Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2019 i ELLE Australia

“FASHION WITH ATTITUDE.” That’s the catchy coverline fronting our September edition, and from the first page (Prada’s stomping boots) to the last (Balenciaga’s graffiti prints), it’s clearly the message that came through on the recent runways. But admittedly it should probably read “women with attitude” – because, well, clothes don’t wear themselves. Whether fearlessly minimal or fantastically OTT, the trends you choose to tap into for spring are going to be defined by the way you interpret them. This month, our intrepid fashion team have decoded the new season with a definitive edit of everything you’ll want to see and try, but they want you to know, it’s BYO personality. Something I’m pretty sure you’re not going to have a problem with, right? Natasha Liu Bordizzo has it in spades.…

“Utility” is – by its very nature – usually absent of decoration. But one look at the new-season runways proved otherwise. Isabel Marant’s cargo pants teamed with cascading silver earrings; Coach 1941’s khaki jackets spruced up with floral prints. Our favourite takes on utilitarian dressing came with a romantic twist. And the clincher? Combat boots, soaring mid-calf and higher, which stormed the runway at Prada, Alexander McQueen and Bottega Veneta. Worn with bursts of colour, layered jewellery or bold blooms, they’re the shoe to whip your wardrobe into shape this season. Attention!…

B BAG Balenciaga’s B. bag (B for Balenciaga; full-stop or What more do you need to know?), is part of the brand’s collection of small, timeless bags that are chic yet entirely functional. The soft inner construction homes multiple compartments, concealed by the messenger-style magnetic flap The looped leather zipper pull allows for versatility: carry it as a travel pouch, or use the detachable strap to wear it cross-body. The options are plenty. BALENCIAGA shiny embossed croco B. bag in black, $1725, Westfield Mall, Shop 4037, 188 Pitt Street, Sydney, 2000; balenciaga.com HOURGLASS Balenciaga’s Hourglass bag doesn’t immediately reveal its namesake shape. Place it on a flat (clean) surface and the impeccably structured curved base forms a half-moon space from which a metal B-shaped pull dangles. Where’s the hourglass? Well,…

FENN O’MEALLY DIRECTOR “I’ve always loved the idea of presenting,” says Fenn O’Meally. “I made my own YouTube channel, and I quickly learnt that I loved interviewing people and finding out their stories. You can learn so much through conversation.” This passion for storytelling led to O’Meally adding filmmaker to her CV, with the London-based 25-year-old teaching herself how to shoot and edit her own short films. She’s since worked with Paul Smith, and she shot a behind-the-scenes video with Stormzy. As for style, the multi-hyphenate credits her mum as her biggest influence. “When I was little, she used to put me in patent crocodile boots, dalmatian prints and frilly polka-dot halternecks… I loved it! As I got older I’d buy staples and combine them with whatever I could find…

SOFT GREYS AND WHITES ARE THE PERFECT BASE FOR A CALM MOOD. FOR A TIMELESS LOOK THAT NEVER DATES, GROUND THE SPACE WITH FOREST GREENS AND HINTS OF MONOCHROME. EXTEND THE RELAXED, NATURAL VIBE OUTDOORS WITH TIMBER, RATTAN AND A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR TABLE TO CENTRE THE SPACE. BRING IN TOUCHES OF LIGHT WITH GLASS AND MIRRORED SURFACES TO FINISH THE LOOK. A BALANCED ROOM THRIVES WITH PATTERN AND COLOUR - THINK NEUTRAL BUT TEXTURED CUSHIONS, PENDANT LIGHTING AND RESTRAINED, THOUGHTFUL COASTAL CUES LIKE PALMS, CORAL AND NATIVE FOLIAGE. MAKE THE MOST OF A SMALL SPACE WITH A DINING TABLE INSPIRED BY THE CURVES OF THE TIDE AND THE SILVER PATINA OF AGED DRIFTWOOD.…

THE TESTAMENTS BY MARGARET ATWOOD Picking up 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale left off, The Testaments is set to appease purists (ie. those going by the book) wondering about Offred’s ambiguous fate at the end of the first novel. Atwood says the countless questions she’s fielded from readers about what Gilead might really be like partly formed the inspiration. What inspired the rest? “The world we’ve been living in.” ‘Nuff said. Out September 10 ($42.99, Chatto & Windus) WE NEED NEW STORIES By Nesrine Malik If you want to push yourself outside the echo chamber that is your news feed, look to British-Sudanese commentator Nesrine Malik’s new book, a critical look at the things many of us accept as status quo. Covering issues such as identity politics, gender equality…

