Tell me all about your collection and the inspiration behind it?

For this collection, when we design at this time for the US or the UK, it’s winter and cold and darker colours so it’s fun that we can do polar opposites here. Australia gets a little specialty; because it’s summer here we have a lot of great colours. I’m actually wearing a Kardashian Kollection dress and this is a print that we use. We have three different prints that are signatures of the season, this one, a lime yellow reflective print, and a black and white [wind] cheater.

Do you actually design every piece in the collection or tell me how it works?

Well Kourtney, Kim and I, we start with inspiration boards. We have three different mood boards, each tailors to our personality so we all have to narrow it down to make it a cohesive [collection] and then we start designing silhouettes. We might start with 200 pieces and then once you see them and how they are fitting, and go “that looks hideous, that is disgusting”. This collection has about 40 pieces so you narrow it down to your favourite babies. It’s a big process but it’s fun and creative and you constantly working on it and you are never bored.

You and your sisters have such different styles. How do you agree on each piece of the collection?

Yes, but I think that is what makes the line so strong too, because you have three of us designing in one line so you get a little bit of everything.

Khloe, Kourtney & Kim Kardashian.

Khloe, Kourtney & Kim Kardashian.

Out of all your business ventures – fashion, beauty, TV presenting and your show – which one do you put most of your attention to?

Well, our TV show we do literally every day and it kind of just happens and it films us doing our daily lives so I don’t think of it as a hard thing to manage, because they film us even in our design meetings, so it’s kind of another person or another sister with us. But our priorities are definitely fashion. We have had our clothing stores [DASH] for about 10 years now so it’s really fashion and beauty, which is our life.

What is an average day for you?

Filming every day. I try to go to gym every day, that is my new routine, but just filming and being with the family, it’s all work and we are always with each other because we all work with each other, whether we are in design meetings or constantly emailing each other. There is always a drama. Right now with our clothing stores in LA, someone put the wrong flooring in the stores so it’s a major drama, so there is always something and I can’t be there and I’m stressing out.

What are you and your family doing for the holiday season?

Christmas is a huge holiday for us. My mum has thrown a Christmas Eve party every year since Kourtney was born and everyone looks forward to it. The same Santa comes since Kourtney was a baby and has never aged [laughs]. We have 200 people at the party and then after [mum] hands out matching pyjamas to all her kids and we have to come over in the morning, all wearing them, and we cook breakfast and they are so hideous but it is so fun. We look forward to it every year.

You have such public lives and you have always been open about the good times and bad on your show, is it hard to always do?

I think it comes naturally, when we started the show we always said we have to be who we are and we show the good, the bad and the ugly but that’s relatable though, that is what reality is. It’s not fair to say “let’s just show us always smiling and being the Brady Bunch” and then when anything bad happens then cut it off. That is not relatable and no matter what it is, of course it can be hard but I think at the end we are helping someone else if someone can relate to it.

Photo: Belinda Rolland.

Photo: Belinda Rolland.

 

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO The Park Hyatt, Sydney.

WE ATE Poached and chilled king prawns; sauteed scallops.

WE DRANK Sparkling mineral water.

I WORE a Miu Miu dress, Gucci necklace and Salvatore Ferragamo heels.

KHLOE WORE a Kardashian Kollection dress and heels.

Date with Kate, Fashion

Date with Kate: Poppy Delevingne

10th November, 2013
Coffee and a chat with Poppy Delevingne at Flemington Racecourse.

Coffee and a chat with Poppy Delevingne at Flemington Racecourse.

British model Poppy Delevingne has modelled for the likes of Louis Vuitton, is an ambassador for Chanel and is a regular in the front row at London Fashion Week. I caught up with the 27-year-old while she was in Australia to chat about starting a new career as an actress, being labelled an “it girl” and her sibling rivalry with her supermodel sister Cara.

What are you doing while you are in Australia?

I’m out here just for Lavazza and Derby Day. Being English I’m so used to the horseracing scene but I’ve never been to Melbourne, so I jumped at the chance.

How does Australian racing compare to Royal Ascot?

Well, Ascot is all about the Queen and sipping tea, and this is one big party, it’s outrageous and wild!

What are you up to at the moment?

