Some Noteworthy Shopping Mentions From Our Editors This Month
From new boutique openings to your favourite fashion brands launching bikini and hair accessory asides, here's what we're loving this December
Christopher Esber Sydney Boutique Residency at The Strand Arcade EXPLORE NOW
“Nothing beats the process of shopping for something in person—feeling the textures, poring over the details up close and sussing what actually fits and flatters. And luckily for us, that’s now possible for Christopher Esber‘s coveted designs, with the brand officially opening the doors of its first Sydney residency. Located at the iconic The Strand Arcade in the CBD, the store’s setting mirrors Esber’s sartorial vision: dynamically minimalistic with artful details. Inside, the olive green Australian wool carpet by Cadrys ties together the sleek Marcello Bold consoles by Joris Poggioli and Studio Haos lighting and shelving. French antiques and a B&B Italia sofa add a touch of worldly charm and form the perfect backdrop to the brand’s retail offering. Speaking of what’s on offer, the boutique will stock its stunning Resort 2025 collection, which was recently featured in a campaign drop shot by Diana Bartlett. Summer shopping sorted, if you ask us.” — Pema Bakshi, Fashion features editor
PRADA Monochrome Hyper Matte Lipstick, $80 SHOP NOW
“Just when you thought your beauty collection was complete, Miuccia Prada, the woman behind your favourite clothes and accessories, brings us more to covet. With an inaugural range of instant icons across makeup, skincare and tools, Prada Beauty has arrived. As a lipstick hoarder who struggles to find the perfect shades, their Monochrome collection is a must-try for its colour offering and glides on like butter. And if it hooks you as it did us, go for the Reveal Foundation, Augmented Skin Cream or Dimension eye shadow next until you, too, feel inspired to collect the lot!” — Pema Bakshi, Fashion features editor
“Shopping for a male partner this holiday season? Excitingly, for those up North, Dior has opened a men’s boutique in QueensPlaza in Brisbane, Australia. Dedicated to Kim Jones’ finest ready-to-wear and accessories from his Spring 2025 collection, the store itself boasts a dark blue and steely grey colourway. When boutiques usually allocate a small section for the men’s collections, it’s nice to see an entire store dedicated to him.” – Jessica Bailey, Editorial director
“I’ve been watching The Real Housewives since before I can remember. Seriously. It was one of the few shows that my whole family could get around and still is. From the fried-blonde rows of Orange County’s cast to the fascinating wealth of New York City’s upper echelon and the posh(ish) peaches of Atlanta, I’ve devoured it all. But while many reduce it to mindless entertainment, I’ve never seen it this way. Sure, it’s not Four Corners, but there is so much to take away from the happenings of these woefully misguided people, all clad head-to-toe in designer and surrounded by glam teams. Luckily, for anyone who shares these feelings and the deep desire to unpack each and every episode of this franchise, there’s a stunning new forum for this. Goodbye Kyle is hosted by Kate Lancaster and Grace O’Neill, two brilliant and funny writers, women who dissect and analyse themes you didn’t even realise you were consuming, contextualising our love of reality and its compelling characters with a thoughtful and hilarious lens. Even if you’re new or yet to dive into the Bravo universe, I highly recommend giving it a listen!” — Pema Bakshi, Fashion features editor
“Direct from the Adelaide hills, Bird in Hand’s latest addition is the globally acclaimed Nest Egg Series: 2020 ‘Joy’ Sparkling, a limited-edition méthode champenoise style cuvée. Aptly named for the holiday season, it’s composed of 65 percent Pinot Noir and 35 percent Chardonnay, with fruits sourced from premium vineyards in the Piccadilly Valley. Cue: spiced honey mead, freshly baked brioche, red berry spice and lemon curd and toasted almonds. Gift one today.” – Jessica Bailey, Editorial director
“Melbourne-based label Henne has become one of the most sought-after home-grown labels for its know-how when crafting elevated closet essentials. Now, the brand is expanding into accessories with the debut of its latest style, the Mia Belt. As a versatile addition to any modern woman’s wardrobe, both the beige suede and black leather add a subtle finish and polish to your existing look. Designed to be worn high on the waist and completed with a brushed silver-tone buckle and curved tip, layer with oversized jeans for the perfect put-together look.” —Ava Gilchrist, Senior fashion features writer