New takes on old favourites (we’ll leave it to you to pick the best version) Cat Power covering Rihanna’s “STAY” Laurel doing Talking Heads’ “THIS MUST BE THE PLACE” Donnie & Joe Emerson’s “BABY” covered by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti Boygenius covering the Dixie Chicks’ “COWBOY TAKE ME AWAY” The Strokes’ “SOMEDAY” covered by Julia Jacklin No Mono doing a haunting take of The Righteous Brothers’ “UNCHAINED MELODY” Odette covering Gang Of Youths’ “MAGNOLIA” A$AP Rocky doing Otis Redding’s “(SITTIN’ ON) THE DOCK OF THE BAY” Jade Bird’s cover of Kate Bush’s “RUNNING UP THAT HILL (A DEAL WITH GOD)” One Direction’s version of Natalie Imbruglia’s “TORN”…

IF YOU’RE INTO... Banks TRY... Melbourne-based musician Annie Bass IF YOU’RE INTO... Julia Jacklin TRY... American indie-folk musician Faye Webster IF YOU’RE INTO... Cosmo’s Midnight TRY... Young Brisbane-based producer UV Boi IF YOU’RE INTO... Courtney Barnett TRY... Aussie indie artist Carla Geneve IF YOU’RE INTO... Florence + The Machine TRY... The emotive vocals of British singer Laurel…

LIKE SO MANY OTHER industries, electronic music is still something of a boys’ club. In spite of its roots in black and gay communities, it’s ruled predominantly by middle-aged white men. To counter the imbalance, women working in the genre have started to form their own clubs. Andreea Magdalina founded Shesaid.so in London in 2014 while working at music streaming company Mixcloud. “I noticed both the tech and music industries were struggling with diversity so I decided to do something about it,” she says. Today, Shesaid.so has 15 chapters around the world (an Australian one is currently in the works) and more than 10,000 members. Its mentoring arm, She.grows, also connects younger members with more experienced women in their field. In New York, electronic music collective Discwoman operates under the…

“Two-and-a-half years ago, I started walking the length of the world, from southern Argentina to the northern tip of Alaska. A man has done it, but I want to be the first woman to achieve it. I got the idea when I was working in communications in Darwin. But then I was in a horrific car accident when I  was doing a charity cycle ride. A car pulled out in front of me, I went into it and landed on my head. I damaged my spine and my brain, and was in a lot of pain. I initially couldn’t walk and I  had aphasia, which is where you know what you want to say, but it just doesn’t come out of your mouth. I still wanted to do the walk, and…

“I DON’T MAKE ENOUGH MONEY TO SAVE” This is the budgeting equivalent of the “my dog ate my homework” excuse. If you invest just $10 a week from age 18,  you’ll have around $100,000 (assuming a  five per cent rate of return) by the time you’re 65. It’s never too late to start – pick up this habit at age 35, and you’ll have about $35,000. “IF I HEAR ONE MORE PERSON TELL ME I NEED TO MAKE A BUDGET…” Cringe at the thought of itemising every last latte? Personal finance expert Preet Banerjee says to work backwards. Think about your priorities (food, shelter, etc) and make sure you have enough money for these first. Add 10 per cent of your income to this figure for savings, then make sure whatever is…

IF YOU DON’T ALREADY KNOW NATASHA LIU BORDIZZO, YOU’RE ABOUT TO. The Australian actor starred in The Greatest Showman and Hotel Mumbai, appears in this month’s The Naked Wanderer, has an upcoming role in Guns Akimbo with Daniel Radcliffe and is filming season two of her first TV show The Society, the Netflix series about a group of teens who return from a school trip to discover everyone else in their town has disappeared. Haven’t watched it? Catch up. For AW19-20, Liu Bordizzo took her place alongside Kristen Stewart, Janelle Monáe and Marion Cotillard front row at Chanel (she’s a friend of the house). She has appeared in multiple fashion campaigns and regularly turns out in red-carpet looks hot off the runway, but don’t call her a “model-turned-actress”. The actor,…

