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CHANEL
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 LES BEIGES
NATURAL IS A STYLE

THE NEW HEALTHY GLOW GEL TOUCH FOUNDATION

 JANUARY 2018

P46. HOW TO DO SUMMER STYLE NOW

From weekend to workwear, this is your guide to kickstarting your wardrobe for the new year.

P58. ARE YOU READY FOR RADICAL KINDNESS?

It’s never been cooler to be kind – we show you how you can be your best self all year round.

P100. FEEL THE FORCE

Daisy Ridley is slowly coming to terms with the superstardom that’s come from being part of the Star Wars franchise.

P126. ONLY THE BEST

A modern floral fragrance, innovative mascara and genius dry shampoo: these are the winners of ELLE’s International Beauty Award
ward
ds
ds.

P152. 2018 ASTRO SPECIAL

From your love life to your career, world-renowned astrologer Susan Miller reveals what’s in your stars for the year ahead.

ON THE COVER
Photography: Liz Collins at
CLM. Styling: Anne-Marie
Curtis. Hair: Samantha Hillerby
at Premier Hair And Make-Up.
Makeup: Shinobu Abe at
CLM. Manicure: Adam Slee at
Streeters. Seamstress: Mirja
Rosendahl at Chapman Burrell.
Daisy Ridley wears: jacket,
$7,200, pants, $2,400,
both GIORGIO ARMANI,
armani.com/au; earrings,
$4,700, ELSA PERETTI FOR
TIFFANY & CO. DIAMONDS
BY THE YARD, tiffany.com

12
 JANUARY 2018

FIRST
LOOK
TRAIL BLAZERS
P26.
Introducing the comfiest,
coolest piece you need now: P54. SEX AND TECH
the hiking sandal. The second sexual revolution
is coming – and this time, it’s

FEA
P28. SHEER DELIGHT women leading the way.
For the perfect mix of sexy and
sweet, go transparent. CONSCIOUSLY
P56.
COUPLED
P30. WEST How gen X and millennials are P117. WHAT I USE
WORLD removing the taboo around Ruby Rose on bronze
Take your cue from Dior, relationship counselling. eyeshadows and surefire
Acne Studios and Ellery and WIRELESS
P40. jet-lag cures.
channel your inner cowgirl FOR SOUND P66. NULLIPAROUS
this season. Giddy up. Your home speaker system just The winning story from our first NEW WAVE
P120.
got smarter (and chicer). short-fiction competition. ORDER
P32. ROGUE NATION How to master perfectly
The designers behind cult PROSE OF
P41. OUT OF
P70. imperfect beach waves
Aussie label PE Nation are SUMMER THIS WORLD (even when your oceanside
all for breaking the rules. We’ve got your holiday She’s lived underwater and holiday is long gone).
reads sorted. worked in a war zone, so flying
WEAR THE
P34. into space should be a cinch for P124. LET THERE
RAINBOW MOCKTAIL
P42. astronaut Dr Jeanette Epps. BE LIGHT
Forget all-black – the fashion HOUR LED therapy can do a whole lot
pack are now embracing
colour (and lots of it).
The non-alcoholic spirit that
even party-girl Kate Moss
is getting behind.
FASHION
SUMMER OF LOVE
P74.
more than just perfect your skin,
from lowering blood pressure
to boosting your brain power.
THE LOWE
P36. Go your own way in florals,
DOWN MEALS ON
P42. fringing and folk-ready pieces. EVERY DAY,
P130.
Sophie Lowe is continuing WHEELS REDUX PEOPLE
her run of confronting roles, Want a home-cooked meal P98. CHECKLIST The tried-and-trusted fitness
now starring in an iconic without, you know, cooking The best budget-friendly tips that actually work.
screen revival. it yourself? This revolutionary fashion buys this month.
new website will answer all P134. NEW COOL
P37. REEL LIFE
It’s the month of the biopic,
with three big-name actresses
your prayers.

THE NEW
P43.
BEAUTY
IN MY KIT
P113.
The technology, supplements
and gear to upgrade your
routine for 2018.
taking on true stories. EMAIL ETIQUETTE Mandy Moore’s go-to hairstylist
Conquer e-rage – before opens up her bag of tricks. P136. WHOLE HEART
P38. ART STARTERS you hit “send” on that email, Wellness guru Carla Oates
The unmissable acts at this read up on these new P115. SCRUNCH IT invites us inside her light-filled
year’s Sydney Festival and golden rules. Thought you’d never wear beach home.
MONA’s Mofo. a scrunchie again? This will
P44. AN AUSSIE change your mind. P142. STAYING
LIFESTYLE

TELLING IT
P39.
LIKE IT IS
Award-winning Australian
singer-songwriter Stella
Donnelly doesn’t hold
back with her lyrics.
IN PARIS POWER
Amid a packed Paris From Venice Beach to Austin,
Fashion Week schedule, these are the coolest hotels to
model-on-the-rise Adut book on your next US road trip.
Akech opens up her very
stylish suitcase. P167. PRIVACY NOTICE
AND MORE…

14
 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JUSTINE CULLEN
@JUSTINE_CULLEN JUSTINECULLEN

DEPUTY EDITOR
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CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Carly Roberts
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BOOKINGS ART EDITOR
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AND FITNESS DIRECTOR
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DIOR.COM
 SAME
SAME,

@justine_cullen
BUT The list was embarrassing to read as a fully formed

DIFFERENT woman who thankfully no longer feels the need to “always

My mother was recently going through a box of old
mementos and, either kindly or cruelly (she was so gleeful in
the discovery, I can’t be entirely sure of her intention), passed
on a few tokens of written evidence as to who my teenage
self was. It was all still mortifyingly cringe-worthy, even after
nearly 30 years (example from a motley rundown of my
“Life Problems” written in Year 10: “5. Success – haven’t
got any, really want some. 6. Sean – doesn’t luv me, sob,
SOB!”). Among the horrors was a detailed list, written in
careful curly cursive on Beverly Hills, 90210 notepaper
during a long and tedious summer holiday down the coast,
of the person I’d determined I should
be going into the next school year.
CURRENT Much of the list reads as notes of self-
FASCINATIONS: administered encouragement and
DAN CHURCHILL’S
COOKING: All I want advice, the like of which I could
to eat this summer. almost imagine still giving myself now
MAKE UP FOR EVER ULTRA HD (minus the many, many exclamation
FOUNDATION: The ultimate marks): “Always act confident, even
base for Insta Story-heavy when you’re not!!!!” and “Be more
summer cocktail parties. mysterious!!!!!!” But a lot of it, it goes
SETTLERS OF CATAN: If the without saying, was makeover related.
let your hips walk into the room before you do!!” (I read it
in a magazine, and while I’m no physiotherapist, I’m
relatively confident that this can’t have been good medical
advice), but that hunger to start the year renewed –
whether with a haircut, or a new wardrobe, or a fresh
attitude – is ageless and universal. January, that time of
restorative ocean swims and glowing limbs, of shaking
off the old and welcoming in the new, of clean slates
and fresh diaries, of returning to regular life after
(hopefully) a few weeks of proper sleep and good times
and a complete lack of fluorescent lighting, begs to be
complemented with a new look.
Which brings me to your new-look ELLE. On the surface
you’ll find a new font (I know I’m not the only one who gets
as excited over sexy fonts as I once did about the perfect
cadaver-like lipstick) and a happier colour palette
(because who doesn’t need brightening up these days?).
Sink in a bit deeper and you’ll discover more fashion and
shopping pages, curated with that same razor-sharp ELLE
expertise, more beauty delivered in a brand new way,
one that I really believe is exactly how we want to
read it these days, more of that trademark ELLE wit
and playfulness, and lots of new stories and layouts
to keep you inspired.
It’s a makeover, a definite refresh, but just as I never
managed to foster more mysteriousness (even to this day),
you’ll find it’s the same spirit inside, with all of the
Photography: Adrian Price. Hair: Travis Balcke. Makeup: Danielle Butcher

nerdy board game is good These elements are like a litany of all empowering, intelligent reads and élan du jour designed
enough for Sheryl Sandberg, the most offensive fashion and beauty to entertain, inspire and help you celebrate style in
it’s good enough for me.
trends of the time, as interpreted by every aspect of your life.
Obsessed.
a naive and gullible teen: a daily When the UK edition was launched 33 years ago, the
eyebrow plucking routine based off spine screamed, “You can tell she reads ELLE.” Now more
the wisdom of Linda Evangelista (“10 mins a day – no than ever, I think you still can.
less!!!”), a resolution to find the perfect mauve-brown
lipstick, instructions for finally learning how to properly cuff
my 501s, a rule for always, always having French-polished
toes. If you weren’t Kate Moss, Vanessa Paradis or
Winona Ryder, the ’90s really was unforgivable.

18
 In 2017, we kicked
off the ELLE
Writing had children so I think emotionally I could
tap into that feeling of isolation you get

Competition sometimes when you’ve made a choice

not to have a family or you’re a single
in a bid to amplify woman and you don’t fit society’s

women’s voices and prescribed boxes. writers who work from cafes but I find it quite
distracting. I need peace and quiet. I sat
uncover some of the HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE down and wrote this draft, then I went back
country’s most exciting NAME OF THE STORY?
When this story was brewing in my
to it a couple of times and I got that excited
feeling that I sometimes get when I’m
emerging talent. We head, I was actually working as working on a story – I felt like there was
weren’t disappointed. a medical receptionist and we used to something in it and it was going somewhere,

An incredibly rich and scan lots of medical documents into

patients’ files. I saw this report and I’d
varied response made never seen this word nulliparous before
the judges’ task of so I looked it up on Google. I just
remember reading it and thinking it’s such
choosing a winner a clinical-sounding word, that a woman
an unenviable one. can be reduced to that kind of definition
but I just didn’t know how it was going to
end. Then probably a couple of months
later I was with friends and someone
mentioned a bird sitting on a nest of
rosebuds and I just remember thinking, “That
is going to be the ending.”

But one voice stood because she hasn’t had a child. The
word, when you break it down, is like
out for its ability to terra nullius and Nullarbor, and so
WHAT APPEALS TO YOU ABOUT
WRITING SHORT FICTION?
It’s like you’re taking a couple of scenes or

capture vulnerability, I had those images of desolateness

in my head.
a moment from someone’s life, and you’re
trying to make it powerful and dramatic.
heart-wrenching It’s this little bite-size chunk of, hopefully,
sorrow and resilience THERE’S A STRONG SENSE OF
AUSTRALIANA THROUGHOUT
goodness that people can sit down and
read on the train or bus and really love.
in a moving THE PIECE. I guess if short fiction is done well it can
exploration of It wasn’t a conscious decision, but with leave really beautiful, indelible imprints on

womanhood. the house I was living in, I’d come home

from work and I had a really lovely
people’s lives.

Introducing writing’s garden and lots of huge trees around me
next superstar, and I’d often have a glass of wine and
just be looking at all these birds in the
M.J. Reidy. Read her trees. I guess it worked its way
story on p66 subliminally into the story.
HAS THERE BEEN INVALUABLE
ADVICE THAT HELPED YOU IN
YOUR JOURNEY?
I went to a writing workshop with Wendy
James – the Australian author of 2017’s
The Golden Child. We’re still good friends
Compiled by: Genevra Leek; Laura Culbert

WHAT’S YOUR WORK PROCESS? and she’s been an amazing mentor. As

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR
YOUR STORY, NULLIPAROUS?
I first started writing this story almost two
years ago now. I’ve had a number of friends
who have gone through the
IVF process and for some of them it’s
been successful but for other friends
it’s actually been quite a long,
expensive and stressful journey. In
a way, the main character, Frankie,
is actually a version of me. I’m
a 42-year-old woman and I’ve never
@tanya_cooper
I literally just start working on a first draft. a writer, sometimes you get a lot of
Sometimes it’s ramblings, sometimes it’s half- rejections from publishers, so Wendy having
finished sentences, but I just get stuff down faith and continually supporting the work
quickly. I write from home. I know a lot of I produce helped me so much.
KEEP-COOL ADVICE FROM AN AUSSIE EXPAT
SHE MAY HAVE TRADED AUSTRALIA FOR GERMANY, BUT ILLUSTRATOR TANYA COOPER
(SEE HER WORK ON P58 AND P152) STILL THINKS OF OUR SUMMERS FONDLY
– AND HAS A GOOD TIP FOR FALLING ASLEEP IN A HEATWAVE... “Attach one end of
a piece of string to an oscillating fan and the other to the trigger of a spray bottle filled with water
and superglued to your bedside table. As the string tightens with each change of direction, you’ll
fall asleep with the peace of mind of knowing there’s a cool spritz of water coming your

20 way every eight to 10 seconds. MacGyver would be so proud of you.”

 Olay scientists analysed over 20,000 genetic samples and discovered the secret
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K 2A
 Victoria Beckham
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Thhe alt-RnB star got the
goldden nod from Beyoncé,
which is all we need to
know w. Catch her at FOMO
festival across Australia
#1 from January 6.

A
ANKLETS
Ankle jewellery replaaces the
choker as the comeeback
accessory of summ mer, in
gold or silver chain.

THIS MONTH:

Anklet, $159,
RELIQUIA,
reliquiajewellery.com

Whether you’
y re
esca #3 DISTANCE
E d RUNNING
tripping to your 42km? Meh! Ultramarathoning is
where it’s at for 2018. Grab Anita
desk, heading Bean’s The Runner’s Cookbook
courtside or to the ($29.99, Bloomsbury) and start

couch, these are fuelling up now for the 60km Wild

Women On Top Coastrek in
the musts to see, Sydney this March.

do and wear Jacket, $2,400,

BLAZÈ MILANO,
matchesfashion.com

#4
LIKE-A-BOSS
#5
Photography: Pablo Martin (still-life); Getty Images; Jason Lloyd-Evans;

BLAZERS
Blazé Milano’s blazers are BITCOIN
the uniform of fashionistas on That virtual currency everyone
the fast track to CEO. The laughed about? It’s exploded in
label’s new hot-ticket value recently. If you haven’t
Instagram: @giuliatordini; @giorgiatordini

capsule collection will be invested already, hurry before

exclusive to Matches it eventually bursts.
Fashion from January 18.

Jacket, $2,360, BLAZÈ MILANO, Jacket, $2,400,

24
matchesfashion.com BLAZÈ MILANO,
matchesfashion.com
 #6
SERENA
LOOK first

WILLIAMS
She won the 2017 Australian
Open while pregnant, and
word is she’ll be back for
2018 to defend her title – just
four months after giving birth.

#7
ITALIAN
STYLE
Our holiday pin-ups?
Sisters Giulia and Giorgia
Tordini, who have mastered
the formula for the
non-cringe bikini Instagram:
Miu Miu

turquoise water +
classic-cut swimmers +
fun friends. Bellissima!
#8
GOOGLE
DAYDREAM
VIEW
Lets you channel some serious
Ana de Armas Blade Runner
2049 vibes. Team with the
Google Arts & Culture app
to see the “Venus De Milo”
minus the crowds.
Kendall Jenner

#9
HAIR HERO
That band you reserve for
washing off last night’s
Jacquemus

raccoon eyes? It’s had

a cool-girl update. See Miu
Miu, Jacquemus and Molly
Goddard (and the hairline Daydream View, $149,
. GOOGLE, store.google.com

Dior Addict Lip Glow,

D
$49 each,, DIOR,,
#10
davidjones.com.au;;
PINK BBITS
Miu Miu

available January 29
Be still your inner klepto:
Dior’s original Lip Glow is one
of the most-pinched products
by models backstage and the
six new hues – including
Miu Miu
Miu Miu

shimmery and matte finishes

– promise to be every bit
as swipe-worthy.
 LOOK first

THE PIECE:

trail
blazers The one
thing all
our fashion
editors
can agree
on? These
shoes
PH OT OG R A PH Y B Y

A DRI AN P R ICE

at Vivien’s Creative. Makeup: Danielle Butcher. Model: Azlin Esqueda at

SANDALS, $1,690, CHRISTIAN DIOR,

Words: Claudia Jukic. Styling: Dannielle Cartisano. Hair: Keiren Street

More practical than a pool (02) 9229 4600

slide, less serious than
a brogue – welcome to
Chadwick. Rug, $1,240, Pampa, communebondi.com

the age of the “handal”

(hiking sandal). The
action-inclined laces,
just-thick-enough sole
Bra, $116, BASERANGE,
and indestructible black mychameleon.com.au; skirt,
leather lend a tough edge $369, LEE MATHEWS,
to hyper-femme pink silk, leemathews.com.au; necklace,
$739, KAREN WALKER,
a healthy dose of cool to karenwalker.com; bracelet, $350,
mannish trouser-shirt combos SHANNAKIAN FINE JEWELLERY,
and polish to any throw-on shannakianfinejewellery.com.au

summer dress.

26
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LOOK
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necklace, $739, KAREN
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UP CLOSE:

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Five reasons to Opt for light-as-air

be a little more layers in sweet sorbet

transparent shades or sultry black.