I’m living in LA part-time because I’m trying to get some auditions down and I’m trying the whole acting thing.

Poppy on the cover of Vogue Turkey.

Poppy on the cover of Vogue Turkey.

Has it been an easy transition from modelling to acting?

No, not at all, it’s a lot harder than I thought it would be. I’m having to start at the bottom, so it’s like I’m 17 starting modelling again. It’s quite a hard pill to swallow but I really enjoy the challenge. It’s interesting because in LA I’m completely unknown, so it’s nice, but in London casting directors couldn’t really see past the whole sort of model thing so hence it’s a big move. I have to prove myself even more than before.

Do you want to go into TV or films?

At the moment I’m trying to do TV because I think TV is so big and has longevity in it, so that is my first challenge.

If you could be cast as any character, who would it be?

The things that I’ve been closest to getting have always been the bad roles: the nasty bitch at school, the evil queen and I was really confused by that because I always thought I would be cast as the heroine, leading lady and suddenly they are like “no, you’re definitely the bad role”. I think it might be because I talk like a man [laughs].

What was your first big break in modelling?

I was spotted at Cara’s sports day in London by the owner of Storm Model Management, Sarah Doukas. Her daughter was in the same class as Cara and she approached me and I thought it was the funniest thing I had heard. I was a very gawky teenager, I had limbs that I couldn’t really control, not attractive whatsoever, but she saw something past the freckles and the mad blonde wiry hair, and I decided to give it a go because I needed money so I could go travelling.

Poppy with friends (including Sienna Miller and her sister Cara).

Poppy with friends (including Sienna Miller and her sister Cara).

You get labelled as an “It girl”. What do you think of that term?

The “It girl” thing is not as much of a problem as it used to be. I feel like now, it means models or girls who do more than one thing so that does not bother me as much as it did four years ago.

Why did it bother you?

I always assumed that an “It girl” was a girl who didn’t do anything and just went around from party to party, and I’ve worked for the last 10 years so it would piss me off, but now I’m fine, it doesn’t bother me.

You count Princess Beatrice as a good friend and Sienna Miller is your former flatmate; does that feel surreal?

Not really because they are some of the most down-to-earth people that I know and they have also been relationships that I’ve had for years. So, no, it feels very normal. They are very low-key and down-to-earth in their private lives.

Poppy and Sienna Miller.

Poppy and Sienna Miller.

You top best-dressed lists all around the world, is there pressure to look your best every time you walk out the door?

Not really. I’m bit of a spontaneous dresser, I never really think about it too much, but at the same time I don’t really get hounded [by paparazzi] as much as poor Cara – she gets hounded all the time, and she doesn’t give a shit what she wears.

Tabloids seem to try to create rivalry dramas between you and your sister Cara. How does that feel?

I find it hilarious because we couldn’t be closer. We are as thick as thieves, we have lived together all our lives, we still do live together. I have my telephone on 24/7 and I got a call from her last night at 3am. I mean, we just don’t stop talking and people always want to cause dramas and say there are issues, but we are just two normal sisters who bicker over who stole whose lip gloss and who stole whose last cigarette, that type of thing, like normal sisters. She is the love of my life, really.

Sisterly love: Poppy & Cara Delevingne.

Sisterly love: Poppy & Cara Delevingne.

Congratulations on your engagement to your long-term partner James Cook. Can you give away any wedding details?

It’s only seven months away now but I don’t even know what I’m wearing yet. I’m very behind, but my future husband is kind of like the groomzilla. He is fully organised and knows what flowers we are having and I am letting him do it all so he is kind of in charge.

What do you do for fun?

I’m a huge bookworm and I’m a lunatic dancer and, after a couple of beverages, I think I am Carmen Diaz out of Fame.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would like to have a baby. I’ve suddenly become quite broody, out of nowhere. And I would like to be a fully blown actress living in LA.

Poppy with her fiancé James Cook.

Poppy with her fiancé James Cook.

 

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO The Lavazza marquee, Flemington Racecourse.

WE ATE Costoletta di Agnello – Parmesan-crumbed Riverina lamb cutlet, shredded radicchio, pea and mint salad with lemon dressing.