ASCORBIC ACID You may not recognise the technical name, but ascorbic acid is just a form of vitamin C – and it’s an absolute skincare powerhouse. The key to getting the maximum benefits is all about the delivery – while vitamin C can be an unstable ingredient, in fresh, pure form it’s dynamite against uneven skin tone, pigmentation and age spots. As such, a  host of beauty brands are using ascorbic acid in powerful booster treatments, ready to supercharge your current skincare routine. Try adding one in four weeks out from an important event for a noticeable new glow. CoQ10 Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) is actually already circulating amid our skin cells and tissue. But like collagen and elastin, CoQ10 levels diminish with age, leaving our skin more vulnerable to free-radical…

A FEW MONTHS AGO, I swabbed the inside of my cheek, put the swab in a prepaid envelope and mailed it off to myDNA, a genetics company in Melbourne. There, a team extracted and analysed my genes to answer a pressing question: how can I  make exercise more effective? Direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies, like myDNA or the popular 23andMe, are undeniably enticing to people who seek birth relatives or are simply curious about where their ancestors came from. But it’s not just family connection that these tests have on offer — it’s also medical detection. Are you built for long-distance running? Do your muscles struggle with recovery? Most consumer tests currently on the market work by looking at some of the specific variants in genes that can indicate risks for…

1. SONY WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones ($300, sony.com.au) These are perfect for flying and training. 2. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 46mm – Bluetooth ($549, samsung.com/au) I use this every day for fitness and take full advantage of the sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. 3. ESCO B12 Vitamin Vape Pen ($30, cannahelp.com.au) This all-natural aromatherapy inhaler gives me a boost of energy during the day. 4. APPLE AirPods With Wireless Charging Case ($319, apple.com/au) These are a total game-changer: they’re easy to use, comfortable to wear and discreet. 5. GOPRO Hero7 ($600, gopro.com) It’s great for when I’m on the slopes. Not only does it record my surroundings, but it also tracks speed and elevation. EDWARDS’ INSTA-FOLLOWS @dualipa I wait with bated breath for her to upload. @the_attico I’m so…

HOPELESSLY DEVOTED I’m scared to death of divorce — or rather, life after divorce. My husband is an army recruiter stationed in another state. I have a great job and my parents help take care of our three-year-old son. He recently visited us for a week. I  was extremely excited, but he stayed with his mother. (He claimed he was helping her with her roof.) My son and I  hardly saw him. There was no sex. Actually, there never is. I’m writing because I’m supposed to visit him when I’m interstate for my company’s sales meeting. I’ll be 20 minutes away from where he lives. He just called and said he has several meetings during the time I’m there, so we won’t be able to get together. I’ve started counselling…

AKILA BERJAOUI @akila_berjaoui This photographer’s sun-kissed images make us long to be sipping sangria by the seaside in Spain. Get a  taste of her work in our wELLEness special, “Good Vibes Only”, on p158. On my playlist: The Blaze, James Holden, John Maus and Who Made Who, just to name a few. On my reading list: Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. On my to-do list: Greece. On my wish list: A holiday! Preferably on a remote island or sail boat where there’s limited wi-fi, plenty of sun and blue water as far as the eye can see. On my bucket list: Antarctica. On my blacklist: Haha, no blacklist. TORY SHEPHERD @toryshepherd In this issue, the journalist writes about being childfree by choice (see “Breaking The Last Taboo” on p90), a topic she explores in depth in her book On Freedom. On…

SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP of Brexit, ongoing riots in Paris and political uncertainty in Italy (to say nothing of the near-daily disasters coming out of Washington DC), it’s perhaps no surprise that the autumn/winter 19-20 shows veered into darker territory. We’re talking “dark” in the most literal sense. Black has long been a mainstay of the fashion crowd but this season it really was everywhere, setting the mood for the darkly romantic thread that wove its way through the collections. “WE’RE TALKING ‘DARK’ in the MOST LITERAL SENSE” There was an abundance of winter florals, most memorably at Marc Jacobs, Givenchy and Alexander McQueen – the latter of which saw Sarah Burton fashion metres of silk into evening gowns in the shape of roses. But roses weren’t the only evidence…