Just be sure to invest
this season in a quality pair of
made-to-be-seen
high-waisted briefs.
PH OT OG RAPH Y BY

A DRI A N P RI C E
Top, $260, ALICE
McCALL, alicemccall.com

Dress, $699, LEE MATHEWS,

leemathews.com.au; bra,
$79, briefs, $62, both
BASERANGE,
mychameleon.com.au

Words: Claudia Jukic. Styling: Dannielle Cartisano. Hair: Keiren Street at Vivien’s Creative.
Makeup: Danielle Butcher. Model: Azlin Esqueda at Chadwick

Dress, $2,710, PRADA,

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theto

Christian Dior
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Jacket, $449, SPELL & SADDLE

THE GYPSY COLLECTIVE,
spelldesigns.com.au UP: there’s If you’re going to present

a western a fashion collection that

references the American
influence Midwest, there are worse

on the places to stage it than the

Christian Dior
location selected for filming
horizon cult-classic drama Little
House On The Prairie. So for
its resort season, Christian Dior decamped from Paris to
the remote mountaintop of Upper Las Virgenes Canyon
Open Space Preserve in Calabasas, California (taking
Rihanna, Solange Knowles and Charlize Theron along),
because there’s nothing like an Insta-worthy backdrop to Bag, $1,095, COACH,
bring our Wild West fantasies to life. Inspired in part by coachaustralia.com
modern American artist Georgia O’Keeffe and her
signature wide-brimmed hat, artistic director Maria
Words: Genevra Leek. Photography: Pablo Martin (still-life); Getty Images;

Grazia Chiuri showed jacquard ponchos, bead-

embroidered denim and pretty belted dresses in an ode
to prairie life that set the tone for the season.
While Coach 1941 didn’t travel quite so far, Stuart
Vevers’ urban take on the trend shared the sentiment,
Jason Lloyd-Evans. Styling: Dannielle Cartisano

with patchwork quilt jeans and peasant-style frocks

looking just as ready for Sunday lunch as they do for the
saloon. Even Ellery brought the western glamour, with all-
black suiting contrasted with white piping reminiscent of
Skirt, $450, a cocksure cowboy shirt, plus fringing straight from the
MARIMEKKO,
marimekko.com

30
 Valentino
Valentino
Acne Studios

Vase, $105,
NICOLETTE JOHNSON,
nicolettejohnsonceramics.com

rodeo. And from Acne Studios, distressed vintage leather

strides, Cuban-heeled d boots and a floor-grazing vest
that’s destined to leavee a trail of dust in its wake
wake.
We’re blaming the revival on Michelle Dockery and
her gun-toting, bandana-wearing kick-ass character in
recent Netflix series Godless. Or at least on costume
designer Betsy Heimann, who decked out the folk of La
Belle, New Mexico, a town consisting only of women, in
a genius masculine/feminine Wild West hybrid we
haven’t seen since Hailee Steinfeld donned a battered Belt, $99,
felt topper in True Grit. And if that weren’t enough THE TOUCAN SHOP,

Christian Dior
inspiration, get thee to a streaming service and catch up thetoucanshop.com
Coach 1941

on HBO’s Westworld ahead of the release of season

two later this year for your future-meets-1800s initiation.
If fringing doesn’t take y r fancy, the renewed
fascination with the America an westt doesn’t end at
your wardrobe. On the home front, co owhide cushions,
tree-stump stools and cactii are still commandeering
the decorating scene, annd a new wave w of artists,
including Texan-raised, Brisbane-bassed ceramicist
Nicolette Johnson, are creating
c piecess that wouldn’t
look out of place on Niccole Kidman’s Nashville
N ranch.
The key both with your home and your outfit? A few
pieces that work into y ur current look are all you need.
The rest is just horsepl . E

HOW WOMEN

Christian Dior
WON THE WEST
From the brim of their
Stetsons to the heel of their
Cuban boots, meet yourr
Boots, $1,150, ACNE STUD S,
new-season heroines:: ) 9360 0294
(from below left) Evan
Rachel Wood in West
World, Michelle Dockery
in Godless, the women of
Little House On The Prairie
and Jane Seymour in Dr
Quinn, Medicine Woman.

31
 @p.e.nation
first
rogue
IN FOCUS:

Crop top, $69, PE NATION,

pe-nation.com

How to
achieve
nation fashion and
sportswear
world
domination:
don’t follow
Edwards. “That whole tomboy vibe
is kind of the norm. More women are
confident being a bit more relaxed in
how they’re dressing, everything’s
oversized… you can have a bit of

the rules attitude with it.”

GOOD SPORTS:
PE Nation co-founders Claire
Tregoning (left) and Pip Edwards
Tights, $139, PE NATION,
pe-nation.com
“We’re pretty much the real deal,” declares
Pip Edwards, one sneakered foot tucked up
on the chair and flanked by an equally
relaxed Claire Tregoning in their PE Nation
showroom. They’re chatting joint family
ski trips, Pilates, basketball and surfing at
the beach (Edwards lives in Sydney’s
Bondi and Tregoning in Avalon). Friends,
co-founders, design partners and
superwomen. It’s easy to see how
Edwards and Tregoning have
built the label that started with
a boozy lunch and a name
(a play on physical education and
Edwards’ initials) into an
international success story with 100-
plus local and international
stockists and a staff that’s
quadrupled in the past year.
Nowadays, if you’re not wearing
“THE
PE Nation, you’re not in the game.
And Edwards and Tregoning are
TOMBOY
the ideal advertisement for a life
lived on the move and kitted out in VIBE IS
”street sport” (because the term
athleisure, so 2017). NOW THE
Their new collection, their ninth
NORM”
PE Nation’s retro approach to
colour smashing, front-and-centre
logos and the influence of ’90s streetwear
classics like Keppers and snap pants (“Things
I should have kept in my wardrobe!” says
Edwards) is somewhat visionary considering
even heritage brands like Calvin and Tommy
are scrambling to get back to their roots.
But whether the timing is intentional or not, the
multi-use pieces are hitting the mark. “We didn’t
mean it to be visionary,” laughs Edwards. “It
was more just what we wanted to wear!” That
includes colour-blocked sweatshirts, printed Jeans, $220, PE NATION,
pe-nation.com
bomber jackets, graphic leggings, the launch of
merino wool-mix yoga tights and crop tops in
collaboration with Woolmark, and a second
sneaker collaboration with Reebok, the first of
which sold out within six hours.
And then there are the denim jeans and
jackets, previously the missing link in a gym
to go-anywhere wardrobe. “I guess now it’s
a one-stop shop because that’s how Claire
and I wear all our PE, in an active sense, Cap, $50, PE NATION,
in a street sense,” says Edwards. “We’re using pe-nation.com
a lot of rigid denim because of that ’90s
vibe,” explains Tregoning. “So everything is
a mid- to high-rise with
our signature stripes.”
But denim, for
a fitness brand? In
2018, is it about
breaking the rules?
Edwards can’t help but
laugh. “It’s about being
comfortable to be
honest, and that’s really
awesome – finally!”
Words: Genevra Leek. Photography: Pablo Martin

since launching in 2016, is called

United In Sport and makes for the
first time they’re doing menswear.
(still-life); Instagram: @p.e.nation

“It’s something Claire and I love,” says

Edwards. “We get all our inspiration from
menswear and we’ve had a lot of demand Top, $259, PE NATION,
around it.” With the data showing more and pe-nation.com

more guys were pinching from the girls, it

made sense to answer the call – revolutionary
when you consider sportswear brands
traditionally start out with men’s, not the other
Jacket, $199, PE NATION, way around. “Everything’s unisex now,” says
pe-nation.com
Trainers, $110,

32
Shorts, $109, PE NATION, PE NATION X REEBOK,
pe-nation.com pe-nation.com; available
February 1
INFINITE STYLING

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 @tatanaka
first

TRY THIS:

wear
the
rainbow
Bag, $4,600,
strap, $2,250,
both CHRISTIAN DIOR,
(02) 9229 4600

Summer’s latest
trend comes with
a full spectrum
of possibility
Rainbows spark joy. Plain and simple.
The sheer sight of one will lead to rainbow Dress, $1,590,
ROMANCE WAS BORN,
emoji Instagram Stories, big smiles and romancewasborn.com
a “storm is over” sense of elation. So when the
resort runways, street-style royalty and up-and-
coming labels such as Rosie Assoulin and Tata
Naka all deliver their own arc of colour in the
form of pleated skirts and striped dresses, you
know you’ll want to chase this rainbow. Ease
into the trend by pairing a striped knit with
block-hued pants (to help shake off any
bloc
kindergarten vibes) or by replacing your black
ki
tote withh ourful carryall. If your 2018 goal
is to g t happy, i a good place to start. Words and styling: Claudia Jukic. Photography: Pablo Martin
(still-life); Imaxtree; Jason Lloyd-Evans; Instagram: @tatanaka

If your goal is to get

happy, a rainbow is
Carolina Herrera

Knit, $270, GANNI,

modesportif.com
a good place to start
Bag, $24.95, ZARA,

34 (02) 9376 7600

 WITH HER BIG DAY IN SIGHT, HERE’S HOW ANNA
HEINRICH IS PREPPING FOR HER BEST HAIR EVER
Planning a wedding is super stressful, something
Anna Heinrich,
Anna Heinrich knows about firsthand. Anna’s ultimate
Pantene hair goal is to keep her strands strong and healthy in the
Ambassador lead up, with prep steps in place to get long, shiny
tresses in time for the big day.
STEP 1: SET HAIR GOALS Anna’s glossy blonde hair is
her trademark, so she’s focussed on keeping it strong for
her big day. “Your hair can make or break a look, so
I know the importance of healthy, shiny hair, which
all starts with the right shampoo and conditioner.”
STEP 2: GET A REGIMEN Anna knows every day
counts towards reaching her wedding hair goals, so she’s
pairing Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo
with 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner to strengthen and
repair damage every day. “I’m all about maintaining
strong, healthy hair so I can create a long, shiny base for
whatever style I choose.”
STEP 3: TRANSFORM FROM ALL ANGLES While
perfect products are the first step to Anna’s dream
wedding hair, what happens outside the shower counts
too. “I’ll be making sure I’m eating the right foods to
support healthy, shiny hair, and will try to give my hair a
break from heat styling on my days off.”

Remingt
on
S
ch
ulz,
Pantene H
air

Am
assador b

“Boost the efforts

of conditioner by
squeezing out
moisture and
combing through
for maximum
coverage”
 Actress Sophie Lowe has made a name
STREAMING: for herself revelling in controversial roles,
and now she’s hit her stride

the
Lowe
down She may have spent the past few years cutting her teeth in LA like
any young Australian actress with talent, but Sophie Lowe isn’t
blithely drinking the La-La Land Kool Aid. “I feel like Australians
aren’t really afraid to offend people, so I get roles that I can really
express myself in and test my abilities,” she says. Her latest role is
no exception, in the TV remake of the seminal 1992 film Romper
Stomper, which kickstarted Russell Crowe’s career (and its warranted
share of controversy in the process). While fictional, the original
mirrored racial tensions at the time, with writer and director Geoffrey
Wright depicting a group of Anglo-Australian skinheads violently
targeting those in Melbourne’s Vietnamese population. This time
around, inspired by more recent news headlines, a far-right
paramilitary group called Patriot Blue direct their vitriol and violence
at the Muslim community. Lowe’s character in the series, Zoe, is
married to the organisation’s leader.
“It was hard to play a character where I personally hated
everything she stood for,” admits Lowe. “I couldn’t relate to her at
all, but I had to make her believable. You don’t often get to push
yourself like that.” But Zoe is more than just a sounding board
for her husband’s agenda. “She’s kind of the backbone of the
whole organisation, more than she lets on to even her husband,
because she wants him to feel like he’s in control. She’s a lot
more than what she seems at first glance. That’s what is so
interesting about her.”
Lowe isn’t a stranger to divisive roles. One of her first, in
the Australian film Beautiful Kate, was as a young girl at the
centre of a family haunted by an incestuous past. It’s a confronting
story, but in the capable hands of writer and director Rachel
Ward, and carried by a cast that included Ben Mendelsohn, Bryan
Brown and Rachel Griffiths, the film was lauded for its nuanced
portrayal of a family with complex demons, and it
landed Lowe an AFI nomination
for Best Lead Actress. More STAY TUNED:
@sophielowelowe
given up adjusting and are just like, ‘Oh well, this is what it is.’” As for
coping mechanisms? “I play lots of video games,” she says. “I also
have a bunch of friends here, and I’m constantly FaceTiming my
parents and friends [in Australia]. But I don’t want to settle on that,
I want to feel comfortable.”
Also a singer and songwriter, Lowe is typically known as an actress
who then veered into music – but she recalls she was writing songs
long before she tried her hand at acting. “Music’s always been there,
but now it feels more like another career than a hobby.” Though she
adds, “Acting is where I can actually make money.” But prioritising
her film career wasn’t so much a sensible choice as
a natural instinct for someone who, growing up, would watch Baz
Luhrmann’s epic Romeo + Juliet on repeat while reading along (“like
a nerd”) from the script. “Acting was just something I couldn’t possibly
not do. It’s everything that I love. The thing about music that I really
enjoy is that I can be in control of it – with acting you’re kind of waiting
for other people to give you a chance. With music I can express
myself in the way I want to, which is really grounding.”
With a starring role across from Charlotte Rampling under her belt
in the indie flick Waiting For The Miracle To Come, Lowe
will soon be seen in Above Suspicion, based on the real-
life affair between FBI agent Mark Putnam (played by Jack

recently, she was a teen with Want more Sophie Huston) and his informant (Emilia Clarke), which led
a volatile crush on a much Lowe? Check out her Putnam to serve 10 years in prison for her death (Putnam
older family friend in the musical talent for was the first US federal agent to be convicted of homicide).
hit TV series The Slap, and yourself – her latest Lowe plays Putnam’s wife Kathy, who reportedly drank
took on the role of Kitty in The single, “Trust”, herself to death during her husband’s sentence. Though
Beautiful Lie, a retelling of Anna Karenina. is out now. a considerable role, it’s not something she’s taking for
After being cast in a spate of US-based productions, granted on the roller-coaster ride that is Hollywood –
working with an Australian cast again for Romper between writing and recording new music, she’s still very
Stomper “felt like this big family”, an antidote to the “weird bubble” much in the midst of auditioning. “I’m back in one place
that is Los Angeles, which Lowe admits she’s still settling into, despite so I’m going to start doing some more studio time... And
having lived there for about a year. “It’s hard to adjust. I wonder if the just hoping for another job. That would be cool.”
people telling me I’ll be fine are just saying that because they’ve Romper Stomper will air on Stan from January 1

36
 fi t
FILM:
This month,,
three of yyour
favourite leadinng
ladies are
taking on
biographical
Meryl Streep roles that prove
fact usually
STARS IN THE POST
In what could be 2018’s equivalent of
is stranger
Spotlight, Steven Spielberg directs a cast than fiction
with some serious Hollywood clout (think
Tom Hanks, Alison Brie, Sarah Paulson
and Oscar winner Streep) in The Post, an
account of The Washington Post’s reportage was known to frolic at Martha’s Vineyard
on the Pentagon Papers, classified documents with the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis
that detailed the country’s previously and the Reagans.
undisclosed – and largely problematic – FOLLOW-UP READING: Graham’s own
political and military involvement in the Pulitzer-winning memoir, Personal History.
Vietnam War. Streep plays the much- The Post is in cinemas January 11
respected Washington Post publisher
Katharine Graham, who, along with
the paper’s editor at the time, Ben Michelle
Bradlee (played by Hanks), defied threats
from the Nixon administration to go
public on the leaks. Graham led the
Williams
STARS IN ALL THE MONEY
paper for two crucial decades, also IN THE WORLD
overseeing its Pulitzer Prize-winning In a testament to the old adage
reportage on the Watergate scandal, and “mo’ money, mo’ problems”, in
1973, teenage oil heir John Paul
Words: Elle McClure. Photography: Clarke Tolton; Getty Images; Instagram: @sophielowelowe
The Post
Getty III was kidnapped by
members of an Italian crime
ring in an attempt to swindle
a ransom from his grandfather,
J Paul Getty – believed to
be the world’s richest private
citizen. In this dramatic Ridley
Scott-directed retelling of the
ordeal, Michelle Williams stars
as the boy’s mother Gail Harris,
who becomes increasingly
desperate as his grandfather –
despite his incredible wealth
– refuses to pay the sum. Avoid googling
the story and instead see how it all
went down when All The Money In The
World hits cinemas.
All The Money In The World
FOLLOW-UP READING: Painfully Rich: The
Outrageous Fortune And Misfortunes Of
The Heirs Of J Paul Getty, by biographer John
Pearson, which will leave you feeling content
with the humble contents of your own bank
account, thank you very much.
All The Money In The World is in cinemas
January 4
Jessica
Chastain
STARS IN MOLLY’S GAME
If you thought your own side hustle was
a bit risky, it’s got nothing on that of Molly
Bloom, an Olympic-level skier who came
to rule her own high-stakes (and highly
illegal) poker ring for some of the world’s
most influential players – including
Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck and Tobey
Maguire, and even several Russian mob
members. In the directorial debut of
Academy Award-winning screenwriter
Aaron Sorkin (the mind behind blockbusters
such as The West Wing, A Few Good Men,
The Social Network and Moneyball),
Chastain takes on the role of the bad-ass
poker master, and the story of how, ethics
aside, she ultimately came to dominate
a bona-fide boys’ club.
FOLLOW-UP READING:
DON’T MISS: Bloom’s memoir of the same
Margot Robbie triple name, which inspired the film.
axels her way onto Molly’s Game is in cinemas
the big screen as January 25
troubled ice-skater
Tonya Harding – who
was implicated in an
attack on rival Nancy
Kerrigan during the
1994 Olympic
trials – in I, Tonya.
In cinemas January 25
Molly’s Game
 Fleabag

