News feed
“Every winter, without fail, my lips go bone-dry in the cold. What a cliché, yes, but it’s an annual truth I must reckon with. Only after all these years, I’m yet to land on a winning formula to quench my parched lips without feeling sticky or gluggy. Enter: Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres. When this first came across my desk, I was immediately intrigued as I love anything ‘lightweight’, and it’s the perfect time in between seasons to guinea pig winter lip saviours.
I didn’t expect anything less from Chanel Beauty, but this serum is a godsend. At the heart of this glorious formula is cutting-edge microfluidic technology that preserves the power of the house’s signature white camellia. Encapsulating these potent florals within thousands of micro droplets that melt into the skin upon application, the serum combines the soothing and hydrating qualities of the camellia with intensely plumping hyaluronic acid to capture and lock in moisture.
If you’re not already sold on this out of curiosity for the advanced formulation alone, then know that this smoothes lip fine lines and dryness with the most natural finish, allowing any other lip product to seamlessly glide over the top. With its screw-top lid and aesthetic squeeze tube, it’s also great for travelling or keeping with you on the go. ” —Pema Bakshi, fashion features editor
“After returning from Japan’s grey oasis of Osaka, I realised how lacking this colour was in my wardrobe. Thankfully, Friends with Frank has just come out with the perfect gunmetal melange wool set. As the days get colder, we tend to put less thought into outfit curation and more into ideating looks that will keep us warm while making us look put together. For this reason, two-piece sets are ideal. I’ll be wearing this during ‘WFH’ casual Fridays, to the markets on Saturday and maybe even out for dinners under a large coat.” —Ava Gilchrist, senior fashion features writer
“Belvedere launched a new icon in Australia in May, Belvedere 10. Inspired by the vodka-making processes of 1910 when the house’s distillery was first established, the new luxury vodka begins with a single harvest of organic Diamond Rye in Poland before it is skilfully rested for ten months. The result? Rare, velvety and smooth. The bottle itself is a showpiece, its chiselled facets adding a diamond-like sparkle to any bar. Someone call Dorit “Belvedere-soda-with-three-lemons-carcass-out” Kemsley. There’s a new flawless beauty in town.” —Jessica Bailey, editorial director
“Having taken over Manchester last December, the Chanel Metiers d’Art 2023/2024 collection has officially launched with a campaign directed by Sofia and Roman Coppola. Featuring scenes from the runway and afterparty, the short film traces the journey of the show, capturing the festive energy of a night out in the lively city and the house’s sartorial nods to the region’s rich history. If you haven’t already perused the collection—and subsequently been inspired to purchase a baker boy cap—I highly recommend giving the Coppola-directed clip a view and exploring the range here.” —Pema Bakshi, fashion features editor
“When it comes to bags, I’ve never been drawn to the clean, structured types—favouring slouchy, bone-less shapes instead. But trust Christopher Esber to deliver something fresh and unique with his new leather goods offering. This prismatic Gondola tote with extended straps not only boasts an eye-catching silhouette that is minimalist without feeling stiff but is also available in a chic selection of colourways. I’m personally tossing up the cherry red or khaki…” —Pema Bakshi, fashion features editor
“After the ‘office siren’ aesthetic made us collectively rethink styling corporate clichés, I picked up this asymmetrical soft-cotton skirt from Faithfull The Brand to see me through the upcoming winter office season and an upcoming trip I’m taking abroad. Though I’ve always been a skirt girl—and still have Alix Higgin’s digital watercolour mini skirts from his recent Resort ‘25 collection on my wishlist—Faithfull’s bias cut detailing and raw hem edge made a compelling wardrobe staple. In cool weather, I’ll be layering it with button-down shirts (like this one from LMND) and turtlenecks, but come the hot days ahead, I’ll pair it with Faithful’s swimwear and linen separates.” —Ava Gilchrist, senior fashion features writer
“For its latest chapter of the Pasticcino World Tour, Weekend Max Mara has debuted the ‘Treasures of Japan’, a special-edition run of bags crafted with sumptuous silk jacquards pulled from the historical archives of Kawashima Selkon Textile, a Kyoto-based fabric manufacturer established in 1843. While the plush body of the bag is rendered in these intricate prints, the iconic clutch-style kiss lock clasp has been covered in hand-covered silk rope, with the metal frame featuring the Weekend Max Mara logo.