AS THE OLSEN TWINS will attest, there’s real power in a good pair of sunnies. Having said that, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little polarised by fashion’s recent offering. Matrix-style tiny glasses were the shades du jour of 2018 – beloved by Rihanna, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Were they cool? Sure. Wearable? We’re still on the fence. Perhaps that’s why street style at the autumn/winter 19-20 shows felt like a breath of fresh air. Sunglasses weren’t joke-sized mini or celebrity-at-the-airport oversized – they were a neat, clean, wearable rectangle shape and the result looked out-of-this-world modern. “THERE’S REAL POWER in a GOOD PAIR of SUNNIES” If modern is the game, it’s no surprise Loewe and Gucci are among the brands leading the charge. Loewe’s candy-coloured concoctions marry simplicity with a…

Your first big role on screen was as Effy on Skins – a beloved and iconic character. Why do you think she, and what she represents, continues to resonate? There was something quite magical about her and a lot of young people saw themselves in her. On the surface she seemed very controlled and put together – and fun – but as we explored throughout the series, she was actually quite a damaged soul. We watched her battle her demons and fall in love and have her heart broken and have the fear of having her heart broken. And I think that’s something young people like to see played out at that time in their lives. They understood it. It’s such an emotional thing when you’re a teenager and you…

WHILE THE THOUGHT of “self-care” might trigger the impulse to put your phone in a drawer for a few hours, the positive benefits of these apps and games are well worth the screen time. ALOE BUD (IOS) Depending on your non-negotiables when it comes to self-care (categories include Hydrate, Move, Breathe, Rest, Fuel and Stimulate), Aloe Bud gives gentle encouragement, reminding you to check in on those aspects and focus on your wellbeing. There’s journalling and fun facts, plus a super cute ‘90s aesthetic. Free, or $2.99-$7.99 for premium content SAYANA (IOS) A self-care app with a difference, helping you understand your emotions through conversational “check ins” in which you chat about your day and your thoughts. It’s set up like a text message chat (with a character named Sayana),…

JORJA RISING WITH HER MESMERIC VOICE, PURPOSEFUL POISE AND A SMILE THAT BRINGS ALL THE JOY, JORJA SMITH IS SOARING HIGHIN JANUARY 2016 – without being signed to a label – Jorja Smith released her first single “Blue Lights”. Dropping on SoundCloud, it had more than 400,000 listens within the month – Smith had gone viral. In the years since, the UK singer has worked with Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Stormzy. Her debut album Lost & Found scored her a Grammy nomination. In February this year, she won a Brit Award for Best Female Solo Artist (the award now sits in her living room). Add to this, in April she was announced as the new Dior makeup ambassador, following Bella Hadid and Natalie Portman. It’s fair to say Smith has…

DJ Bec Adams of female music collective Les Filles (which has just started soundtracking weddings with Les Filles Weddings – @lesfilles.cc) shares her less-than-obvious picks for the perfect ode to your SO * “Pocketful Of Rainbows” – Elvis Presley * “I Only Have Eyes For You” – The Flamingos * “Love Me, Please Love Me” – Michel Polnareff * “Moon River” – Frank Ocean * “Bless The Telephone” – Labi Siffre * “Your Love Is King” – Sade * “This Will Be Our Year” – The Zombies * “Lyk U Use 2 (feat Andres)” – Moodymann * “My Boo (Hitman’s Club Mix)” – Ghost Town DJs * “Window Shades” – US Girls…

* THE ONE TO LISTEN TO BEFORE YOU APPLY FOR THAT HOME LOAN: “BUSY EARNIN’” BY JUNGLE “It’s time, too busy earnin’. You can’t get enough.” * THE ONE TO GET YOU OUT OF YOUR TOWEL BEFORE A NIGHT OUT: “QUEEN” BY PERFUME GENIUS “No family is safe when I sashay. Don’t you know your queen? Gleaming. Wrapped in golden leaf.” * THE ONE FOR WHEN YOU’RE FEELING UNDERAPPRECIATED AT WORK: “NOT ALWAYS” BY AMA LOU “They don’t get my vibe, it is rosé. Try to hold me down, I will rotate.” * THE ONE TO MOTIVATE YOU FOR A RUN: “BIG FOR YOUR BOOTS” BY STORMZY “You’re never too big for the boot, I’ve got the big size 12s on my feet.”…