The Town Hall Affair

ARTS:

art A FEMALE
GAZE
starters
hot mess whose inner diatribe
will strike a chord with those Author, activist and academic
who possess a similarly morbid Germaine Greer was a “nasty
sense of humour. woman” long before it became

Jamila Woods
January 22-27; a tag necessary of reclaiming
sydneyfestival.org.au from a certain sunset-hued
president, so her words are likely
to assume a new pertinence
Put your “do more FROM when she appears in
interesting shit” conversation at Sydney Festival

resolution into OUT BRAZIL, for one night only. Feeling

stirred? Follow it up with a ticket
motion with some OF THE WITH LOVE to The Town Hall Affair,

of the hottest a reimagining of the fiery

tickets across the WOODS Over four years, performance-

art maestro Marina Abramovic’
1971 debate around women’s
liberation issues between

Sydney Festival Hailing from Chicago, Jamila

Woods describes herself as
travelled through
partaking in the sometimes-
Brazil, author Norman Mailer and
leading feminists, such as
and MONA’s a “poet”, “mystic” and “sister”, extreme spiritual rituals of Greer and Jill Johnston, which
summer festival, but she’s most famed
for her undoubtable talent
traditional peoples – ranging
from shamanic healing sessions
took place in New York’s
Town Hall.
Mofo, in Tasmania and social conscience as
a singer-songwriter, which
to experimenting with ayahuasca
– chasing “personal healing
Germaine Greer appears
on January 8, The Town Hall
has seen her garner and artistic inspiration” and Affair runs January 7-13;
Tree Of Codes

THE XX collabs with Chance The

Rapper (who featured on her
documenting it along the way
(think Eat Pray Love, but
sydneyfestival.org.au

FACTOR
If your appetite for all things
The xx can’t be sated by just
one performance this month
(they’re touring our east coast
from January 13 to 20), then you
won’t want to miss the Tree
Of Codes ballet at Sydney
Festival – it’s soundtracked by
the trio’s frontman Jamie xx.
An adaptation of Jonathan
Safran Foer’s novel of the
same name (which, in a very
meta turn of events, is actually
a retelling of Bruno Schulz’s
book The Street Of Crocodiles),
the Wayne McGregor-
choreographed work comes
alive to the British producer’s
track “LSD”) and Macklemore.
Catch her for a special
performance at Mofo, before
on hallucinogens). See the
resulting film, Marina Abramovic’
In Brazil: The Space In Between,
she heads to Melbourne to when it makes its Australian
play Sugar Mountain. debut as part of Mofo.
January 19; January 19-20; mofo.net.au
mofo.net.au
FLEA
BITES
If you’ve managed to pin
down a streaming link to
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s cult
hit Fleabag (if you haven’t,
keep at it – and godspeed),
now you can catch the play
that inspired the BAFTA Award-
winning series. Presented
Marina Abramovic’ In Brazil:

dreamy strain of electronica. as a monologue, Maddie

The Space In Between

January 6-10; Rice takes on the persona

sydneyfestival.org.au of Fleabag, an unashamed
Tree Of Codes

38
 LOOK first
ALL AUSSIE
ADVENTURES:
*
FALLS FESTIVAL HAS SOME
“As difficult HUGE INTERNATIONAL
ACTS, BUT NO-ONE
and sensitive as CAN SOUNDTRACK
they are, these ALL-DAY BEER-SWILLING
HEDONISM LIKE
topics need to THESE LOCALS
be discussed” Falls Festival runs until January 7;
fallsfestival.com

a friend. “As difficult and sensitive as they are,

*
these topics need to be discussed,” says
Donnelly, making it obvious she’s the kind of
alt-rock star we need in a post-Weinstein world.
“Otherwise our society’s dirty habit of blaming
victims of sexual assault and making excuses the smith
for perpetrators will never be broken... When street band
I first played the song, it became apparent that On the surface, The Smith Street

telling it
my experience was shared Band might seem like another
@stelladonnelly

by so many people. I love rowdy, all-dude punk-rock band, but

how making music moves pay close attention and you’ll soon
from being a really personal realise frontman Wil Wagner waxes
activity to sharing that lyrical about the minutiae of life and

like it is
MUSIC: personal thing with people in love with the emotiveness of a young
a public space.” Paul Kelly. While their latest record,
With a range of musical More Scared Of You Than You Are
influences from singer- Of Me, is a chronicle of a colossal,
songwriter Billy Bragg (“I can all-consuming break-up, listen out for
thank his early romantic the exception-to-the-rule tracks (like
Stella Donnelly albums for the way I write
lyrics”) to Solange Knowles
the giddily romantic “Birthdays”),
which just might be the unexpected
is commanding (“I haven’t been able to stop listening to A Seat soundtrack to your next summer fling.
attention (and At The Table since it came out”), the Fremantle- CROWD PLEASER: “Death

adoration) with her based 25-year-old is part of an extraordinary

crop of talent coming out of WA, in company with
To The Lads”.

refreshingly woke Tame Impala, Pond and San Cisco.

songwriting style
On Instagram, Stella Donnelly is endearingly
witty, down to earth (see: unflattering selfies
and a text reminding her nan about an
upcoming gig) and humbly supportive of her
peers, whether it’s her bandmates in groups
Boat Show and Bells
Words: Elle McClure. Photography: Richard Davenport; Ravi Deepres;
Having just finished touring her first EP, Thrush
Metal, around the country – not to mention
taking out Triple J’s Unearthed Artist of the Year
and the Levi’s Music Prize – Donnelly looks set to
cement her incredible promise with a debut
album, which is currently in the works. This month, dune rats
she’ll take to the stage at Melbourne’s Sugar Despite their unapologetic,
Mountain, before heading home to Fremantle zero-fucks-given schtick, it’d be
for a slot at Laneway Festival in a mistake to dismiss the Dune Rats as

Rapids, or the female artists stella tells... February. Best to catch her while merely music your brother and his
paving her way, such as SOUNDTRACK TO AN you can, because in March mates listen to in your parents’ garage
Joel Chester Fildes; Steve Gunther; Ian Laidlaw; Zoe Rain

Ali Barter and Alex Lahey.
But like all your favourite
girl crushes, she’s also
unashamedly straight-talking
and unafraid to be searing
on the issues that matter –
such as the topic of sexual
assault in her song “Boys
Will Be Boys”, in which
she addresses the rape of
AUSTRALIAN SUMMER?
Dr G Yunupingu. So beautiful.
NEW YEAR’S
RESOLUTION?
Do a handstand in yoga
without kicking anyone
in the face.
DREAM DAY OFF?
In bed, eating mee goreng,
watching Broad City. I wish
I could lie to you and say
“doing a pottery class” or
something cool, but I can’t.
she’ll take her lo-fi sound to
Austin’s South By Southwest
Music Festival – an impressive
coup that loosely translates to
“destined for big things”.
sugarmountainfestival.com
(while doing things you’d rather not
know about) – they’re fast proving to
be formidable Aussie talent. Their
most recent album, The Kids Will
Know It’s Bullshit, went straight to the
top of the ARIA charts, and their
shows are instant sell-outs. Engage in
some Dunies debauchery and rest
assured you’ll have something to
talk to your brother about at the
next family get-together.
CROWD PLEASER: “Bullshit”.
39
TECH:
TOP 3 SMART

wireless for SPEAKERS

sound
The new home
One, $299, SONOS,
sonos.com
A six-way microphone
sound systems means you’ll be able to

are small, sharp tell it what to play from

any room, plus the sound
and smarter than quality is crisper than an

most scholars Antarctic morning.

No longer are home speakers the

bulky accoutrements you’d feel
the need to hide behind your
healthiest fiddle leaf fig, dropping
out (just when the playlist is getting
good) every time the person
connected to the Bluetooth has to Soundlink Micro, $170,
BOSE, bose.com.au
field a call – the new-gen speakers
have more power and better sound The Lara Croft of
quality than you’ll ever need, and speakers: it’s compact,
are imbued with the most useful waterproof and comes
features technology has afforded us. with a belt strap for
The latest releases now have access those times you just want
to most streaming services built-in, to jam while hanging
mitigating the need for a device to out the washing.
hook up to – and you can forget
clumsily trying to adjust the volume
manually, as most can now fulfil all
your whims via voice command.
And much like the Bang & Olufsen
styles Saint Laurent stamped its mark
on for a recent collab (exclusively
stocked in Parisian cool-kid hangout Home Mini, $79, GOOGLE,
store.google.com
Colette just before it closed), they
Has 360-degree sound
look as good as they sound.
and a built-in “assistant”
At the forefront is Sonos, which, in a game-
changing move, has opened up a platform THE RAVEN that’ll play your music
and read out your
through which third-party developers (such as
those behind voice-recognition services) can R IS AN recipes in the kitchen.
integrate their technology with Sonos’ hardware.
The most exciting partnership to come so far ADORABLE eschewing the dainty monikers (looking
at you, Siri and Aleexa) to simply be named
might be with Alexa, Amazon’s savvy personal
assistant, which originally required the Echo ROBOT WITH the Raven R and Raven
R
robot that also has
Q. If an adorable
h immaculate taste in
device to run, but will be seamlessly integrated
into many of Sonos’ upcoming launches. Google IMMACULATE music is your idea of the perfect
invention, look to the Raven R, which has
Assistant is set to follow in 2018.
One of the biggest slow-burns of the tech
world will, in early 2018, culminate in Apple
MUSIC TASTE several joints that allows it to move with
your commands a
a companion for
and – in case you’d like
f that post-break-up
launching its HomePod, which – despite being Adele binge – the ability to express
announced last June – was held back by the tech giant for months, emotions. The Raven Q is still in development, but promises to include
saying it needed more time to perfect. Like all the most-anticipated cutting-edge features such as simultaneous localisation and mapping,
releases, details are vague, but Apple has promised high-quality audio often used in self-driving cars, and natural language processing,
through Apple Music streaming, and a built-in Siri for voice commands. which allows devices to recognise the nua ances of how people
In China, web service provider Baidu, after taking over AI start-up naturally speak. So, unlike you, it won’t be ab ble to pretend to ignore
Raven Tech, will soon launch two home speaker system-cum-robots, your drunk friend’s slurred requests for “just onee more Beyoncé song”.

40
 BOOKS:
LOOK first

A MONTH IN

of THE COUNTRY
BY JL CARR
$16.99, PENGUIN
Nominated for the Man Booker and

summer FEEL FREE

BY ZADIE SMITH
If there’s one woman
whose words you want to
seep into your subconscious
as you fall into a hot
afternoon slumber, its Zadie
ultimately taking out the
1980 Guardian Fiction
prize, this classic story –
a war veteran’s reflection
of a summer spent restoring
a medieval mural in a small
village church – is a moving
examination of the healing
Smith’s. Her new collection power of art and time.
of essays, Feel Free, is
TO THE

BOOK OF THE MONTH

guaranteed to stir you as
much as the rest of her LIGHTHOUSE
works (and is the perfect BY VIRGINIA WOOLF
entry point to her effortless $22.99, PENGUIN
With warm wit and insight if – despite It’s not exactly “light”

days and long your best intentions – you

still haven’t plucked Swing
reading, but like many of
the feminist pioneer’s works,
nights stretched Time off the bookshelf). To The Lighthouse remains

out before us, Feel Free ($35,

Hamish Hamilton)
a modernist classic 90
years after it first appeared
it’s time to dive is out January 29 on shelves (it took out the

into one of these This is the latest instalment of

the ELLE Book Club, where
Prix Femina Vie Heureuse
Anglais award in 1928).
award-winning each month we recommend
one read we know you’ll love. Woolf’s observations of
and much-loved To win a copy of this one,
head to ELLE.com.au/win
the tensions in family
relationships – told
holiday reads through the eyes of the
Of The Flies-like take on the ultimate Ramsays, who spend their summers on
island holiday gone wrong. The takeaway? Scotland’s Isle of Skye – make for necessary
Strangers’ promises of a tropical island with reading before any family holiday.
a free-flowing weed supply are almost
HOT MILK always too good to be true. THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY
BY DEBORAH LEVY BY PATRICIA HIGHSMITH
$22.99, PENGUIN CALL ME BY YOUR NAME $29.99, VIRAGO
This Man Booker-shortlisted tale sees the BY ANDRÈ ACIMAN The joy of the original incarnation of this sun-
restless Sofia – usually at the whim of her $19.99, ATLANTIC drenched thriller is that, unlike the film, once
hypochondriac mother, who suffers a vague André Aciman’s story of a young boy’s you’ve devoured it whole, there are four
and mysterious illness that baffles and sexual awakening – spurred on by the arrival books that follow (in case you needed any
Words: Elle McClure; Jenna Clarke. Photography: Inconnu/Trunk Archive; Chris Jansen (still-life)

frustrates mostly everyone else – seek
out independence and hedonism while
the two visit yet another doctor, this time in the
south of Spain. What results is a unique and
powerful exploration of the ties that bind
daughters to their mothers long after their
own adulthood has come around.
THE BEACH
BY ALEX GARLAND
$22.99, PENGUIN
The film adaptation may have been
a commercial flop (despite giving us
almost two hours of PLD – Prime
Leonardo DiCaprio), but the novel on
which it was based earned Garland
the Betty Trask Prize for his horrifying Lord
of an older friend of his father’s during
a family holiday in the Italian countryside –
earned the author a Lambda Literary Award
in 2007 (and is the basis of the much-lauded
film of the same name).
CLOUDSTREET
BY TIM WINTON
$26.99, PENGUIN
Set over a period of 20 years, summer days
spent prawn fishing and picnicking on the
banks of the Swan River punctuate this
Australian classic, which won master
storyteller Winton the Miles Franklin Award.
There’s a good reason why this book is to
Australian bookshelves what Bibles are
to motel rooms’ bedside drawers.
more impetus to make few plans between
now and when you have to go back to work).
BONJOUR TRISTESSE
BY FRANÇOISE SAGAN
$19.99, PENGUIN
Despite earning its 18-year-old French
author the Prix Des Critiques when it was
published in 1954 (under the pen name of
Françoise Sagan), Bonjour Tristesse’s tale
of a teenage protagonist who starts an
affair with an older man while holidaying
with her father on the Côte d’Azur was
considered “disturbing” at the time, with
portions of its English translation edited out
as a result. Now published in its entirety, it
makes for an enchanting summer read.

41

DRINK:
mocktail
hour
Cocktails and
summer go
together like
Romy and
While teetotallers used to
have to settle for boring, Michele or fish
sugar-laden soft drinks or and chips. But
juices on a night out with
friends, non-alcoholic spirits what if booze
are now here to save your no longer wets
liver, head and hip pocket.
Abstaining from alcohol
your whistle?
is a growing trend in
Australia. A DrinkWise study found just 11 per
cent of respondents were teetotallers back in
2007, while in 2017, about 20 per cent said
they now do without Dutch courage. Our British
cousins are also getting off the sauce. The
number of adults who drink alcohol in the UK
is now at its lowest level since 2005. For its
latest version of the Census, about 10.6 million
people indicated they didn’t drink.
One of those is Ben Branson, the founder of
Seedlip, a distilled non-alcoholic spirit that is
sugar-, sweetener-, allergen- and calorie-free.
The former design agency boss created
the tipple in his kitchen in 2015 after he bought
a copper-pot still and began purifying a variety
of herbs, plants and spices while reading
John French’s The Art Of Distillation. He now
carries a copy of the 350-year-old book
with him at all times. “They were really
mad back then,” he says. “They were trying
42
to find the elixir of life. They were trying to
turn water into gold.”
It’s something he’s on track to doing with his
top-shelf offering, which secured the financial
backing of the world’s largest distiller Diageo
a year after launching. “For them to make their
first investment in 257 years in a non-alcoholic
product is a great marker for us in terms of the
way the world is changing. It’s day one and it’s
a minute past midnight,” Branson says. “The
way people are choosing to drink these days is
not a fad. It should be normal that when you go
out you can experience a great alcohol and
a great non-alcohol list.”
His Garden 108 drop is made predominantly
from peas that take 108 days to sow, grow
and pick before they undergo a six-week
bottling process. The
Yang to that Yin is
Spice 94, made from
allspice berries sourced
from Jamaica. Branson,
who in his downtime
enjoys taxidermy and
pressing flowers, is now
experimenting with a non-
alcoholic Negroni – the
“Nogroni” – using
Seedlip, teas that take six
hours to brew and about
20 other ingredients.
Seedlip is in more
than 100 Michelin-starred
restaurants including the world’s best restaurant,
Eleven Madison Park. Renowned party girl
Kate Moss now buys it by the case. She drinks it,
mixed with tonic water, in the bath after work
and serves it to her friends when they pop in.
Demi Moore apparently “stole” a bottle from
the supermodel’s house – something Branson
learnt when he was summoned recently to her
Notting Hill office to devise a signature drink for
one of her famous parties. Chin-chin.
Garden 108 and Spice 94, $49.95 each,
SEEDLIP, davidjones.com.au
FOOD:
MEALS
ON WHEELS
REDUX
CHICKEN SOUP MAY
SOOTHE THE SOUL, BUT NOT
AS MUCH AS A HOMEMADE,
LOW-FODMAP AND
HAND-DELIVERED VERSION
Socrates once said: “Worthless people
live only to eat and drink; people of worth
eat and drink only to live.” Clearly he never
experienced a Lune croissant, if so his
philosophy would reflect one Twitter user’s
trending rhetoric: “Why am I more invested
in The Great British Bake Off than I am in
my own life.” Like bandage dresses, the
days of MasterChef-inspired snow eggs
and “plating up” may be cooling, with
fussy food being replaced by a growing
hunger for homemade goods crafted
with love (and natural sugars).
This return to a more Kerrigan-family style
of eating has been quietly bubbling on
Australia’s collective stove as food-delivery
services such as UberEats and Deliveroo
dominated our mealtimes and ate up our
data in 2017. While Menulog, the first
foodie app to take off in Australia more
than 10 years ago, continues to grow, with
over 9,000 restaurants on the platform, the
founders have now set up a venture that
focuses more on domestic gods and
goddesses wanting to earn a side hustle.
FoodByUs creators Gary Munitz,
Tim Chandler and Ben Lipschitz appear
to have taken their new mantra from the
aforementioned stars of The Castle: “Why
would you want to go out to a restaurant
when this keeps coming up night after
night?” The concept is Meals On Wheels
for the younger, albeit upwardly mobile,
generation; delivering comfort food
with a side of conscience. Home cooks
create the food they love then set their own
prices, but their dishes are only allowed
to cross the virtual pass after undergoing
a series of taste tests. “We only accept
top makers and every purchase must get
rated by the buyer so everyone gets the
best quality,” says Lipschitz.
Some notable creations include Alessio
from the next suburb’s $15 vegan charcoal
fettuccine and $18 cashew butter and
chocolate-chip biscuits made by part-time
caterer, full-time coeliac Denise. Dining out,
but in, never tasted so good.