“If you want to gift a loved one with the scent of the Spring/Summer season, choose Trudon’s Absolu. Heady and addictive, it opens with a bold blend of Cardamom, Mandarin and Saffron, before revealing a heart of Incense, Iris, and Orange Blossom Absolute. The fragrance is anchored by rich base notes of Guaiac Wood, Cedar, and Tonka Bean adding that depth. I’m obsessed.” – Jessica Bailey, Editorial director
Temple of The Sun ‘Honour Yourself’ Campaign EXPLORE NOW
“Campaigns are a dime a dozen, but Temple of the Sun’s latest ‘Honour Yourself’ holiday series is simply stunning. Produced by the creative wonders at The Artist Group, the campaign features founders Yonna Derofe and Darren Gallant sitting down for a meal with friends and family, beautifully capturing the tenderness of the holiday season. Though it’s hard to pry our magpie eyes from the shiny jewels, which are all inspired by antiques and adventure, it’s the intimate moments of shared joy that truly spark our festive spirits.” — Pema Bakshi, Fashion features editor
“I don’t know about you but I’m usually the person who is so organised when it comes to Christmas presents. This year, however, has totally gotten away from me. Chalk it up to work stresses and too many weekend long lunches but it now feels like I have all of about eight seconds to get it together. Enter Barbetta’s gift boxes. Packed with Italy’s finest—think: handmade pasta, rich extra virgin olive oil, a bottle of bold red wine—it’s a present everyone will use and love. There’s so many boxes to choose from, too. If you’re in Sydney, order before December 18, or pick up in Paddington before 12 noon on December 23. I’ll see you there!” – Jessica Bailey, Editorial director
“In great news for those down South, Louis Vuitton has opened a new pop-up store dedicated to the House’s iconic collections at Burnside Village in Adelaide. With an architectural concept inspired by the rolling Adelaide Hills, this store features a fresh and dynamic façade design that draws influence from the Objets Nomades Diamond Screen created in 2017 by Marcel Wanders for Louis Vuitton. Once inside, visitors will appreciate the fusion of vibrant tones, earthy concrete flooring and the use of wooden shelves to enhance the space while capturing the city’s relaxed charm and sprawling natural beauty. So if you’re in the area and looking to treat yourself, dive into a selection of Men’s and Women’s leather goods, shoes, accessories, and fragrances.” — Pema Bakshi, Fashion features editor
Kinnon BY ROMY GARMENT & WEEKENDER BAG, BISCOTTO, $1495 SHOP NOW
“I was generously gifted this one-of-a-kind garment bag/weekender by Kinnon. Designed in collaboration with stylist Romy Frydman, it’s made from Italian nappa leather and is designed to meet the maximum size allowed for international carry-on. When laying flat, there are zippered pockets for toiletries and shoes and space for dresses to travel on hangers. Perfect as a carry-on on an aeroplane or as an overnighter, it can be hand-held or worn as a crossbody. I hadn’t actually seen anything quite like it before but definitely looking forward to using it when I jet off these holidays.” – Jessica Bailey, Editorial director
“I love the paradox of a dress that covers a lot and not much at all, just like this ‘Audrey’ dress by Australian label Arcina Ori. The boatneck, floor-skimming silhouette beautifully drapes for maximum comfort and ease of movement, while the sheer crepe georgette fabric keeps things rightfully risqué. Perfect.” — Pema Bakshi, Fashion features editor
“After a thriving pop-up in New York City’s SoHo district, the Queensland-based label With Jean marks a summer homecoming with the opening of their sophomore retail store. Located in the Sydney CBD, the boutique is an immersive retail experience designed with nostalgia and comfort in mind. From floral jacquard pillows, warm chocolate furnishes and changing rooms fitted out with a soft cornflower blue carpet, the temporary shop is an invitation to indulge in their heirloom-inspired apparel, swimwear and accessories.” —Ava Gilchrist, Senior fashion features writer
Asta Resort drops Resort 25 campaign, “The Getaway” SHOP NOW
“Beloved by Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid alike, Australian-born brand Asta Resort has a knack for fusing climates and codes to craft glitzy pieces for the international It girl. This mode is the crux of the label’s latest collection, their Resort ‘25 range titled “The Getaway”. In frost-coloured sweaters and intricately hand-beaded minis crafted from ice-blue sequins, the range celebrates the idea of escapism captured across two contrasting landscapes—Sydney’s golden shores and Utah’s snowy vistas.” —Ava Gilchrist, Senior fashion features writer
REN clean skincare Radiance Gift of Glow Trio set, $113 SHOP NOW via mecca