YAEJI If you haven’t danced along to Yaeji’s “Raingurl” at a party or club some time in the past two years, well, you’re going to the wrong ones. Blending pop, electronica and hip-hop, she’s just wrapped up a huge world tour and is working on new music – so keep your ears peeled. @kraejiyaeji HELENA HAUFF Six years since she began releasing tracks, Hauff’s mixing skills – and signature ’80s/’90s style – have been immortalised via YouTube uploads of her sets on Dekmantel’s Boiler Room stage, while her 2017 BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix was named by staff as the best of the year. She’s in the midst of a European tour – catch her if you’re lucky enough to be headed there in the coming months. helena-hauff.com NICKY ELISABETH…

THERE WAS A PERIOD in my late teens and early twenties when a pregnancy was always bad news. An accident. By the time you hit your thirties, it’s almost always good news. By your forties, a quasi-miracle. So much angst and joy from lines on a stick. I thought about this a lot, once. I was trying to get pregnant. Well, I was doing all the right things but hoping to fail. Every time I got my period, I thought, “Blessed be.” It was not, dear reader, a hoot, this lack of fruit. Because I was meant to feel devastated that my womb had not quickened. But I didn’t. Instead I just felt a wave of relief. It didn’t take too long to work out that I really, really didn’t…

SUIT YOURSELF Take the blazer beyond the nine-to-five with bright colours and relaxed cuts. HOLD ME CLOSE Ladylike top-handle bags are given a cool edge courtesy of touch-me texture and statement detailing. TOP TIER Forget a plain shirt – patterns, pintucks and puff sleeves make an outfit so much more interesting. WHITE HOT A fresh white shoe will ground even the most OTT combinations of the season. BLAME IT ON THE BOUGIE To up your level of sophistication in an instant, just add heritage checks. BUCKLE UP Bring definition to AW19-20’s more oversized shapes with a belt cinched at the waist.…

Q. IS THERE SOMETHING I CAN DO TO MAKE MY DARK UNDER-EYE CIRCLES GO AWAY? SOMETHING THAT ACTUALLY WORKS? A. There are many myths surrounding dark circles, but according to the pros it basically comes down to ageing and genetics. “The skin around the eyes is 10 times thinner than the skin on the face,” explains Skinstitut expert Zoe Devine. Ageing means a decrease in collagen production and, over time, the skin around the eyes becomes even thinner and less elastic. “As we lose density in this thin tissue, the capillaries within the dermis become more visible and give rise to the appearance of dark circles.” Lifestyle habits such as smoking, lack of sleep and a high-sugar diet only speed up this ageing process (all the more reason to cut…

IT MAY SEEM PREDICTABLE, even bordering on cliché, that the latest makeup collection from Chanel is inspired by Paris. The brand is, after all, a national treasure, and Paris is the fashion industry’s most beloved muse. But Chanel’s X factor is Lucia Pica, global creative makeup and colour designer, and her MO is anything but ordinary. Forget the classic Parisian trope – there’s no red lip around here. Instead, Pica finds inspiration in the nuances, and for the new AW19-20 Noir et Blanc de Chanel collection, she was inspired by black and white – the literal absence of colour. How’s that for unexpected? “I started with the black and white concept — which is, of course, the pillar [palette] of the house — but I wanted to bring more of…

Getting eight hours of sleep is the real cornerstone of any beauty routine, but it isn’t always achievable. Now we can stop losing sleep over losing sleep, because wellness brand SWIISH has created a powder for a comforting evening elixir. “We chose to include [ingredients] that assist the body in creating melatonin – the vital hormone for regulating sleep patterns,” says co-founder Maha Corbett. The beauty industry is only just waking up to the benefits of beauty sleep supplements, so watch this space – if you can keep your eyes open, that is. 5. Sleep Superfood Powder, $49.95, SWIISH, shop.swiish.com…

SAN FRANCISCO THE ACHINGLY COOL CITY IS FAR MORE THAN CUTESY COLOURED HOUSES AND GOLDEN GATE VIEWS (THOUGH THOSE ARE GREAT, TOO) The “Bay Area” to those in the know, San Francisco has long been home to tech types making the daily pilgrimage to nearby Silicon Valley (where Apple, Google and Facebook are all headquartered), but these days you’ll also find a mix of start-ups, cool dispensaries and a food and wine scene that may well have eclipsed that of Los Angeles. One of the city’s buzziest hotel openings of the past couple of years, the Proper (properhotel.com) has given San Francisco another calling card – the group also has hotels in Austin, Downtown LA and, most recently, Santa Monica. Proper is a sound jumping-off point for the best bits…