LIFE SKILLS:
the NEW
In 2018, we WILL quit trying to conquer our email inbox
Last March, writer Melissa Febos posed
a question via an essay in literary magazine
Catapult: “Do you want to be known
for your writing, or for your swift email
responses?” She argued that the solution to
our being overwhelmed by emails isn’t to
bow down to the increasingly accepted
expectation of immediate response. She
was onto something.
Research suggests we spend around
13 hours per week reading and responding
to emails. As author and entrepreneur Tim
Ferriss puts it, “Email eats so much time. First,
because it’s everyone else’s agenda for
your time, often including manufactured
emergencies. Second, email allows you
to fool yourself into thinking you’re being
productive.” Basically put, we have an
email etiquette problem. We are either
placing our own importance ahead of
others, or creating more work for everyone
by pretending to be productive.
At this point, it’s almost a given our email
will continue to spiral out of control. In 2017,
the estimated number of global email users
was 3.7 billion, with the number of emails
Words: Jenna Clarke; Madeleine Dore; Genevra Leek. Photography:
sent per day projected to reach a massive
Sevak Babakhani (still-life); foodbyus.com.au; Jason Lloyd-Evans
269 billion (up 64 billion on 2015). What
we need is to set new rules to help us send
and (please, dear God) receive less.
Prioritising work of importance while still
managing emails comes down to a choice
to be imperfect at the latter. With that in mind,
here’s the 2018 guide to email etiquette…
LOOK first
MANAGE
EMAIL LIKE
A BOSS
From: ELLE Australia
Sent: Monday, January 1, 2018 at 12.39pm *likeFreeUnroll.me
decluttering tools
can help
To: Everyone manage your subscription
Subject: New year, new inbox emails so you can
unsubscribe from all those
1. Exercise agency: On average, people mailing lists you don’t
respond to an email notification within six remember signing up for
seconds, but each interruption requires up to nine in the first place, or roll
minutes of mental recovery. The University of upyour favourites.
California found when people checked email out
of their own volition rather than being prompted, * Boomerang for Gmail
lets you control when
they reported higher productivity. Want to get yousend and receive
out the door on time? Switch notifications off. emails, reminds you if
2. Don’t apologise: That viral tweet, “Adulthood youdon’t hear back from
is emailing ‘Sorry for the delayed response!’ back someone in a specific
and forth until one of you dies”, has never felt more time frame and takes
relevant. Most emails don’t have deadlines, so messages out of your
why apologise? Rather than the onus being on inbox until you actually
the recipient, become a better sender. State need them (like
a deadline if you have one, and if not, let’s cut Monday,8am, not
each other some slack. A good alternative to Friday, cocktail o’clock).
apologising: “Thank you for your patience.”
3. Check yourself: The more we send, the more * Smart app Spark (for
Mac and iOS) divides
we receive. Cull nicety-only replies such as “Great, your emails into personal,
thanks” and keep emails to five sentences or less. newsletters and
Write a clear subject line and ensure the first notifications, and
sentence provides the reason for emailing, understands which of
the action required and any time sensitivity. your emails are the most
4. Rethink the automatic response: It’s important, bringing them
useful for setting expectations, but can be to the top of the list.
condescending. Avoid busy-bragging about your
overloaded inbox and only include information * Google’s Smart Reply
feature on its Gmail app
that makes the next email interaction smoother (on Android and iOS)
– eg. links to FAQs or what times you check your uses artificial intelligence
inbox and answer emails (see Zoë Foster Blake: to suggest answers to
“I now check it twice daily, and reply only to those your incoming emails
that are critical. Or from Beyoncé”). A little humour – one final reason for
also goes a long way in smoothing over any throwback Yahoo users to
e-rage upon receiving your OOO. Meanwhile, make the switch (looking
you’ll be sipping Aperol by the Aegean. at you hiphopgirl99).
43
 INSIDER:

an aussie
in paris Amid a packed Paris
Fashion Week schedule
(Saint Laurent, Valentino,
Miu Miu, oh my!), South
Sudan-born, Adelaide-
based model Adut Akech
cracked open her suitcase Shirt, $690,
dress, $790, both
of Australian favourites. CHRISTOPHER ESBER,
christopheresber.com.au
The result? An afternoon
of primping, playing
dress-ups and
unexpected snacks

“I love the French

skincare brand
Embryolisse –
especially the radiant
eye stick, micellar
lotion and 24-hour PH OT OG RAPH Y BY
miracle cream.” I V A NA M A RT Y N- Z Y Z NI KO W
Dress, $795, ELLERY,
ellery.com; glasses, S T Y L I N G BY
$1,400, SENER BESIM, “Deep brown gloss
senerbesim.com; earrings, is my current M I KE Y A Y O U B I
$979, MEADOWLARK,
meadowlarkjewellery.com
obsession. Right
now I’m all about
Chestnut Lipglass
by M.A.C and
this matte
As told to: Claudia Jukic. Hair: Jacob Rozenberg. Makeup: Tiffany
Patton at Bernstein & Andriulli. Model: Adut Akech at Chadwick

Balmain lipstick.”
“My favourite labels
at the moment are
Alice McCall,
Finders Keepers Jacket, $1,995,
and Zimmermann. ELLERY, ellery.com
Femme but fun.”
Top, $640,
ROMANCE WAS BORN,
romancewasborn.com;
pants, $450, WHITE
STORY, whitestory.com.au

44
 first

Top, $160,
jeans, $1,800,
both ROMANCE
WAS BORN,
romancewasborn.com;
trainers, NIKE,
Adut’s own

Bag, ALEXANDER
McQUEEN,
a purchase
from Paris

“While I’m addicted

to croissants, I’ve
actually become
obsessed with
Parisian hot dogs.
The Clark stand in
Le Marais is the best.”
Jacket, $340, pants,
$280, both BÚL,
bul.com.au; blouse,
$300, WHITE STORY,
whitestory.com.au;
shoes, $995, ELLERY,
ellery.com; earring,
$440, NATASHA
SCHWEITZER,
natashaschweitzer.com
Dress, $340, BÚL,
bul.com.au

From below left: boots, $495,

MACGRAW, macgraw.com.au;
shoes, $995, ELLERY,
ellery.com; boots, Adut’s own;
shoes, $995, ELLERY,
ellery.com; heels, $559,
ROMANCE WAS BORN,
romancewasborn.com

“I always have loud music

playing when I’m getting
ready. Currently it’s SZA.”
Jacket, $1,035, MACGRAW,
macgraw.com.au
45
THE
ELLE Jumpsuit, $750, LUCY FO
OLK,

MANUAL: lucyfolk.com

HOW THE NEUTRAL

JUMPSUIT
HOLIDAYS: Unnzip the

TO DO collar and tie a bright

kerchief around d your
neck for a hit off print.
OFFICE: Keep the front

SUMMER zipped up and d add

pointed nude puumps to
up the girl-bosss ante.

STYLE
NOW
Feel-good resortwear
SUMMERR
PIECES
THAT WON’T
for when it’s too hot LOOK OUT
to fashion OF PLACE IN
THE OFFICE
If you’re currently riding the
“don’t know what day it is” high,
you’re at risk of carrying out
a few January-brain buys.
Jacket, $240, NICE MARTIN,
nicemartin.com
The number-one symptom is
purchasing another linen cover-up
that won’t work when the
nine-to-five starts up again. Never
fear! These are the pieces that can
do both: long summer lunches and
long office brainstorms. THE FRILLED
MAXI-DRESS
HO
HOLIDAYS: Slicked-back
ha
air and hoop earrings
pair perfectly with maxis.
OFFICE: Layer
a fine-ribbed rollneck
derneath to counteract
und
any aircon chill.
THE UNSTRUCTUURED
D
Dress, $320,
LINEN BLAZER STEVIE MAY,
HOLIDAYS: Throw w it steviemay.com.au
over short-shorts annd
a crop top when bea ach
plans turn to dinner plans.
OFFICE: Createe
a psuedo-suit by pairing
the relaxed blazer with
w
structured trousers in
a complementary to one.
 Shirt, $180, NICE MARTIN, nicemartin.com

natural fibres.
A shirt made of

better worn crumpled.

JANUARY

bottom. Cool, chic and

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

cuff the sleeves and pair

DRESSING

with a linen, silk or denim

METHOD: Throw one on,
FOOLPROOF
Shirt, $295, MIH JEANS, edwardsimports.com

Shirt, $70, BILLABONG, au.billabong.com

Dress, $499, GANT, (03) 9340 5200

Shirt, $325, MIH JEANS, edwardsimports.com

Shirt, $199, GANT, (03) 9340 5200

Shirt, $130, NICE MARTIN, nicemartin.com

Shirt, $320, KAREN WALKER, karenwalker.com

Dress, $377, MATIN, matinstudio.com

Shirt, $349, EQUIPMENT, edwardsimports.com

Off-White
Off Whit Alb
Albus LLumen Miu Miu Paco Rabanne Adeam
for a visor.
for a sweet hit.

your jewellery.
Add shells onto
RESORT

FEELING FRESH

of gold earrings. >

WILL HAVE YOU

Show a hint of hip.

Swap your sun hat

anything, preferably

Opt for white instead

STYLING TIPS THAT

Layer ice-cream pastels

BOOSTERS

47
THE
ELLE
MANUAL:
HOW Top, $250,

TO DO
MY GENERAL STORE,
Skirt, $395, ZIMMERMANN, mygeneral-store.com
zimmermannwear.com

SUMMER Dress, $130, NICE MARTIN,

nicemartin.com

STYLE
NOW Sunglasses, $79.95, LOCAL
SUPPLY, localsupply.com

Top, $150, MARLE,

marle.co.nz

Dress, $170,
C/MEO COLLECTIVE,
cmeocollective.com

THE ONLYY
COLOURSS
YOU SHOULLD
BE WEARIN
NG
Take your rainbow brights, leave
Top, $180, STEVIE MAY,
steviemay.com.au
them in the sun to mellow andd you’ll
discover the new desaturaated
January palette. The best part?
These tones can be worrn
head-to-toe or in a jumble of warm
khaki, mustard, dusty peach,
cookies and cream.
Singlet, $299, JAC+ JACK,
jacandjack.com

Skirt, $220, STEVIE MAY,

steviemay.com.au

Sandals, $140, TIGERLILY,

tigerlilyswimwear.com.au

Top, $439, FRAME,

edwardsimports.com

Bag, $1,725, HERMÈS,

(02) 9287 3200

Dress, $240, MARLE,

marle.co.nz

Dress, $295, MY GENERAL STORE,

mygeneral-store.com

Shoes, $149, MIMCO,

mimco.com.au

Sunglasses, $99.95, COUNTRY ROAD,

countryroad.com.au
 Pants, $426, FRAME,
Top, $449, MIH JEANS, edwardsimports.com
edwardsimports.com

Hat, $130, COMMUNITIE,

mychameleon.com.au

Pants, $139, COUNTRY ROAD,

countryroad.com.au
Top, $439, FRAME,
edwardsimports.com

Shorts, $350, LUCY FOLK,

lucyfolk.com

Bag, $99.95, COUNTRY ROAD,

countryroad.com.au

Dress, $1,100, ZIMMERMANN,

zimmermannwear.com

Sunglasses, $321,
ELIZABETH AND JAMES,
bloomingdales.com
Dress, $
$170, FINDERS KEEPERS
KEEPERS,
finderskeepersthelabel.com.au

Sandals, $220, ANCIENT GREEK

SANDALS, tuchuzy.com

Dress, $299, MORRISON,

morrisonshop.com

Pants, $429, GINGER & SMART,

gingerandsmart.com Shoes, $249, ST AGNI,
st-agni.com >
THE
ELLE
MANUAL:
HOW
TO DO
SUMMER Sandals, $89, NOMADIC

STYLE STATE OF MIND,

mamapapa.com.au

NOW Hat, $280, MY ISLAND

HOME, myislandhome.com.au

Shoes, $99,
CALL ME THE BREEZE,
callmethebreeze.com.au
RAFFIA AND
ROPE ARE THE
NEW LEATHER
AND SUEDE. Slides, $139,
CALL ME THE BREEZE,
callmethebreeze.com.au

Bag, $120, SOEUR,

mamapapa.com.au
THE
TEXTURE Hat, $160,

UPDATE
This summer, the textures you
MY ISLAND HOME,
myislandhome.com.au

should be investing in have

worn-in charm – think natural
Bag, $249, MIMCO,
mimco.com.au and woven in go-with-
anything neutrals.

Clutch, $29.95, SPORTSGIRL,

sportsgirl.com.au

NO HAT IS
Sheet, $180, In Bed, inbedstore.com

COMPLETE
WITHOUT
DITCH THE
EXCESSIVE
NINE-TO-FIVE
FRINGING. WEAR
GLOSS AND MOVE
WITH EVERYTHING
ON TO WOVEN
UNDER THE SUN.
STRAW AND
FRAYED POMPOMS.
 Sandals, $220, ANCIENT GREEK

Sandals, $100, TIGERLILY, tigerlilyswimwear.com.au

SANDALS, tuchuzy.com

Visor, $59.95, MIMCO,

mimco.com.au

WHAT’S FLAT,
STRINGY
AND TAN
ALL OVER?

Sandals, $195, CAPRI POSITANO, capripositanosandals.com

THE SANDAL
OF SUMMER
Start with an earth-grounded
flat sole, add an excessive
amount of string to be
wrapped around the ankle
and finish in tawny, taupe or
terracotta tones. Opt for
a mini smock to show how high
Hat, $130, COMMUNITIE,
mychameleon.com.au the ties can go. This is your
barely there sandal of 2018
and beyond.