Particularly with my winter wardrobe leaning towards all-black outfits, I’ll be looking to invest in an elegant statement accessory like this one to bring character and a touch of opulence to a night out look.” —Pema Bakshi, fashion features editor
“Bioderma, known for its exceptional dermatological expertise, introduced a new 2-in-1 body oil to the market in May, one which is deftly infused with AHA Malic Acid Ester. The novel AHA gently exfoliates as it hydrates without disrupting the skin’s PH levels. I was lucky enough to visit Venustus Beauty & Body Lab in Sydney’s Paddington this month to trial the dry body oil and as someone who is guilty of blasting the heater in the cooler months, I noticed an overnight result in my skin’s barrier. Come morning, it felt so much more nourished and smooth. An elegant blend of Jojoba Oil, Ceramides, Karanja Oil and Squalane, only a few drops are needed and will absorb quickly into dry or damp skin. You will be left with a non-sticky, satin-like finish. Highly recommend for the winter.” —Jessica Bailey, editorial director
“I found this book in an op shop, and it was the perfect literary raft to pull me out of a brief reading slump. Written from the perspective of a man stranded on an island—both literally and, arguably, in his own mind— Bioy Casares’s 1940 classic is a poetic exploration of time, love, loneliness and the inner yearnings of the human heart. Despite being published decades before social media, it also serves as an empathetic reminder that parasocial relationships have always existed among people and looks at the highs and lows of infatuation without casting judgment or encouragement. I recommend if you don’t mind a slow boil plot.” —Pema Bakshi, fashion features editor
“Not to make going overseas my entire personality, but as the viral ‘attenzione pickpocket’ TikTok sensation warned, travelling sometimes must be a hands-free pursuit. Elevating the ‘airport dad’ signature money belt, Gimaguas’ Rino belt merges a bumbag and stylist belt into a covetable utility. The metallic silver leather brings contrast and texture to any basic outfit but is large enough to carry all the essentials; card holder, keys, iPhone and your preferred lip product.” —Ava Gilchrist, senior fashion features writer
“When we think of matte lipsticks, our brains don’t generally jump to the word ‘hydrating’. But new to Mecca this month is Gucci Westman’s Lip Suede Matte Lipsticks, a 10-shade series of ultra-hydrating pigments for your lips. The super refined formula blends peptides, Vitamins C and E and a special ‘Hydro Suede Technology’, which reportedly locks in the moisture of the matte pigment without drying or feathering—and even plumps. The lipsticks are housed in these sleek, refillable magnetic packages, too, which look beautiful on your vanity cabinet. I like shade Je Reve.” —Jessica Bailey, editorial director
“When taking inventory of my wardrobe’s winter competency, I realised that most of my closed-toe shoes are super informal. Trying to find something that can take you from occasion to occasion, though, while still keeping your toes warm is no small feat—particularly as I demand to be comfortable at all times. So when I locked eyes with these slingbacks from KHAITE, I knew my search was over. With its crinkled leather effect, tapered square toe and micro heel, they’ll be perfect for office days with jeans or trousers and still cut the mustard for a nice night out.” —Pema Bakshi, fashion features editor
“She’s moving on. After her turn as tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan in Challengers, Zendaya has cemented her relationship with the world of movement by signing a multi-year brand partnership deal with luxury Swiss activewear brand, On. The running-focused sporting conglomerate has catapulted to a new level of desirability after becoming the bona fid ‘It’ sneaker of 2024. A recent collaboration with LOEWE and a co-sign from Zendaya later, On will only continue to grow in popularity. Going on up, one might say. As part of her work with the brand, Zendaya will helm and help reimagine select product collections, produce future creative campaigns and drive meaningful conversations around movement and well-being. Feet on the pavement, Zendaya has hit the ground running in this era of her career.”—Ava Gilchrist, senior fashion features writer