HIP TO BE SQUARE Thanks to Bottega Veneta and its much-Instagrammed mesh pumps, ’90s-esque square-toed shoes are having a moment. Get in on the action courtesy of New Zealand label Paris Georgia’s new collab with By Far – the dual-tone sandals are a must for spring. SORRY, NOT SORRY As the invites flood in this social season, we’re embracing a 90 per cent rule, as detailed in Greg McKeown’s Essentialism. How does it work? If your interest in attending falls below 90 per cent, RSVP “no”. For the rest? Brush up on your convo skills with The School Of Life’s much-talked-about course “How To Be Sociable”. theschooloflife.com HOLIDAY JOMO Tired of everyone else’s holiday snaps? Embrace Instagram’s mute feature to hide those who are having a great time elsewhere (for…

The key to making sequins work for the daylight hours: a cool palette of tonal neutrals. Lean into multiple bolts of shine, balanced out with sensible staples. Add metallic boots to an otherwise traditional equation for weekday points. Dip a pinky into the trend via an embellished bag. Bring gold lamé down to earth by slipping on a shirt and loafers.…

“OUR MOODBOARDS ARE always full of women with substance and style – Elsa Peretti, Lauren Hutton, Joan Didion, Naomi Campbell, Veruschka, Jackie Kennedy and the Lijadu sisters,” says Ilona Hamer, one half of the duo behind Matteau (with her sister Peta Heinsen). The brand began as a haven for minimalist swimwear, but has grown exponentially since its 2015 launch, marking its runway debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia this year with a welcome expansion into ready-to-wear. “As with everything we do, we went back to the Matteau woman and what motivates her. What does she need? Where is she going?” Hamer says. “We JUST WANT to MAKE BEAUTIFUL PIECES that WOMEN can RELY ON” True to the brand’s MO, the 28-piece collection was a considered display of modern detailing, luxe…

THERE’S BEEN A TENDENCY in the past for fashion to try to pigeonhole a person’s style into “tribes”. We’re not so into that, which is why we were such fans of the AW19-20 season. An eclectic offering that spanned from “pared back” to “out of this world” (sometimes in the same collection, like at Chloé), it was a sartorial reminder that, when it comes to style, it pays not to box yourself in. In that spirit, we present our guide to the new season: a hack-filled journey through the full spectrum of fashion on offer. So next time someone asks you, “Are you a minimalist or a maximalist?”, you answer: YES.> THE NEW MINIMAL BISCUITS, BROWNS AND CARAMELS ENTER THE FRAY Fed up with a definition of minimalism that’s limited…

Nicole Kidman, Sarah Paulson and Ansel Elgort bring to life The Goldfinch (you know, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Donna Tartt novel that was so big you probably didn’t finish it). In cinemas September 26 Carnival Row, Cara Delevingne’s hotly anticipated return to our screens. The fantasy series also stars Orlando Bloom. On Amazon Prime Video from August 30 The Teresa Palmer-led Ride Like A Girl, in which she plays Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. In cinemas September 26…

WHILE THE cosmopolitan as we know it was thought up in Manhattan in the ’80s, the oft-saccharine cocktail reached peak popularity at – or rather, in – the hand of Carrie Bradshaw. But in the years since Sex And The City, the oversaturation the show triggered, coupled with a move away from overly sugary tipples in many bars, caused it to virtually disappear off most drinks lists. However, the cosmo is finding its way back from near-extinction, largely thanks to new Sydney bar Double Deuce Lounge, from the team behind Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern. Owner Charlie Lehmann concedes the cocktail copped a bad rap thanks to the “Sex And The City effect”, but says “we’re here to make it cool again”. At DDL, the focus is on classic/retro ’60s and ’70s…

ROSALÍA The Latin Grammy winner’s fusion of flamenco and R’n’B has made her one of the globe’s most talked about artists, despite not singing a word of English. Check out her album El Mal Querer, out now. @rosalita.vt CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS Also known simply as Chris (and born Héloïse Letissier), the French pop artist and her dancers are famous for their tightly choreographed performances. While she moves seamlessly between French and English, the sound translates to “good times” no matter the language. @christineandthequeens ANGÈLE The Belgian singer shot to fame after releasing her debut album Brol and performing the hauntingly beautiful “Ta Reine” on the Colors YouTube channel. She proves how soothing music can be when you don’t understand the lyrics. @angele_vl…