RESORT AROUND THE WORLD

FIVE SUMMERY LABELS WE’D CROSS CONTINENTS (OR PAY SHIPPING) FOR

TORONTO: SYDNEY: LOS ANGELES: NEW YORK: LONDON:

@BEAUFILLE @MYGENERAL_STORE @SHOPDOEN @WENDELBORN_NYC @RIXOLONDON >
51
THE
ELLE
MANUAL:
HOW Dress, $755, MAHSA,
TO DO mychameleon.com.au
SUMMER
STYLE
NOW
Dress, $450,
ZIMMERMANN,
zimmermannwear.com
THROWBACK MASTER
A sweet Victorian nightgown
hits the pavement.
* Commit to a colour:
coordinating accessories
will ensure the look is more
polish, less pyjama.
* Sleeves should make
a statement, whether
they’re flared, voluminous
or extra long.
* Hem length should be at the
ankle or higher for minimal
floor sweeping.
Bag, $5, E STRING BAGS,
estringbags.com.au
ETSY-INSPIRED
Your original market string
bag gets a 2.0 upgrade.
* Place your belongings in
pouches to avoid any
*
content fallout.
Wrap the strap
around your wrist for
a hands-free approach.
* Opt for an
all-complemmentary
natural-coloured string.
Bag, $120, MAMAPAPA,
mamapapa.com.au
Bag, $15, MATTEAU,
COOL matteau-swim.com
HACKS TO TRY
BEFORE THE
IT-GIRLS DO
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SEX &
TECH
Surprising, cyber-
sensual and
more pleasurable
than you could
imagine – the
second sexual
revolution is
coming. And, this
time, it’s driven
by women,
says Stephanie
Theobald
It’s 7am and your alarm wakes you up on another rainy
morning. Only the year is now 2020, so this wake-up call is
pretty exciting. Think of your body being gently teased into life
by a sex toy that looks like a mini octopus. Or your doona
getting frisky, vibrating feathery waves all over your body until
you can’t help but turn to the person lying next to you who, as luck
would have it, has three penises.
This female erotic future might seem far-fetched, but it’s not so
far away, according to sex-robot expert (yes, it is a job) and
computer scientist Dr Kate Devlin. “I’m so bored with robots that
look like female sex dolls,” says the senior lecturer in computing
at Goldsmiths, University of London. “I don’t want a robot that
looks human. Why not make one with three penises, 20 arms
and tentacles for hands?”
This kind of imaginative sexual speculation is classic “second
sexual revolution” talk. It’s a phrase I kept hearing as I drove across
the US researching the female orgasm for my book, Sex Drive.
I learnt that the much-trumpeted “sexual revolution” of the ’60s
and ’70s was tailored to men. It sounded progressive on paper:
the contraceptive pill was invented, mini-skirts and gay liberation
arrived, John and Yoko had their 1969 bed-in, and endless
surveys showed that premarital sex was on the rise. And yet
54
nobody was asking what kind of orgasms women were having.
Or, indeed, whether they were having them at all.
That’s all changing. We don’t just have women demanding an
overthrow of the “made by men, for men” sex-robot market. On
a worldwide level, women are demanding an end to the shame,
ignorance and deafening silence around real female sexuality.
Consider the thousands of women wearing “pussy hats” at the
Women’s Marches, or New York artist Sophia Wallace, whose
multimedia project, Cliteracy, 100 Natural Laws, promotes
discussion around the primary female sexual organ, the clitoris.
Which, by the way, has about 8,000 nerve endings, compared to
4,000 in a penis – that makes the vulva the Lamborghini to the
bicycle of the male genitalia.
Consider, too, 2015’s launch of OMGYes, a website where
women both explain and visually show how they have orgasms.
Incredibly, this is the first time any large-scale research has
been done about the specific techniques women use to climax
– the infamous sex researchers Kinsey, Masters and Johnson
never thought to go there. Emma Watson is a fan, announcing
in an interview with Gloria Steinem, “I wish [the website] had
been around longer!”
In San Francisco, I asked OMGYes co-founder Rob Perkins if
he was really good at having sex with women now. He smiled and
admitted, “What women want varies way more than anyone had
thought! It’s all about getting feedback, starting gently and having
a dialogue.” (I love the fact that one of the OMGYes co-founders
is a straight man – the other is a lesbian, Lydia Daniller – because
we’re going to need some enlightened sex-rev bros on board for
the exploratory new era we’re entering.)
It’s also about not worrying if you’re appearing sexy enough for
your partner. Krystyna Hutchinson, co-presenter of the hit podcast
Guys We F****d, is seeing that message trickle down. In the
 four years that she and Corinne Fisher have been
presenting their lively show, which they say has
310,000 downloads per episode, women have
“changed enormously”, she says. “Women are
constantly writing to us, or coming up to tell us that
they’re finally comfortable with asking for what they
want in bed.” The duo have just written a book, F*cked:
Being Sexually Explorative And Self-Confident In
A World That’s Screwed. The book is needed, the
authors assert, because the second sexual revolution
isn’t quite here yet. “We’re just as clueless as the women
who were sexual in the ’70s,” says Fisher. “But now
we’re more comfortable being vocal about how
completely clueless we are.”
While some might see the massive success of
Pornhub (now 10 years old and with 75 million daily
visitors) as a good thing for female pleasure expression,
a growing wave of female porn barons disagree.
“People should be more critical about their porn,” says
Erika Lust, who makes independent, female-friendly
porn. We’re talking in her sunny office in Barcelona; she
moved to the city from Sweden as a student, and
decided to stay. It’s refreshing that we don’t even need
to broach the “Is porn degrading for women?” chestnut
that was doing the rounds in the ’80s. It’s a contentious
issue, but I’m interested in a world where women are allowed to
express their erotic imaginations as far as they want to. Just as men
have been able to do for decades.
Lust says that porn should be the equivalent of fair-trade
chocolate. “We need to ask, who is behind these sites?” she says.
“Who are the women? What are their stories? Who is earning the
money? I don’t go to these sites because I don’t feel secure there.”
Luckily, porn is now starting to have a craft beer-style niche.
“A new world of indie adult cinema is growing,” Lust explains.
“Women like me want to watch people connect over sex, not just
be physical robots.” She says her projects are all crowdfunded, so
members (60:40 male to female ratio) get to see what they want.
The entrepreneur also runs a program training female directors, and
her favourite current director is Transparent creator Jill Soloway.
“I‘m obsessed with her show I Love Dick. I love how Soloway lets
women be sexual without slutifying them.”
Lust’s films embrace a diversity in terms of gender, sexuality,
race and body type. And if you think that sounds “modern”, you
can’t have met Stephanie Alys, whose company MysteryVibe
makes a tech-smart bendy dildo called the Crescendo. She doesn’t
talk about women and men – she says “people with vulvas” and
“people with penises” to encompass those who are not biological
Photography: Chris Heads/Trunk Archive/Snapper Media
females or males. “As society opens up to a more gender-fluid
space, you have to be inclusive and diverse,” explains Alys. “It’s
about pleasure, and pleasure is not gendered.”
Alys is also the co-founder of London’s sisterhood sex mafia,
the self-named Sex Tech Collective. The $40 billion sex-toy
market has been dubbed “sex tech” since so many of the
toys now work through computers and smart phones. Members
include Devlin, Kate Moyle, the co-founder of Pillow app
(“deeper connection for busy couples”), and Wan Tseng,
the founder of Wisp (“sensual jewellery”). They’re a bunch of
highly entrepreneurial women who socialise and help each
other out on marketing ideas in open forums – while many things
are par for the course on social media, sex is generally
banned, even if it is the kind of sex that brings wellness and
healing to women across the world.
Over in New York, there’s Women Of Sex Tech, led by Polly
Rodriguez, who is the CEO of Unbound, a sex-toy company (an
online shop for “rebellious” women) that sends subscribers products
every quarter. Think Bellabox, but with BDSM. Rodriguez believes
that the new-era vibrators will help “demystify the female orgasm for
women who might have difficulty reaching climax”.
And yet the author of one of 2017’s best sex books suggests that
the orgasm is so amazing it can never be demystified. Annie
Sprinkle’s The Explorer’s Guide To Planet Orgasm goes beyond
sex robots. Readers are addressed as “Orgasmanauts” because,
when you get really good at orgasms, Sprinkle explains, they can
take you “to a state of altered consciousness”.
There’s a lot for women to look forward to in the world of future
sex. The octopus body teaser does actually exist – named the Love
Pad, it was the winner of the Sex Tech Hack, which Devlin
organised in late 2016 at Goldsmiths. The follow-up 2017 event
was even bigger. She admits most sex robots are currently little
more than “mechanised sex dolls because of the difficulty replicating
human movement”. And with a smart phone and a piece of
hardware, there are now sex-tech inventions that can pleasure your
lover from across the ocean. “It’s great for our heavy travel
schedules and fragmented relationships,” she says.
Sex toys will become more desirable, she predicts, as women
increasingly enter the sex-tech field. (The Sex Tech Hack in 2016
was roughly a 50:50 male to female ratio.) And yet technology will
only be a small component of the second sexual revolution. In Buzz,
her new book on the history of sex toys, Hallie Lieberman warns:
“Sex tech can be part of a healthy sex life, but all sexual interactions
shouldn’t be mediated through technology.”
This is a good point, because once we’ve learnt to be
amazing Orgasmanauts, we might find that the concept of the
relationship has changed radically. Most of us have heard of
“polyamory”, basically an open relationship with rules. But at the
recent Queer Spirit Festival in the UK, there was a fascinating
workshop called Loving Many by self-described “pleasure activist”
Calu Lema. She talked about the concept of “relationship
anarchy” where there’s no sentimental hierarchy with any of
your many lovers. If someone can come up with an app that tells
you how to get rid of jealousy, this sounds great.
The future’s going to be a blast. The day will begin with an
orgasm, not caffeine, and women will say the word “orgasm” like
they now say “yoga”. We will also talk about our “vulva” as
opposed to our “vagina”, which is only part of our powerful
genitalia. Sex will be better for men and women (although the
definition of those words will have broadened), because smart men
will have learnt sex is more fulfilling if you understand what your
lover really likes. Some may be in two minds about the octopus
tentacles, but all the women I spoke to agree that swinging-from-the-
chandeliers-style sex will soon be replaced by the much more
honest goal of good old-fashioned pleasure. E
To help crowdfund Stephanie Theobald’s book Sex Drive, visit
unbound.com/books/sex-drive
55
 CONSCIOUSLY
COUPLED
Every
relationship
has its issues,
so why the
taboo?
Sophia Bennett
lifts the veil
on marriage
counselling
and finds
a pre-emptive
strike is
increasingly
par for
the course
“I’m going to ask you to sit facing each other and look deeply issues – except my husband and I had decided not to tell anyone
into each other’s eyes for a whole minute,” our marriage therapist that we had chosen to get help. We were embarrassed. Ashamed,
told us, 10 minutes into our first session. “It’s a mindfulness exercise I think, that we couldn’t fix things ourselves and worried that
that enhances intimacy and establishes a deeper psychic friends would see it as a sign our marriage was on its last legs,
connection between lovers,” she explained, using many of my instead of what it actually was – a Hail Mary attempt to break
least favourite words in a single sentence. Dutifully, my husband patterns of behaviour that we set up before our first anniversary, and
and I rearranged our chairs and tamped down the instinct to chart a different course in our marriage.
back out of her sandalwood-scented practice room and make “You do better in the gym with a trainer; you don’t figure out
a run for it. Because we had come this far. We had realised how to cook without reading a recipe. Therapy is not something
after two years in marital S-town that therapy might be the to be embarrassed about,” said actress Kristen Bell in 2015,
only road out. So while she retied a block-print headscarf discussing why she and husband Dax Shepard began working with
that suggested she had a Kwanzaa festival to get to after our a therapist early in their relationship. Ever the therapy supporter,
50-minute hour, we locked eyes and waited. she’s also said: “I don’t mind advertising a healthy marriage. I’m
And then her phone dinged. And then again. “Sorry,” she said, trying... like everyone else.”
fumbling in her basket. “Stay present, loving partners, I’m just going Commentators called Bell “brave” to “admit” it, but a few
to quickly check this in case it’s my son needing a ride.” Three more years on, it seems more like early evidence of a now-discernible shift
dings and we got up, thanked her for her ruinously expensive time in the way marriage counselling is perceived, especially by couples
and left without a follow-up appointment. in their twenties and thirties. More and more couples aren’t waiting
Technically, our first experience with couple counselling had until “the very last minute when there is a crisis or they are not sure
the makings of a killer anecdote – the therapist with message alert whether they are going to stay,” psychologist Janet Reibstein told

56
 The Times in the UK. As society becomes more open to therapy in
general, couples are attending “for tune-ups or for direction or for
tutorship or at a point when they say, ‘We are at an impasse and not
communicating the way we would like to.’”
Back at home, there’s evidence of the same trend. “It’s pre-
emptive,” said Lindy Klim of her decision to see a therapist with her
fiancé Adam Ellis. “I didn’t want to get to the point where we needed
help,” and in Bali, where the couple live, “there’s no stigma,” Klim
said. “Everyone has someone helping them with something.”
“There’s definitely a move away from old attitudes that have
existed around therapy,” says Sian Khuman, a psychologist and
couple therapist with Relationships Australia. “In older generations
and still in certain communities, the idea that you go and talk to
someone about your problems means it’s the end of your
relationship. But it’s not shameful, or a sign you need a third party to
tell you whether you should stay together or not.”
As proof, Khuman cites the sudden popularity of psychotherapist
and author Esther Perel, whose books on infidelity and erotic
intelligence have been translated into 25 languages, and her two
TED Talks viewed a combined 19 million times. But it’s her podcast,
Where Should We Begin?, which brings the listener into a real-life
session with a struggling couple, that’s captured public attention –
although it is not easy listening. The New Yorker called it “stressful as
all hell”, but Perel’s own summation of her work as a “public service”
is clearly shared by her fanbase.
During a recent interview with podcast Lit Up, Perel was
asked when in a relationship should a couple engage in the
kind of difficult conversations that therapy brings up. Her answer:
“Early on and throughout.”
“I’m definitely seeing a lot of younger couples coming in,” says
Sydney-based psychologist Rachael Walden. “Whether they have
made the decision to move in together or they want to get married
but feel nervous because they’re already experiencing gridlock
around some issues, they’re now seeking to work those out and nip
them in the bud, which to me indicates a growing understanding
and respect of marriage.”
For long-term couples, the protracted first stage of therapy is
usually spent unravelling historical resentments and “repairing
old ruptures,” as Walden describes it, “but with a newer couple,
those issues haven’t become entrenched and there won’t be
so much repair work to begin with.” But at the same time, she
says, “male brains only finish maturing around 26 years of age
and females at around 25, so couples who commence a committed
relationship when in their early- or mid-twenties may be less aware
of their own relational patterns.”
On top of which, there can be immense challenge in
Photography: We Are The Rhoads/Trunk Archive/Snapper Media.
managing the transition from limerence – the early, lust-fuelled,
handsy, “I want to watch you sleep” stage of love that generally
lasts six months to two years – to something functional and resilient.
“To begin with, it’s rose-coloured glasses and the rush of oxytocin,”
agrees Khuman. “You don’t see many couples in therapy in the
limerence phase, but there is always a defining moment when that
wears off and you have to decide: will I be with them? And that’s
*Name has been changed
when they may decide they need help.”
In a broader social sense, perhaps it’s unsurprising that gen X
and millennial couples are more open to the idea of enlisting
a professional early on, and not just because their level of
emotional fluency is greater than in previous generations. The ’70s
and ’80s saw an unprecedented upswing in divorce rates as
the taboo around it broke down. “Many of us had childhoods
shaped by divorce and we know the impact of that,” says
Melbourne-based counsellor Jo Gniel. “We’ve had to live through
it and so, of course, there would be more willingness to invest and
ask what do I need to do to look after my relationship?”
After all, we all know the statistics. That one in three Australian
marriages fails and 70 per cent of couples will experience
infidelity. Of the relationships that do survive, only 30 per cent could
be classified as healthy and functional, according to research by
the American psychologist Ty Tashiro. The vast majority devolve into
bitterness and dysfunction over time. “More and more there is an
expectation that you are going to have to work on it,” agrees
Khuman. “That you do have to focus and put the effort in.”
In addition, our perception of what exactly marriage is
for has dramatically evolved in a single generation. No longer is the
institution regarded as an economic unit to support the raising of
children, as it was for much of human history. Now, as Perel told The
Atlantic, “We still want everything the traditional family was meant
to provide... but now we also want our partner to love us, to desire
us, to be interested in us. We should be best friends and trusted
confidants, and passionate lovers to boot.”
“For the first time, I could see how marriages end,” says Dr Kate
Bradley*, a 42-year-old English teacher who had been married
for five years when the relationship began to falter under the
pressure of becoming parents. “Even though I think we are both
emotionally literate people, it felt bigger than something we
could handle on our own. I just felt really fallible for the first time and
I knew that if we didn’t find new ways of talking to each other, we
wouldn’t be together in 10 years.”
At her instigation, the couple spent four months working
with a counsellor who specialised in family systems therapy,
which traces patterns of behaviour back to the family a person
grows up in as a means of understanding adult triggers. “Through
talking with him, we were able to see that in a sense we were
both responding to the most basic childhood fears – annihilation
or abandonment,” Bradley says. “We were fighting those
ghosts rather than each other and what we learnt from our
therapist were ways of loving each other in those moments
of existential terror. It was so healing for us, and even though we
chose not to tell anyone to begin with, particularly our
parents, because we did feel there was a stigma around it, now
it’s like I can’t be bothered to hide it anymore. I’ll always
volunteer it and, inadvertently, the effect of that has been that
friends have come to us for support. Maybe it encourages
them that it’s normal and we all go through it. Because marriage is
just fucking hard work.”
Most of us, deep down, do enter a relationship expecting
it to fulfil our needs. And most of us will at some point wonder
if maybe it’s just mixing your issues with their issues and shaking
the jar. “I’ll always congratulate a couple who have made that
call and admitted that maybe they can’t do it on their own,”
says Walden. “There are so many more enjoyable things you could
be doing at 7pm than coming into work on yourselves.” And even
for couples who have old-school left it until catastrophe occurs, “the
fact that you’re both there shows that it matters to you.” E
57
 I L L U S T RAT I ON BY

T A NY A C O O P E R

RADICAL
 Expect to see a growing number
of do-gooders with New Year’s
resolutions that read, “Be a better
person”, because 2018 is the year
for spreading love, embracing
authenticity and leaning into
social sustainability