“This little trio of REN products flung across my desk in early December: a daily AHA tonic, Vitamin C serum and Vitamin C gel cream. It’s this time of year, when your skin can become tired and parched that you need a hit of Vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone. I sweep the tonic across my cleansed face at night and apply the serum and gel both morning and night. If you’re crawling to the end of the year like me, consider this pick-me-up.” – Jessica Bailey, Editorial director
Maggie Marilyn Bordeaux Claw Clip, $55 EACH SHOP NOW
“New Zealand’s Maggie Marilyn is a contemporary label rooted in romance for the everyday. Fitting then, should the brand create the perfect hair ‘tool kit’. The sleek range offers a beautiful headband, wide-tooth comb and dainty clip, all crafted in both cream and burgundy resin, however, I’m eyeing off the Bordeaux-coloured claw clip. Of the piece, designer Maggie Hewitt said she wanted to design something “that felt deserving of a black-tie dress code, but sturdy enough not to break when it falls in the sink during that mad dash to get out the door”. Talk about a breath of fresh (h)air.” —Ava Gilchrist, Senior fashion features writer
“As someone with sensitive skin and an overflowing beauty cupboard, simplicity is the key to my heart. Freshly launching into the Australian market, PEAU’s Care Cream is a velvety smooth hit essential. Enriched with the power of Squalene, Borage Seed Oil, and Sodium Hyaluronate, it deeply hydrates and helps maintain skin’s moisture levels while Linolenic Acid and Shea Butter work together to lock in said moisture and support the skin’s natural barrier. Nothing fancy, nothing heavy, just a really great moisturiser that looks pretty and doesn’t cost a small fortune—a rarity these days!” — Pema Bakshi, Fashion features editor
“The Australian fashion landscape has just expanded with the launch of Emerson Studios, a new contemporary womenswear label designed with tailoring and luxury in mind. The debut ready-to-wear collection is inspired by serene landscapes and a harmony with nature, seen in the billowing shirting, sumptuous knitwear and sheer pieces that encourage fluidity above all. Highlights from the range include crisp poplin shirts, luxurious silk organza and exclusive in-house prints adorned with Italian-inspired motifs to elevate each piece.”—Ava Gilchrist, Senior fashion features writer
St Agni Triangle Bikini Top in Atlas, $129 SHOP NOW
“With St. Agni’s roots hailing from the languid coastal beach town of Byron Bay, it was only fitting that the minimalist luxury fashion label dive into the waters of swimwear. Now, in its milestone tenth year of business, St Agni is unveiling its debut range as part of its Resort 25 line. From bikinis printed with an old-world atlas print, like the one I’ve added to cart, to scooped one pieces in chocolate and charcoal hues, the pieces are a testament to their design ethos; timeless, well-crafted pieces intended for a life well lived. If you’re based in Sydney, enjoy shopping these styles in person at the brand’s new Bondi boutique.” —Ava Gilchrist, Senior fashion features writer
“Since its inception, SIR has armed discerning shoppers with statement pieces dreamt up for balmy horizons or bustling cities. Now, this architectural lens is being applied to their first-ever range of eyewear. Androgynous shapes pay homage to the label’s namesake, with the two styles ‘Speed’ and ‘Classic’ suggesting two modes for their customer. The pieces are handcrafted from high-quality Italian materials with colours ranging from deep black to tortoiseshell, olive and translucent citron and are finished with a high gloss. I’m coveting the olive hue to bring an unexpected yet still neutral touch to my resortwear this season.” —Ava Gilchrist, Senior fashion features writer
Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF50 Mineral Sun Creme, $85 SHOP NOW
“I firmly believe that all skincare is wasted if you’re not diligently applying your SPF, especially in the Australian summer, but finding a good mineral sunscreen has been a struggle. SPFs have come so far, and there are some that I hold dear (Mecca Cosmetica and Ultra Violette have been game-changers), but I’m excited to add a newcomer to my collection!
Created from years of research and testing, Emma Lewisham‘s Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème is an instant essential. This luxurious sunscreen delivers 20% Zinc Oxide mineral protection, guarding against UVA and UVB rays while boosting skin vitality with Niacinamide and Biopeptides. Lightweight with a satin finish and zero whitecast, it glides seamlessly under makeup for everyday wear, and the packaging makes it delightful to use and travel with. It officially launches on December 26, so mark your calendars…” —Pema Bakshi, Fashion features editor