COUNTRY IS quickly becoming the genre du jour, making waves well outside Golden Guitar territory. See: masked crooner Orville Peck, Kacey Musgraves’ left-of-field Album Of The Year Grammy win and Canadian slack rocker Mac DeMarco trading his bucket hat for an Akubrastyle one for his latest album Here Comes The Cowboy. Then there’s the TikTok-spurred phenom that is rapper Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” (lent some country clout by Billy Ray Cyrus and remixed by Diplo, who’s also announced a new, hillbilly-inspired moniker, Thomas Wesley), which has blurred genres – and stirred controversy in the process. Cardi B, Kelela, Anderson Paak and Solange have also dabbled in the trend that’s become a nod to the historical omission of African Americans from cowboy culture – and is perhaps best chronicled…

Me – Elton John Off the back of Rocketman hype, Elton John will release his first-ever official autobiography. Out October 15 ($44.99, Macmillan) Stoned – Jo Wood If the title is anything to go by, Wood’s tales from her time married to guitarist Ronnie Wood will be wildly voyeuristic. Out November 5 ($39.99, Cassell) ‘Til Wrong Feels Right – Iggy Pop Spare a thought for the editor who had to piece together musings from one of music’s most incendiary figures. Out October 1 ($49.99, Viking) The Beautiful Ones – Prince The unfinished memoir has been filled out with behind-the-scenes pics and handwritten lyrics courtesy of his estate. Out October 29 ($49.99, Century) Year Of The Monkey – Patti Smith If you devoured Just Kids and M Train, don’t miss this…

Clairo’s debut album Immunity, filled with more of the shoegaze magic she won us over with. Out now Lyrical Melbourne singer-songwriter Ainslie Wills’ new album All You Have Is All You Need. Out now Marika Hackman’s new album Any Human Friend, which she’s described as “blunt” and “mischievous”. Out now US bedroom-pop artist Jay Som’s sophomore album Anak Ko (meaning “my child” in Tagalog). Out August 23 Alex Cameron’s new album Miami Memory, dedicated to his partner, artist/actress/political activist Jemima Kirke. Out September 13 Solange, Blood Orange and Robyn collaborator Kindness returns with their third album, Something Like A War. Out September 6 Sampa The Great’s debut album The Return – a hip hop-filled ode to personal growth. Be sure to also check out the killer video for “Final Form”.…

I’VE ONLY EVER KNOWN two states of financial being: just paid and flat broke. I’ve long lived beyond my means – primarily because I’ve never been entirely sure what my means are. I  confess to acting like a drama-chasing teenager when it comes to money – the first flush of having it, anyway. I could do without the inevitable heartbreak of an overdraft. But as I’ve watched my friends make rite-of-passage purchases (homes, cars, Max Mara coats), at the age of 40 I’ve had to face the fact that my adolescent relationship with money has had grown-up consequences. After nearly two decades of hustling, I’ve got nothing to show for my work. No savings, no house, no apartment, no assets that will accrue in value. Nothing but $4,000 of credit-card debt and a…

COLOURFUL, CAPTIVATING MAKEUP is a given during any fashion week, but the AW19-20 shows had a clear vision for eye looks that had both a strong sense of individuality and wearability. Aficionados and amateurs alike can find common ground — just choose your level of commitment. For the experts, make your mark with an artistic under-eye or rethink your everyday cat-eye with wings that stretch far beyond the lid. Those less acquainted with bold eye makeup can take a more minimalistic tack with spiky eyelashes or a low-key slick of white eyeliner to make quadruple-coated lashes pop. A monochromatic palette is the easiest entry point but, ultimately, the choice is yours. Pick up a pencil (or a wand, or a liquid liner) and prepare to draw the gaze. FIRST FROST…

6.30AM: WAKE UP “I set my alarm early, which gives me time to get up and get things done before work.” 7AM: QUALITY TIME “Once I’m up, I’ll have a  matcha latte and reply to my emails, then I’ll spend some time with my man – I always make sure to carve out specific time in my day just for family.” 7.15AM: BITE TO EAT “If I’m prepping for a big event, I’ll make sure I  eat a clean breakfast –  I  definitely won’t have a  burger!” 7.30AM: BABY LOVE “My son is a good sleeper – he wakes up around 7.30am. I didn’t want to sleep-train him, but after 10 months I bit the bullet and it was the best decision I  ever made. I  give him some cuddles before…