WELL, CONGRATULATIONS, 5 ACTS OF

WE MADE IT. Don’t bother raising your hand; KINDNESS
pretty much everyone was personally victimised by 2017. It was a year INSPIRING US
that was meaner than Regina George: with terrorist attacks, the ongoing
refugee crisis and the exposure of some of our favourite leading men TO PAY IT
and their alleged acts of sexual abuse and assault, we could all be
forgiven for sometimes feeling like the world had turned to stone. FORWARD
So welcome 2018; can we pour you a drink while you settle in?
Let’s hope you provide some cracks in the horror to allow the light
* Over almost 50 years,
Don Ritchie stopped about
the star paying the college
fees, loans and equipment
to come in. The early signs are positive: with Zimbabwe’s imminent 160 people from jumping costs of more than 30 fans.
reboot in a post-Mugabe era, the impending arrival of another
chubby-cheeked royal baby and more Indigenous Australian
to their deaths near his
home in Sydney’s
* An ambulance run went
viral last November when
female MPs in government, it’s hopeful that the 12 months ahead will Watsons Bay by offering a team of Queensland
be driven by a softer, kinder energy. “The future is female” is now not help and cups of tea. paramedics who were
only just a T-shirt slogan – stargazers, who got whiplash from Mercury’s
constant state of retrograde last year, say 2018 is all about the
* LA man Elvis Summers
crafted a micro home for
carrying a palliative care
patient back to hospital
feminine powers of certain planets coming into orbit. a woman sleeping rough swung by the beach after
With marriage equality now a reality and the #MeToo social- in his neighbourhood in she requested to see the
media campaign acting as a catalyst for the way we open up about 2015 and has since ocean one last time.
usually fraught topics, 2018 is about leaning into kindness instead
of up against angst.
crowdfunded dozens
more, bringing shelter and
* Aussie radio announcer
Emily-Jade O’Keefe’s
dignity to the homeless. biggest fan, special-needs

* Over the course of

a Sunday in 2017, Nicki
Minaj’s Twitter contest
offering free flights to see
her in Las Vegas resulted in
teen Cooper Henseleit,
rang the station and invited
her to his school formal.
She accepted and wore
pink to match his tie. >

59
 SAY HELLO
TO YOUR
DOING NEIGHBOURS
Do you know your UberEats
delivery person better than you
know your neighbours? Change
that on March 25 by working on
building better relationships with
those who may loan you a cup
of sugar. Getting to know who
lives around you is especially
Events to
t support, share in and great for the elderly and
vulnerable, so why not take some
celebbrate throughout 2018 time away from Netflix to pop in
next door for a cuppa and
connect with your community.
IN JANUARY neighbourday.org
*****
DONATE IN MARCH *****
BLOOD WEAR IN APRIL

One in three Australians needs plasma
and platelets in their lifetime, yet only one in
30 donates – and blood stocks particularly
drop during the party season, according to
the Red Cross. Collection centres all
around the country will be open over the
New Year period – book online, pop in
and be sure to try at least two of the
famous Red Cross choc-chip cookies
once you’re done.
donateblood.com.au
*****
IN FEBRUARY
YELLOW
Around 10 per cent of women worldwide
experience endometriosis – a debilitating
condition that can damage fertility. The
illness costs Australians about $7.7 billion
a year through lost productivity and direct
healthcare costs, so for the month of
March wear something yellow, post
a photo to your social media with
the hashtags #endoaustralia and
#marchintoyellow and start a discussion
about the disease that affects so many.
marchintoyellow.org.au
MEET US ON
THE STREET
While 2017 was a watershed moment
for harassment and sexism, the eighth
annual International Anti-Street Harassment
Week aims to continue to raise awareness
of gender-based persecution. Events like
chalkwalks, Twitter hangouts and
workshops will be held from April 8 to 14
with a goal of trying to put a stop
to catcalling, homophobic slurs and
assaults in public places.
meetusonthestreet.org

PERFORM CRACK A SMILE

A RANDOM
ACT OF
KINDNESS
Got a spare couple of bucks? Why not
treat a stranger to their double-shot soy
latte (with added honey). You’ll not only
make their day, but you’ll also tap into Feel
Good Feb – a warm and fuzzy initiative
established by an Aussie mum to counteract
all the bad news we hear by acting with
empathy and compassion.
See @feelgoodfebruary on Facebook
The UN wants to see your grin on March 20, which will
mark the five-year anniversary of the International Day of
Happiness. The day is now run by a not-for-profit network
spanning 160 countries that recognises that happiness is
a gateway to a more “inclusive, equitable and balanced
approach to economic growth” while improving the wellbeing
of the human race. You don’t even have to fork out money
to take part – there are 10 key pillars, including trying
something new and exercising, to help you on your way to
being the kind of happy Pharrell sung about.
dayofhappiness.net

SHOP LOCAL
Want to support local producers while discovering where exactly
your food comes from? Those of us lucky enough to live in a place
where food is abundant, fresh and ready to eat have a choice to
join other “Super Freegans” throughout April and pledge to avoid
supermarkets and instead source sustenance from farmers’
markets, local shops, food-box schemes or grow your own.
supermarketfree.com.au
CHANNEL ’FESS UP
YOUR INNER TO YOUR
RIOT GRRRL CRUSH
It began as a special day in Boston in
2015, but is now being enjoyed around
the world by proxy. On April 9, throw on
your favourite grunge T-shirt and pay your
respects to the work of Bikini Kill
frontwoman, activist and hardcore-punk
feminist Kathleen Hanna on, what Boston
mayor Marty Walsh declares, Riot Grrrl
Day. Walsh adapted Hanna’s original
manifesto from 1991 to proclaim the annual
celebration: “The Riot Grrrl philosophy has
never felt more relevant, with misogyny still
rampant in many cultural spaces... Riot
Grrrls redefine the language used against
them and continue to fight the newest
incarnations of patriarchy.” Amen.
*****
IN MAY
GET
COMPOSTING FOLLOW
MALALA
Celebrate all that is great about worms by
getting your hands dirty from May 7 to 13
for International Compost Awareness
Week Australia. By avoiding traditional
landfill, composting biodegradable waste
can help reduce carbon pollution as well
as build healthier soils. Enthusiasts are
encouraged by the Centre For Organic
Research & Education to hold off on getting
a mani for the week and instead host
events like workshops or take a tour of
composting facilities to raise awareness
of this sustainable practice.
compostweek.com.au
What started back in 2006 on “the
first Friday after the first full moon in May”
has now been locked into a consistent
date of May 7 after organisers decided
following the lunar cycle was “too hard
to advertise and keep track of”.
International Tell Your Crush Day pretty
much does what it says on the packet.
This annual “holiday” was devised by
the International Society For The
Advancement Of The Crush Agenda out
of a desire to see more people be
open and honest about the world around
them. To get started, check out the website
and find out how you can pass on your
“sparklies” to someone special.
getyourcrushon.wordpress.com
*****
IN JULY
Rihanna, former Prime Minister Julia
Gillard and former First Lady Michelle
Obama are all about promoting the
importance of women’s education.
However, none have done more to
further the cause than Malala Yousafzai,
former Taliban victim turned Oxford
undergraduate. After she was attacked
by insurgents in 2012, the UN has since
declared July 12 “Malala Day”, a time
to reflect on and continue her legacy of
advocating for equal access to education
for all women.
*****
IN AUGUST
GRAB YOUR
LATTE FROM
A CAFE
SUPPORTING
CAFESMART
Your morning coffee can impact
more than just your alertness
levels in August if you find
a cafe that has teamed up
with the CafeSmart initiative to
help end homelessness in
Australia. Last year, close to
800 Australian cafes donated
$1 from every coffee sold
over one day of trade and
organisers are expecting more
to jump on board this year.
streetsmartaustralia.org/cafesmart
*****
IN SEPTEMBER
WEAR
LIPSTICK
Raise awareness, funds and your self-
esteem in one go by swiping on some
lippie throughout September in support
of women’s mental health research
and advocacy groups. Register online and
gain sponsorship for wearing lipstick
the whole month – the money will then
be donated to Lifeline, RUOK? and the
Centre Of Women’s Mental Health. It’s
easier (and less sweaty) than a fun run.
liptember.com.au
*****
IN NOVEMBER
CELEBRATE
THE LIGHT
Diwali is the biggest festival celebrated
by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists around
the world. The “festival of lights”, as it’s
known, celebrates the triumph of good
over evil and light over darkness.
And the world can always use more
light and fireworks, which are now used
by the thousands to celebrate the
special occasion. >
61
 IT’S
COOL
I am not, I suspect, an innately
kind person. Aged eight, I was
accused of bullying by a boy called
Sam because I told everyone
his clothes looked like someone
TO BE exhibition to Grenfell Tower victims
in the UK and Ariana Grande visited
victims of the Manchester attacks in
hospital. These acts of kindness
seem, in some respect, to show that
had sewn a vacuum bag to a fire our world has moved away from the
blanket and given it a pair of cut-throat, greed-is-good culture of
knitted sleeves. Inspirational quotes the ’80s and ’90s towards something
on Twitter set my teeth on edge. I get
an intense feeling of satisfaction Nell Frizzell tries a little softer.
Of course, it’s often claimed that
when I overtake men in cycling altruism on for size millennials are the most narcissistic,
shorts when I’m on my bike, and and discovers being selfish and abusive generation of all
I love winning at Scrabble.
And yet, like more than 3.6 million more considerate time. According to the UK children’s
charity NSPCC, one in three children
Australians, according to the 2016 and less cut-throat fits have been a victim of cyberbullying,
Census results, I volunteer at least
once a month (as an English teacher
like a glove while an Australian study by digital-
security firm Norton found that one in
at a community centre for refugees four women under 30 had received
and immigrants), I recycle, I pay general threats of physical violence.
people compliments, I talk to But the picture is far from simple. As
strangers, I don’t like to see people Cerian Jenkins, campaigner and
cry. Perhaps this is evidence, if founder of the Gender Equality
evidence were needed, that my Network, put it to me: “You can’t
generation of xennials (those born deconstruct gender inequality in 140
between 1977 and 1983) is just as, characters. When I first started
if not more, socially responsible, ethically minded, environmentally campaigning, I was quite reactionary to people who were cruel
concerned and empathetic than those that came before it. Or, to me. Now, 10 years later, I’ve definitely learnt that it’s up to
perhaps, I’m simply a follower in what social psychologists call us to respond kindly to everyone. Obviously, if someone is being
“the generosity contagion”, when people imitate other’s prosocial abusive to you, or threatening violence or sexual assault, you are
behaviour. Do I, for example, offer to carry older people’s suitcases under no obligation to be kind or to even interact with that
up train-platform steps person. But if they are coming across as unkind because they feel

“In order to because I really care

about their limbs, or
threatened by what you’re saying, there is an argument for
extending kindness to those people.”

be kind to because I’ve seen other

people get kudos for
As a campaigner, Jenkins advocates for radical kindness. “I go
out of my way to offer information and be gracious towards people

other people, doing the same?

In a world where
who are reacting negatively to me, online as well as face-to-face,”
she explains. “It is exhausting, though. So you also have to be

you have to professional “empaths”

can now charge more
radically kind to yourself. That is perhaps misinterpreted as
narcissism by older people, but it’s actually survival. In order to be

be kind to than $300 an hour to,

literally, feel your
kind to other people, you have to be kind to yourself.”
Going through the list of acts suggested by Kindness UK, the

yourself” feelings, it is difficult to

say whether kindness
really is on the increase,
or if tolerance, empathy and compassion have simply become
the latest power tools in the game of personal development.
Public figures, from politicians to pop stars, have always been
keen to present their kindness to the world. Only now, thanks
to social media, rolling news and international communication,
the stories reach further, for longer and under more scrutiny.
Brooklyn Beckham donated all proceeds from his photography
not-for-profit organisation which, like the Australian Kindness
Movement, observes the annual World Kindness Day in
November, I scored a whopping 15 out of 77. I’ve never “left
money in a parking meter, ticket or vending machine for the next
person”. I haven’t signed up as an organ donor. I have never
left “a pile of coins by a fountain for passers-by to make a wish”
(because, come on, I’m not a Brothers Grimm character). I’ve never
“made a house for hedgehogs” because a) I live in the city and
b) I’m not actually Beatrix Potter. But I have cooked meals for
people, donated to charity, given blood and made the effort to

62
reach out to vulnerable people in my neighbourhood, as the list MAKE
suggests. As for acts of kindness on the internet, I have picked
some low-hanging fruit – sending out supportive tweets, wishing
people a Facebook happy birthday, leaving celebratory CROSS-
comments on Instagram: I’ve done it all. And only sometimes to try
to make people like me.
As author and trainee psychologist Eleanor Morgan points out, STITCH,
in many ways the internet has made it easier for our generation
to show empathy. “Whereas, in real-life situations, the Bystander
Effect means we might assume that someone else – a friend or
a person in authority – will intervene, you can be very direct in
NOT WAR
“CRAFTIVISM” MAY SOUND LIKE
online acts of kindness.” People have, argues Morgan, been SOMETHING YOU WOULD EXPECT TO
pushed out of “soft” relationships – with their shopkeepers, ENCOUNTER AT A COUNTRY WOMEN’S
neighbours, GPs – to the extent that millennials have become ASSOCIATION MEETING, BUT THIS
separated from others. “And so,” she asks, “if we are losing those MOVEMENT OF NON-AGGRESSIVE
daily human connections, who are you kind to?” Maybe the ACTIVISM IS GAINING TRACTION
answer is, somewhat surprisingly, “strangers on the internet”.
Just as it’s easier than ever to take to Twitter and anonymously
plough into a stranger because you dislike their politics, body Sarah Corbett, founder of Craftivist Collective, started a campaign
shape, spelling or opinions, simultaneously it has never been in 2015 that convinced UK retailer Marks & Spencer board
easier to go to Twitter or Tumblr and find millions of people who members to agree to pay their workers a living wage rate by
think, feel, look and identify the same way as you. Campaigns making them cross-stitched handkerchiefs that read: “Don’t blow it.
for trans rights, abortion rights, gay rights, racial justice, economic We know your jobs are really tough, but we really hope that you
equality and social justice have all become more visible, use your power to help the most vulnerable people.” “They really
easier to access, more familiar to were bespoke,” Corbett says. “We googled the
generations born after 1980 because we crap out of those people, used their favourite
can simply look them up online. ALTRUISM colours, decorated them with things that they liked.
The internet has also allowed a far
broader reach for volunteer organisations
STORE They were totally overwhelmed and ended up
working with us.” Those hankies are now part of
on kindness. Take a scroll through the
THE BEST ANTI-JERK the official M&S Archive and the company
GoVolunteer website and you can, with
APPS TO DOWNLOAD and Craftivist Collective are still working together.
just a few clicks, volunteer at a soup ACTS OF RANDOM Corbett, who is an introvert with a love of craft, is
kitchen, visit local elderly people or help KINDNESS: Like a fitness tracker no stranger to traditional forms of protest – she was
rescue injured pelicans. While such actions for generosity. Select how often out squatting at the age of three with her parents as
are certainly to be celebrated, the fact is you’d like to complete kind acts they fought to save social housing in her native
so many of our most vulnerable must now and the app will prompt you to Liverpool. “I’m a shy person. So much of protesting
rely on the kindness of strangers, without it keep you on track. involved screaming at people or politicians, telling
many in Australia would struggle to stay GIFT OF KINDNESS: Kill two them how awful they were. It didn’t agree with my
above the poverty line. birds with one stone by giving sensibilities,” she says. Instead, in 2008 she began
So while I may worry that my own acts to charity and buying gifts at the cross-stitching political messages and left her work
of kindness are simply that – individual acts same time. The app sends your in public places. From there, she started a blog
loved ones a message telling them
that don’t quite knit together into the before her sewing snowballed and landed her
a donation has been made in
warming blanket of being a “good person” their name while a tax-deductible a book deal for her debut novel, How To Be
– I also, genuinely, don’t care. Or don’t receipt lands in your inbox. A Craftivist: The Art Of Gentle Protest. An
care as much as I used to. As Morgan puts NOBLY: Like Facebook but Australian was one of the first to reach out to
it, “If kindness really is benefitting people, without those bullies you went to Corbett to learn more about how to protest “in an
does it deserve cynicism and derision?” school with. The social platform inclusive and productive way”, and now the
Does it serve anyone to question my is built by like-minded people concept is going global.
motives, study my Twitter feed for hypocrisy who want a space to create and “You could make a voodoo doll of Donald
or stroke their chin and smirk as I talk of interact with acts of kindness. Trump but that wouldn’t be kind or useful,” she says.
“trying my best”? Isn’t it good enough that FEEDSPIRE: The result of what “You have to use craft as a tool rather
I’m having a go? As a woman far wiser would happen should Pinterest than a taskmaster. My aim is for a more beautiful,
and Instagram quotes ever meet.
than me once said, you can’t do everything, kind, more just world; you don’t get that by
Feeling off-balance or just in need
but you should still try to do something. throwing eggs. Treat people how you want to
of a smile? This app is a one-stop
Even if it is just to apologise to Sam from shop for helping you relax, focus be treated and have those difficult conversations in
school for slagging off his jumper. and even sleep better. The guided safe spaces.” >
meditations are a must-try.
63
 PEAK SOCIAL
MEDIA
BULLYING?
Instagram isn’t all flat-lays, avocado
toast and Facetune according to
Eva Chen, who is helping make
the platform a safer space for
its 800 million users
“The more time you spend thinking
about yourself, the more suffering you
will experience,” so says the Dalai
Lama in the Book Of Joy. The same can
be said for social media: the more
time spent curating flat-lays and #fitspo
shots, the more “likes” you will get and,
ultimately, the more trolls you will
encounter. In the same way the internet
disrupted the way us humans in the
West live and interact, Instagram has
also had an impact on these online bullies.
No longer satisfied living under bridges
and harassing hungry goats, trolls now
“What’s
happening
in the world
right now has
definitely
impacted
Instagram
behaviour”
64
thrive off making hurtful comments, usually
anonymously. What started as a medium
to showcase saturated happy snaps of
food and family eight years ago spun off
and became a prism, if not the prism,
through which we view ourselves and our
lives. But somewhere along the way,
our observations became less passive
and more passive aggressive, and in some
circumstances, just plain aggressive.
That aggro is something social-media
superhero Eva Chen wants to cheer up.
As Instagram’s New York-based head of
fashion partnerships, who is usually seen
smiling from the front row or filming
Boomerangs with Joan Smalls and
Chiara Ferragni, she is now
working with her team to make the
platform a kinder place for all
users, brands and fans. “Whether
it’s the news cycle or politics, we’re
living in a really connected world.
We’re ‘all in’ right now,” Chen
says. “It’s a good time to show love
to your family and friends or
a stranger on the street. You
want to put that energy out there
and on Instagram, it’s the same.”
Celebration not cyberbullying is,
says Chen, the future for the
virtual spaces that we inhabit.
So how did we get here?
Rewind 30 years and Bobby
McFerrin’s chilled ditty, “Don’t
Worry, Be Happy”, topped
the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Now we’re all gripped with
worry about not getting 100
views on our Stories and
Snaps. Online harassment has
the capacity to become as
enduring as the Chanel Boy,
especially in Australia where as
many as eight out of 10 of us
are now on social media. According to
the latest Sensis social-media report,
a third of Australians aged between
30 and 39 were happy to ignore family
and friends in favour of scrolling their
feeds. While Facebook is still the
most popular mode of virtual friendship,
usage of its sister company Instagram
increased to 46 per cent in 2017, up
from 31 per cent the previous year. And
last July a survey by anti-bullying agency
Ditch The Label found Instagram was
the worst social-media site for
cyberbullying for young people.
But Chen and her colleagues are
listening. They’re striving for social media
to be a place where #kindness is less
likely to be a trending topic and more of
an IRL action. If happiness is the new
rich and health the new wealth,
then kindness is the new cool, and
Instagram has now committed to
combating bullies like it does spam bots.
“Making Instagram a safer space is
something the founders feel really
strongly about. Now they are doubling
down on it,” she says. “We have comment
moderation now so you can preset
words that may be triggering or words
you don’t want in your comments section.
I know some models who have used
the words ‘anorexic’, ‘diets’, ‘die’ and
‘kill’, pretty heavy words, and had them
 ALL HEART
According to Emojipedia, a database established by emoji
specialist Jeremy Burge in 2013, some of the most popular
icons include the red love heart, which symbolises love,
and “heart eyes”, used as an expression of love. Aussies also
use the winking face and thumbs up more than any other
market. And the most used emoji in Messenggger, a inn
to 2017 Facebook data, is the smiley face.