WE DRANK Lavazza Gran Riserva cafe latte.

I WORE BALENCIAGA Sculptural backless dress, Nerida Winter and Hardy Brothers Jewellers headpiece.

POPPY WORE a J’Aton dress and Dolce & Gabbana crown.

smh.com.au

Date with Kate

Date with Kate: Deborah Hutton

21st July, 2013
Lunch with Deborah Hutton.

Lunch with Deborah Hutton.

Deborah Hutton is one of Australia’s most recognisable media personalities. The model-turned-magazine editor-turned-television presenter is fronting the Foxtel Movie Show and is set to host the 11th annual ASTRA Awards at Sydney Theatre on Thursday. I caught up with the 51-year-old to talk about her beauty secrets, her love of golf and the Women’s Weekly nude cover that inspired her to launch her online community.

What are you up to at the moment?

Foxtel takes up a good chunk of my time. I get the prize job of interviewing all the gorgeous glamour stars when they come out to Sydney, plus I am really working on my online platform, Balance by Deborah Hutton, and [this week] my focus will be on the ASTRAs. I’m looking forward to going, hosting, and enjoying [Thursday] night.

Who are some of the big names you have recently interviewed for the Movie Show?

I recently had Brad Pitt, Henry Cavill and Sandra Bullock. I had a ”pinch me” moment when I interviewed Sandra Bullock because I am such a big fan of hers. Brad Pitt was great – he was very laid-back and very casual and quite happy to chat.

Tell me about Balance by Deborah Hutton.

We started it seven months ago and it’s about helping, inspiring and supporting women with coaches and mentors through different programs. It includes everything from your body, health, financials, home and your relationships. It really covers all the aspects of our life that require our attention. Generally, women’s greatest complaint is that our life is out of balance, there is too much work or this or that, so it’s about trying to maintain a sense of balance and finding support to do that.

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Have you worked out the key to balance in life?

I think that is just a work in progress for everybody – it’s about prioritising what is really important. The biggest key is trying to find some time for yourself, and that is what we don’t do enough. It’s like when you’re on a plane and they say if the oxygen mask comes down, give it to yourself before you assist others.

What inspired you to start Balance?

Funnily enough, a couple of media events: my 50s cover for Women’s Weekly, when I got inundated on social media by women – both for and against – and all their different views around having the nude cover. And when I talked about my skin cancer I also got a lot of contact from women, asking lots of different things on where they should go and what they should do. It just opened this world to me and I thought, ”I’ve just got to engage in this.”

Where you surprised by the feedback on that cover?

I was overwhelmed by the reaction because it really did go viral and for different reasons, but it was very empowering, so for the first time without hiding behind an agent – because I manage myself – I could have my voice and my own opinions and I could deal directly with it. I found it very inspiring … I think that is where Balance started. I thought, ”There is something here that I can do and I can create a conversation.” I primarily spend my time now having conversations with amazing women and trying to find what challenges them and who inspires them, because I think we can all learn from each other.

You look fantastic. What is your best beauty secret?

Water. I load up on water. I try and get some sleep. There is no great beauty secret, other than concealer; it’s just taking care of yourself. Also, I never go to sleep with my make-up on, which is something I learnt in my modelling days. It’s the little routines that you stick to, that is all it is.

What do you do for fun?

I like to entertain, so I’m a big fan of just inviting people around and having a lazy Sunday lunch, getting out the NZ and Australian pinots. I’m certainly not a chef, but I love to cook. I don’t make it too complicated. I stay away from cream and anything that has to rise! Then my fun is golf. It’s a great way to meet business people and expand your network … I’ve just booked a trip to Abu Dhabi at the end of the year for a golf holiday. My holidays tend to be around golf courses.

BITE SIZE

WE WENT TO Bronte Cucina, Bronte Beach.

WE ATE Herb-crusted snapper fillet with braised artichoke, snake beans and onion puree; sesame seed seared tuna served with couscous, caponata and green beans.

WE DRANK Sparkling mineral water.

I WORE A Lover dress.

DEBORAH WORE Genetic jeans, Banjo & Matilda jumper and a Saba vest.

Dish2

Dish1

Photography: Danielle Smith

smh.com.au