Here’s a truth we can all relate to: the busier we get, and the more jam-packed our lifestyles and schedules become, the more difficult it is to fulfil our very best wellness intentions. But what if there was a hack? The latest buzz to catch our attention isn’t new or manufactured in a lab; it’s something that’s been around for thousands of years – and with a series of contemporary twists to maximise the benefits of the traditional practice, it’s been brought back to the forefront. What is it? Perhaps surprisingly, it’s the power of sound. A recent wave of treatments and practices is making use of frequency and vibration with some quite startling results – promising to improve everything from sleep to mental clarity, bringing us one step closer…

LIFE DRAWING Even da Vinci had to start somewhere. If Leo were alive today, we bet you’d find him sketching figures, sipping wine and listening to chilled beats at Mister Morris in Preston, Melbourne. Tuesday evening classes are $22, and you can bring a friend for an extra $8 – because let’s face it, drawing a naked stranger sometimes requires a little reinforcement. mistermorris.com.au NEEDLEPOINT There’s something about putting needle to fabric that’s just so damn relaxing, which is why the age-old pastime of needlepoint is finding favour with a new age bracket. E-tailer We Are Knitters offers pre-packaged needlepoint kits, stocked with everything you need for an Etsy-worthy creation. weareknitters.com.au TAP DANCING Two left feet can still forward-back-stamp! Sign up for an intensive mini tap course at Dance Domain in Sydney’s St…

“A HOME MUST be WHERE YOU can PRESS PAUSE and TAKE REFUGE FROM all the CONFUSING ASPECTS OF LIFE” WHILE ASTUTE RENOVATORS may prefer to refurbish a home from scratch in order to finesse every last detail, fashion designer Britt Sisseck was fortunate enough to find a ready-made dream apartment that perfectly fit her interior aesthetic, primed and ready for her to move in with her two youngest children. In fact, when she first visited the building, she immediately felt at home. “I hadn’t been there long before I knew,” she says. “It was love at first sight, like when you meet someone and immediately connect with them. It felt like a gift.” “WHEN you REGULARLY CHANGE THINGS up JUST A LITTLE, you can DISCOVER AND APPRECIATE THINGS AGAIN in…

ONCE UPON A TIME, saving the planet meant sacrificing style, performance or practicality – particularly when it came to buying a car. But for an industry buzzing with cutting-edge engineering, innovations in textiles, alternative fuel cells and sustainable material sourcing, that is the case no more. In fact, if your goal is straight-up carbon footprint reduction, there’s never been more choice on the table. From self-charging city sprinters to cruelty-free cosiness and pure EV (that’s electric vehicle, for the uninitiated) performance, these ethically woke cars are not the dowdy money savers of the past, but modern works of art. the MEDAL FOR CHIC AND ETHICAL RANGE ROVER EVOQUE IF THERE WAS any car that had a sophisticated yet youthful legacy to uphold, it’s the Range Rover Evoque: the city-sized SUV…

VIRGO AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22 You have a habit of putting duty before pleasure, and when something frivolous and fun comes into your life you usually say you’re too busy. Actually, that’s not true: you’re never too busy, just too shy, and nervous about making mistakes. But with no fewer than five planets in your sign right now to boost your confidence, you need have no fears. Failing the test? No, you’re setting the standard. Enjoy yourself. LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23 It’s natural to want to stay with something – or someone – you love, and we all know we have to leave the past behind and face the future, but what if the future seems empty, or uncertain? It’s only when you make a break with…

LOVEKINS Australian-made, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly: Lovekins’ new range of ultra-thin pads are a game changer. Made with super-soft cotton, they’ll keep you fresh, dry and protected, while the groundbreaking Non-Adhesive Core Technology does away with any nasty toxins. lovekins.com SYRENE Say goodbye to dry winter skin with Syrene’s Aqua Hydrating Masque. Doing its best work while you sleep, it provides a big hit of hydration and antioxidants, leaving skin dewy, plump and baby-soft. $110; syreneskincare.co.nz DYSON Introducing the Dyson Demo Store – Beauty Lab, a one-stop styling shop in Sydney’s QVB. Book a $50 styling session and you can get hands-on with the Supersonic hairdryer or Airwrap styler. And if you buy a hair tool on the day, your styling session will be free. dyson.com.au/beautylab WHITE GLO Heard of swishing oil…