blocked. Bullying is something that has
existed for a lot of people for a long time
and it’s something we take very,
very seriously and we’re not backing
away from it.”
As well as comment moderation and
anonymous reporting of at-risk behaviour,
one initiative that’s having a positive impact
is #KindComments, something launched
during Pride Month and New York Fashion
Week in 2017. With the participation of
personalities like Jessica Alba, the concept
is the sunnier version of Jimmy Kimmel’s
famous “Mean Tweets” segment, where
celebrities read out hurtful snipes made
about them on social media.
“What we’re doing is the opposite,”
Chen says. “It is getting public figures
to read kind comments about themselves
that fans have left and it’s been amazing.
We had Golden Barbie [model
Jasmine Sanders] read comments and
they made her laugh and cry and it’s
nice to see that Instagram can be
a place for that warmth and sense of
humanity. It’s also a way to remember
there are people behind the Instagrams
and really put the focus on that person-
to-person connection. There have been
a lot of tears. It’s been very emotional;
as women we can be very hard on
ourselves. We don’t take the time in
Words: Jenna Clarke. Illustration: Tanya Cooper at The Illustration Room
we’re doing, whether you’re a stud t,
a mother, juggling two jobs to pay for
university... I think everyone should taake
a moment to say, ‘We’re doing okay.’ Life
is a work in progress and it’s really
important to acknowledge that on
Instagram, too.”
Chen says this movement towards
a friendlier Instagram is also thanks
to a craving for authenticity. “The
influencers who are doing the best on
Instagram are the ones who don’t just
show the glossy side of their lives, they’ll
also talk about their health or what they’re
going through, how they’re feeling,” she
says. Designer and former reality-TV star
Whitney Port’s short video series, I Love
My Baby, But…, has amassed a huge
following thanks to her candid manner
about topics including the impact the
death of her father had on her and
the anxiety she suffers when trying to
leave the house with her newborn son.
Her short clips are now among her most
highly engaged posts published to her
1.3 million followers. Gucci muse Harry
Styles is also doing his bit to make the
virtual and real world a softer and gentler
space. In 2017 he used his sold-out world
tour to spread a message of positivity with
the slogan and hashtag “Treat People
With Kindness” splashed across hoodies,
KINDNESS IS KING
WHEN IT COMES TO
SEEKING OUT A MATE
– JUST ASK OUR
NEXT PRINCESS
Where were you on How To Make Roast
Chicken Day? That’s November 27, 2017;
the day Prince Harry – the world’s most
eligible and awesome bachelor –
announced his engagement to actress,
activist and puppy rescuer Meghan Markle.
The pair, who decided to get married
one night over a chicken dinner, were so
giddy over each other during their first
interview together that the BBC should
have issued a vertigo trigger warning,
with Markle confessing: “I didn’t know
much about him, so the only thing I had
asked her [their mutual friend] when she
said she wanted to set us up was, ‘I have
one question, Well, is he nice?’ Because
if he wasn’t kind it just didn’t seem like it
would make sense.”
Markle’s query chorused the 400,000

general to feel proud of our achievements,
whether it’s at work or at the gym . We’re
our own worst enemies sometimes, so it
has been amazing to see how touched
people are when they take the time to
reflect on themselves and take a second
to acknowledge the qualities their fans
and friends see in them.”
Adds Chen: “I have two kids and
most days I feel like I’m barely holding it
all together. As women it’s important
to take a moment, acknowledge all
T-shirts and pins.
“What’s happening in the world right
now has definitely impacted Instagram
behaviour in that there’s a lot of focus
on empowerment, social issues and
looking out for one another,” Chen says.
“I often comment on my followers’
posts when they mention me, I will pop
into their Instagrams if they tag me, I’ll
take a look and leave a comment.
You want to have that ripple effect of
warmth and love.”
singles surveyed by dating service Elite
Singles who responded that kindness is
the most valuable and most sought-after
trait in searching for a long-term partner.
In the study, 82 per cent of women
rated kindness as extremely important,
while 70 per cent of the male respondents
also rated kindness as a deal breaker –
beating out things like sexual attraction,
emotional connection and moral values.
Like Megs, we’ll take kindness over a future
king any day. E

65
 nulliparous
With a poet’s
touch, M.J. Reidy
has created
a thought-provoking
and potent
examination of
grief and longing.
Introducing the
winner of the
ELLE writing
competition

Frankie digs the hole beside a patch of dying forget-me-nots. The

soundtrack is all wrong for the burial, the air electric with birdsong.
Lorikeets chatter manically from the trees, galahs scream and
shriek. She stops to watch the cockatoos perform loop-the-loops
on the powerlines – their white, erect combs that resemble the sails
of the Sydney Opera House. All that life, watching it, and she
feels suddenly tired.
WOR DS B Y
She pushes their rhapsody out of her head, digging fast, clawing
M.J. RE ID Y with her fingernails until they bleed. As she digs, she notices the
kookaburra on the back fence, head bowed in solemn prayer.
“Lookaburra”, she’d nicknamed it, because the damn bird had been
watching her for weeks. “An omen of pregnancy,” her mother had
cooed over the phone, when she’d complained about its presence.
For weeks it had been circling the house, watching her as she ate
and slept and tried to dream clean dreams.
Frankie shakes her head at it, the darkness now falling around
her fast. The trees, the fence, the birds now stark silhouettes, cardboard
cut-outs in a pantomime. She places the container into the grave,
staring at the pathetic, watery globes – faceless swimmers drowning
in a sea, no mouth to scream for help, no eyes to even see their fate.
She swallows the lump in her throat and pushes the earth over the
grave, smoothing it down.
“Ooo-ooo-ahhh, ooo-ahhh.”
Frankie looks up at the kookaburra. It angles its head, blinks at
the black space in front of her. How can the bastard know what
she’s done, or more aptly, what she has not done? She stands up,
shaking the trowel at it. The bird throws back its head in a pub-drunk
fit of laughter.

66

She sticks her one finger up at it and then laughs at her own silly
joke: giving the bird, the bird.
*****
Recently, for shits and giggles, Frankie had programmed her
destination, Life without..., into her GPS. It rearranged the words (as if
it, too, could not make sense of her destiny) using predictive text –
declaring her arrival point: 18 Leichhardt Street, Balmain. She
followed the woman’s robotic voice to a church with a playground in
the front yard, where she caught a swing mid-air, still in motion. She
could still feel the wake of the two children on the swings, now
being corralled out of the playground by their mother. She stared at
the swing in her hand, feeling its bodily warmth. She sat on it and
swung, thinking of the irony: predictive text could, in fact, predict her
fate. She scooped her legs high into the air, feeling the giddy loop in
her stomach. Everything though, was a reminder of what she didn’t
have and she stopped suddenly, digging her heels in, making small
graves with her feet. The children and the parents and their popcorn
laughter trailing off down the street.
*****
Frankie sits in the cafe, waits for Amanda to arrive. The cafe, she
observes, is just like every goddamned cafe in inner Sydney: hipsters
sitting on upturned milk crates, the backs of their thighs scored in some
sort of caffeine-infused Asian cupping therapy. She glances at the
couples and families, all sitting alongside each other at long
benches, as if the gesture itself will infuse a sense of community.
Hopeless though, for their faces are stuck in the same small orbit,
circumnavigating only as far as their latte planets, iPhones looping
around their mugs like moons.
She had sat in this very cafe months before it all began, the tests, the
hormones, the black bruises gathering on her upper thighs like storm
clouds. Perusing the catalogues of men and their high-class sperm. The
ASX 500 sperm bank boasted Nobel Prize-winning donors, quality
sperm from the most educated men in the world: investment bankers
from Japan who collected post-Modern art, American CEOs who
built Ugandan orphanages in their spare time. But like buying a house
in Sydney, their sperm was out of Frankie’s league.
She chose another site, ordinary men with cheaper sperm. She
had decided upon specimen 156f: a fireman (he had once rescued
schoolchildren from a burning bus on Thanksgiving) who, judging
by his photo, seemed to have no hipster nor metrosexual tendencies
at all. It was love at distant sight.
But it all seemed so simple back then. Her phone trills, waking her
up from her reverie:
“Sorry F. Charlotte held up at violin classes in Neutral. Lachlan has
dance fusion at 2pm. Can’t make it. Another time? Ax”
Frankie sighs, fumbles for her keys. She exists only in 30- to
40-minute windows her friends can allot her. She hates how she
acquiesces, how she squeezes herself into the thin spaces of their busy
lives. In between Hanna’s macramé making and Elijah’s new art class,
where some New-Age art therapist is showing seven-year-olds how
to reconstruct “Blue Poles” from used Paddle Pop sticks.
*****
Frankie wakes at 2am. She can see the mark on the sheets,
the small rust-brown stain of her period. She looks into it as if it were
a Rorschach inkblot, and the bloody stain rearranges itself: small nubs
of fingers, toes, the curve of its spine. She cradles her head in her
hands. The house is impossibly hot. She thinks of the half-opened
box, the cot lying against the wall, the clothes and bibs
embroidered with elephants; her imagined life lying parallel in the
room beside her own.
EL Lfiction
E
She wonders where the kookaburra is. Imagines it is sitting on her
window ledge, waiting, looking for an entry point – a drawing in of
breath – into her dreams. She had been to an art gallery in Newtown
recently, an eclectic exhibition of expressive art. She had become
beguiled by an unusual piece. She peered at it: a woman dead on
a beach, her blonde hair in cascading waves around her face,
lips slightly parted. A serene, poetic look on her face. A seagull sitting
on her chest, eyes menacing, beak open, as if it were a conduit,
speaking the girl’s last words. Frankie had thought of the kookaburra,
wondered if it was some portent, some manifestation of her voice, the
words she cannot speak to friends, even to her mother.
Nulliparous.
How it had surprised her, at how a word could sit broken,
snagged, like a fishbone in the back of her throat.
The word echoes inside her head now, so loudly she feels she is
back in that empty room again, staring at the imprints of furniture. She
picks the word apart, breaking each syllable up.
Nulla, Nullarbor, terra nullius. She thinks back to her trip across
that desert by train, the only life she’d seen for miles were eagles
circling carcasses, their shadows boring holes into the earth.
Her thighs cry with sweat and the blood trickles down her leg. The
bedsheets twist around her like vines and she cries out as cracks
fork out across the bed, splintering and growing like a tree. Her
hands grasp the sheets, but they disintegrate through her fingers,
crumbling into dry, red earth.
Nothing can grow here but grief.
*****
She waters the grave each day. Today, in the lurid heat, the
cockatoos look not like the Opera House but mohawked neo-Nazis,
the lorikeets a melting Ken Done. The kookaburra, as always, watching
her with its militant scowl. Sometimes she throws things at it – a watering
can against the fence. A child’s soccer ball that had somehow found its
way into her yard – she boots at its head. It flies off, a flurry of brown
and cream feathers as if it is a thing made of clay, risen from the earth.
Without it there, she bends down to the grave, studies her fingerprints
still etched into the earth, weeds growing around it like clawing hands.
She looks up and the kookaburra is back again, a low growl, a rumble
of sound held in the back of its throat.
Frankie stands up now, hands on hips. “Go on, laugh. I dare you.”
It blinks. She picks up a soggy tennis ball and shotputs it at the fence.
*****
The news had come from an irritating woman, her blonde
hair wound so tightly into a bun that it seemed to perform
a miraculous facelift.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “It’s the outcome no-one ever wants to
hear.” Frankie glances at a photo frame beside the woman’s desk,
her two young daughters, hair in pigtails, blonde and lustrous as
the von Trapps’.
Frankie stares out the window, trying to compose herself. She
gazes out at the rooftops of buildings, pigeons milling around
the windowsills in giddy circles. She can hear them through the
window, cooing in sympathetic tones.
“Do you want to take them home or would you like us to, er, dispose
of them?” The woman writes a note in her file, initials it, glances up at
Frankie again. Frankie looks at the stack of files beside her own,
thinking of all those faceless women within them, and how they had
readied themselves for the news. What, if anything, did they, could they
say? Did they cry, howl, crawl into the foetal position (oh the irony)?
The woman clears her throat, places her glasses on the
desk. “Frankie?” >
67
 “Sorry, what?”
“The embryos. What would you like us to do with the unviable
embryos?” She pushes a box of tissues into the middle of the desk,
and Frankie stares at it for a while. It is not a box of tissues, Frankie
decides, but a small wall between them. “Look, I realise you’re upset.
Have you thought about some counselling?”
“What am I supposed to do with the embryos? Put them on a wall
in a frame? Invite everyone round for a toast?”
The woman blushes. “Well, some women decide to take them
home, do something meaningful with them. You know, put them in
pot plants.”
“Pot plants?” Frankie almost laughs.
“Yes, pot plants. A garden. Something like that.” The woman loops
a stray lock of hair behind her ear, perfect once more.
“What, to feed the petunias? To fertilise the cactus?”
“It could be a lovely memorial.” The woman smiles, a smile that
doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Well, at least it would make something grow.”
The woman smiles glumly at Frankie, passes her a card with the
contact details of the lab, of how to arrange the “transfer”. Frankie
stands up to leave, shakes the woman’s hand.
She walks out to the waiting room to pay the bill. There is a woman
sitting in the room, her belly so swollen she looks like she may go Snap,
Crackle, Pop! As the EFTPOS machine prints out her final receipt,
Frankie observes her, trying not to stare. She watches her foot tapping
a beat on the lino floor, hand patting her belly in rhythm. Like she’s
humming a tune, a lullaby that only her and
her baby can hear.
*****
Frankie’s job is at a funeral home, where
she compiles funeral presentations for the “What am
bereaved. Death, literally, by PowerPoint.
When she returns to work after the news, I supposed
she spends the morning not uploading
Alfred Jones’ family photos (and, as to do with
requested, Photoshopping grins onto every
family member’s face, regardless of the
occasion) but staring into her cup of coffee,
the embryos?
watching a fly drowning in it.
Put them
soul’s authentic self). It is the rhythmic motion of the broom, the colour
of the wet leaves, the stillness of her breath – all of it that for one
blissful moment makes her forget.
But then.
The bird. That fucking bird, watching her from the mailbox. Every
so often it drops behind the fence, emerging with a grasshopper,
a worm, swiping its beak against the lid, thrashing it into a deathly
submission. It gulps its prey down, then angles its head, continuing
to stare Frankie down.
Frankie has decided what she will do: she will not give into it,
not show the damn bird she is afraid. She recalls reading an
article in the local paper months ago, a story she had found
strangely amusing, titled “Man Versus Wild: Scrub Turkey Takes
On Pensioner”. The story of a male scrub turkey who, day in,
day out, built its nest on the neat, manicured front lawn of an
elderly man. Each day the man knocked down its nest with a leaf
blower, and then awoke to find it rebuilt, a magnificent mound of
leaves, paper, scraps of bark.
But Frankie couldn’t recall how it ended, or more importantly
who had won.
She stares into the kookaburra’s eyes. Its intentions were
different to the scrub turkey’s, far more sinister. The bird carried
a sense of foreboding no doubt, the bearer of a message she could
not yet decipher.
Frankie turns her back on it, still feeling its gaze on her, walking
towards the house. She feels a sudden compulsion to check the grave,
to make sure it’s safe.
She can see the bare scorched
earth. The forget-me-nots coming to
life like the colours of a Jenny Kee.
She kneels down to look for signs
of life sprouting, a green bud,
a shoot of grass.
Nothing but weeds.
With the watering can she
sprinkles the soil, tenderly pressing
the earth, ensuring the grave is
entombed. And there on the
back fence she sees it –

on a wall
Her boss calls her into his office, tells her its dark tunnelling eyes, its
to take a fortnight off. “However long you penetrating glare.
need. Get some sunshine. Rest.” “Oooh-ahhh, oooh-ahhh.”
At home, she spends her mornings
doing her own Photoshopping, drawing
frowns onto every photo of herself from
a recent trip to Bali. A cocktail in hand,
in a frame?” Frankie looks up at it, startled.
Wishes she knew the language,
the words held in its deep,
haunting call.
floating in a jelly bean-shaped pool, “Oooh-ahhh,” it chides again,
forlorn as fuck. She notices the light growing thin and grim in the as if Frankie has committed a crime, as if it knows what lies
mornings, winter’s creeping chill at her calves. She takes pleasure beneath the soil.
from strange, small things: a loose thread on her skirt that she Frankie cries out, staring down at the grave, her vision
breaks off, marvelling at how she can stop the unravelling of something obscured with tears, the yard now a swirling, brackish ocean.
with a brutal, quick rip. Whirling, gurgling grief and mess. She stands up, lobs the
Apart from these small pleasures, her time off work is a slow, watering can at it, letting out a primal grunt. The kookaburra
torturous sort of hell. Whatever she does, wherever she goes, the wheels up and into the air, the can hitting the fence with a dull
kookaburra watches her still. thwack. The bird flies up to the bough of the blackbutt and then
*****
Frankie sweeps the path, back and forth – she hasn’t felt this
back to the fence again – resuming its position, watching her and
the grave – again.
fricking zen since week 10 of her yoga meditation class (the Frankie runs inside the house. Knows exactly what she must do.
breakthrough week, the instructor called it, getting in touch with your *****

68

Frankie gathers it all up. The cot. The bibs. The clothes. The glory
box she has kept for 15 years, filled with hand puppets of possums and
echidnas, tiny trinket boxes to hold baby’s first teeth. She piles it all into
the middle of the yard, the kookaburra watching intently.
She will burn it all and smoke the goddamned bird out.
She walks a wide perimeter around the pile, dousing it in metho.
Flicks the match and casts it out, fanning her eyes against the sudden,
scorching heat. The heat and smoke, the snow-like ash, the sickly smell
of plastic – all of it makes her cry.
She watches the flames leaping and licking the sky. The fence line
buckles and sways, the sky wobbling in the heat. Frankie is mesmerised
by the fire, and for a moment she is taken back to being a child, to
those moments when she’d stared into an object, a blank space on
a wall, looking but not really seeing it at all. Blissfully abandoning the
compulsion to make sense of its purpose or shape.
As she watches she is no longer woman nor flesh nor bone: she is
the elusive blue underbelly of a flame; the whispering roar of a fire; an
ember leaping skyward, a hurtling star through space.
The flames flag a little, and she feels a butterflying panic – it must all
be destroyed, burnt to ash and cinder. She feeds the fire with the only
thing left – a book of fairytales her mother had read to her when she
was a child, that she’d imagined reading to her own one day.
She feeds the fire with the pages of Rapunzel and Hansel And
Gretel, watching intently as Cinderella’s glass coach and coat-tailed
footmen turn to ash and float away.
She stokes the fire, dances on her tippy-toes, straining to see the
back fence through the smoke. And the kookaburra?
Gone.
*****
The following morning Frankie wakes late. Sweat-slicked and
panicked – is she running late for something? A bus, work, a catch-up
coffee across town with a friend? But there is nothing, for it’s Sunday
and she can sleep all day, watch re-runs of that God-awful show My
Kitchen Rules and their bitchy, squabbling contestants. The only thing
she liked about the show was that it made her feel insanely hungry –
and rebelling against the show’s gourmet slant, she orders a greasy
burger from the corner store, the salad so unnaturally pale, Frankie
wonders if it could actually be air.
It is while she is considering this that Frankie thinks about the bird.
She stands up, her guts churning. She opens the back door and stares
out at the pile of ashes, the blackened pages, the posts of the cot-like
skeletal hands. She looks from the fence to the blackbutt, shields her
eyes against the glare of the shed roof.
The bird is nowhere in sight.
Still in her bed socks, she skates to the front of the house, with
a lightness she has not felt in weeks. She peers through the blinds,
gazing out at the letterbox, the powerlines, the hedges, the fence.
Gone.
Photography: Kalle Gustafsson/Trunk Archive/Snapper Media
She fist-pumps the air, wanders back to the TV. But after the greasy
burger she feels a little sick. She opens a bottle – a glass of champagne
and some sunshine will help her digestion, she’s sure of it.
She wanders out into the yard, the light so dazzling she can
barely see. Then she sees something out of the corner of her eye,
a page caught in the branches of the blackbutt, flapping about like
an injured bird.
Frankie thinks back to that Saturday when she’d followed the GPS
to her destiny – to the empty swing, the children, their laughter trailing
down the street. She stares up at the page and wonders if it is some
sign, some indication of her fate.
EL Lfiction
E
She looks up at the tree, considers it. She had not climbed a tree
since she was a child but up she goes, labouring through it, thighs
scratched and splintered with bark. As she stops to catch her
breath, she sees the page – a page from the fairytale book, its edges
blackened, crisp. She squints.
What did it say?
Legs monkey-gripping the bough, she leans her full weight across
the branch, reaching out towards it. Swings, misses. Tries again. But in
her fevered desperation, she overbalances, almost topples from the
tree. She clings to the bough, looking down at how far she could fall and
then she sees it, a dark hollow in the tree. A flash of movement within.
The bird.
She strains to see it, small and huddled in the hole. Still, except for
a shiver rippling through its wing. She edges closer, peers down.
Frankie feels a voyeuristic thrill, for she is now above it, all-knowing,
all-seeing, after all these weeks of being watched and judged. The
kookaburra looks fragile, small – the way its head sinks into its
feathered body, as if it could collapse on itself and become
feather, earth, dust.
The kookaburra senses her and cranes its neck up, clacking its
beak open, shut. Frankie panics, hugging the tree tight, convinced the
bird will attack her, its beak bloodying her hands and face. But it fans
its wings out and hunkers down over its nest.
Life squirming beneath it for sure.
She pulls her phone from her pocket, lowers it down into the hollow.
It lights up the bird’s home with an eerie blue light, like the special
effects from a B-grade horror movie.
She can see the nest, a braid of twigs and bark and feathery scraps.
Frankie lowers the phone down further, edging closer, but the bird
swipes its beak at her and jumps to its feet. It cowers against the wall
of the hollow, the nest exposed.
Frankie can almost make it out – imagines the tiny chicks, their
eyes and beaks wide with need, as if all the food in the world will
never fill them up. She looks down, can see the puckered pink of their
skin. Is it skin?
Frankie almost drops the phone into the nest, reels her hand back in
shock. There is no skin nor eyes nor gaping mouth – just the tender
fleshy pink of three rosebuds, shaped like tiny eggs.
She shakes her head. The silly, stupid thing. How could the bird
mistake these things for eggs, for living, breathing things? She peers
down, can see the scattered fragments of shell, eggs broken in the nest.
Frankie tries to piece the narrative together. Perhaps the chicks had
perished, and in the bird’s desperate attempts to fill the space of its
still-warm nest, it had plucked three rosebuds from a neighbouring
yard, replacing the faces of her long-lost chicks.
The kookaburra tilts its head at her, blinks. It gazes at its nest of
motionless pink babes, waiting to blossom, waiting to be fed.
“It’s not...” Words start, stop, snagged in her throat. “They’re not...”
Frankie looks at the bird, reaches her hand down to gather the
rosebuds up, a sudden compulsion to throw them from the nest.
But she cannot. And for a while she just sits there, suspended in the
bough – staring at the nest, the bird huddled in the dark. She watches
as the sun sinks in the sky, the rooftops’ jagged teeth eating the light up.
She watches the shapes of things, the suburban skyline, the houses and
trees congealing and hardening around her like dried blood.
She glances up at the page in the tree that she will never reach,
the words probably erased by the fire. Her eyes drift from the
hollow to across the yard – to the grave and its forget-me-nots, forging
up and up. E
69
 PERSPECTIVE:

“When people come back from

space, I see how much they
want to go again. I suspect I will
be one of those people”
She has a PhD in aerospace
engineering, worked for the Spacewalk training is one of the coolest parts of my job. NASA

CIA in Iraq and once lived operates a Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at the Sonny
Carter Training Facility in Houston, Texas; it’s a huge pool that’s
19m underwater. But in 12m deep, 31m wide and 62m long. There are mock-ups of the
2018, NASA’s Dr Jeanette Internationa

Epps, 47, will undergo her the spacewalk suit, which weighs about 140kg, and then they
lower us into the water to simulate what it will be like in space by
most ambitious mission yet: making us neutrally buoyant, so we neither sink nor float.
spending six months in space We can be training underwater for six hours, which is pretty
draining. At some point, you start feeling the weight of the suit. It’s
also mentally exhausting, because you have to figure out how to

“
BEING AN ASTRONAUT IS ONE OF THOSE JOBS
WHERE YOU’RE GUARANTEED PERSPECTIVE IN
LIFE. As we take off, I imagine I’ll be thinking about the newness
of all the sounds and sights. I’ve spoken to a lot of fellow
astronauts about what it’s like going into space; I remember
NASA’s Gregory Chamitoff describing what it felt like to spacewalk.
He said he remembered being surrounded by the deepest
black you can think of. I’ve always had strange dreams of being
in nothingness, just floating in complete darkness or going through
the matrix. Soon, it will no longer be a dream.
make the suit work. When you spacewalk, you don’t actually
use your legs very much – you mainly use your upper body, so
you need to be able to operate tools and work wearing gloves,
which feel like oven mitts. If something breaks while I’m on the ISS,
I might have to do a spacewalk to fix it. I’ll be one of the flight
engineers, so my main duties will be conducting science
experiments and maintaining the ISS systems.
As a child, I wanted to go into aerospace engineering and work
for NASA, but I never thought I’d be selected as an astronaut.
Growing up in Syracuse, New York, my twin sister Janet and I were
always interested in science and maths. We were the youngest

70
 “SEXISM
of seven children; my mother Luberta, who worked AND RACISM
as a key punch operator for a local computer
company, was very protective of us and always ARE ALWAYS
stressed how important education was.
When we were nine years old, my older brother PRESENT
Michael came home from university and saw our
school grades on our report cards. I remember – I’VE HAD
being surprised by how proud he was. He said we
could become scientists, aerospace engineers or SOME PRETTY
even astronauts. At the time, Sally Ride, who would
become the first American woman in space, had just NEGATIVE
been selected by NASA. I guess his encouragement
planted a seed in my mind. EXPERIENCES
I decided I wanted to study engineering when
I was 16. I was doing an internship in pathology at IN MY CAREER”
the State University of New York Health Science
Center to figure out what it was I wanted to do. The
only reason I didn’t continue down that path was because one of
the doctors invited me into the autopsy room. When he started
taking out the intestines, it was the worst thing I’d ever seen, and
I knew I would be more suited to engineering. As a graduate student
at the University of Maryland with my sister Janet, I worked all the
time. My adviser always told a story about how he had been out of
town and stopped by the lab late on Sunday evening, and Janet
(who later went into genetics) and I were there collecting data. We
worked constantly, but we didn’t think it was strange; we thought it
was a good way to spend our time. After grad school, I went to
work at Ford Motor Company in its scientific research laboratory as
a technical specialist.
Sexism and racism are always present, and I’ve had some pretty
negative experiences, both at university and in my career. One of
the questions young women often ask me is whether I’ve had any
problems being a black woman working in engineering. I always
tell them I have no problem with it, but other people may have and
that’s their problem. If I make it mine, it stops me from moving
forward. The intention [of their negativity] is to stop you from
progressing and limit your creative thinking.
In 2003, I went to Iraq as a technical operations officer with
the CIA to look for weapons of mass destruction. As a lab geek,
making the decision to go to Iraq was daunting, but I told myself,
“I have to do this.” I had to do something different and gain a new
perspective. I was there for four months and it was an amazing,
As told to: Hannah Nathanson. Photography: Courtesy of NASA
life-changing experience, but it’s not for everyone. As a scientist,
I’d spent most of my time doing design work and trying to create
things, so going to Iraq, helping to solve a national issue and
really getting a sense of what was happening, fuelled my desire
to know and to understand.
I get very excited when I think about being up in space, partly
because I compare it to going into a war zone. Both are very
dangerous but, for me, it’s a no-brainer: I would rather face the
dangers in space than go back to a war zone. I’ll never forget
the night when we were in the airport in Iraq and a young man
had just come back from a convoy; he looked totally different
to when I had seen him the
previous week. He showed
me the rounds that had struck
his body armour that day. He
was just sitting there thinking
about how he was nearly
killed. Seeing him and
realising that our wars are
fought by people’s children,
people’s husbands and wives,
had a real impact on me.
I constantly think about
work, but when I get home
I like to have a domestic
life. Once a month, I’ll go out
to a happy hour, just chat with
friends and try not to talk
about work. I don’t have any kids and I’m one of those people who
seems to always have a boyfriend or something romantic going on.
I don’t know if men are intimidated, but it’s hard to keep a relationship
going when I’m preoccupied with work.
I’ll be one of six living on the ISS and the only woman. I’m not too
worried about that, though. I completed the underwater NASA
Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO), which places
trained astronauts in an underwater laboratory off the coast of
Florida for up to three weeks. I was the only female out of six
people and we had close quarters, sleeping in bunks. When
you’re living 19m underwater, your blood becomes saturated with
nitrogen, so it’s one of the closest equivalents to space; you can’t
just get up and leave. You have to do a 17-hour acclimatisation to
purge the nitrogen out of your blood, otherwise it can be dangerous.
NEEMO was one of my favourite training exercises. It was tough,
but it was so much fun living and working underwater.
The spacesuits look strange from the outside because they
appear as though you’re squashed in, but they’re more comfortable
than they look. We’re allowed to pick some of the clothes that
will be shipped up to the ISS before we arrive. There are polo
shirts, cargo pants and a couple of uniforms, some of which have
velcro on them so you can attach tools for when you’re going
about the space station doing maintenance work. We also get to
choose home comforts to take. I love woolly sweaters, so I’ll pick
some of my own; I like that they make it relatively comfortable and
you can make the ISS your home.
I’m healthier and stronger now than I was when I was 20. On the
ISS, they have an exercise device that helps load your bones so
you don’t lose any density; there’s also a bicycle and treadmill. I’m
not a long-distance runner, but I do like putting on my headphones,
going for a run and forgetting about the world. There will be iPads
and laptops up there so we can watch movies while we run.
When people come back from space, I see how much
they want to go again. I suspect I will be one of those people.
I would find myself at the back of the queue, but it’s worth the
”
wait – or at least that’s what I think I’ll come back saying.
71
 L
.
E
TI U .
E
OUR
N
 E R
PH OT OG RAPH Y BY

SI M O N U P T O N
S T Y L I N G BY

RA C H E L W A Y M A N
FROM LEFT Rose wears: dress, $1,650, PAUL SMITH,
(02) 9331 8222; earrings, $195, MY ISLAND
HOME,  myislandhome.com.au; necklace, $650,
LUCY FOLK, lucyfolk.com; (from left) ring, $725,
FIORINA JEWELLERY, fiorinajewellery.com.au; ring,
$360, JAMES & IRISA, jamesandirisa.com.au;
ring, $220, COMPANY OF STRANGERS,
companyofstrangers.co.nz (all jewellery worn throughout)
Dillon wears: dress, $89.95, ZARA, (02) 9376 7600;
hat, $1,629, GUCCI, gucci.com/au; earrings, $650,
FIORINA JEWELLERY, fiorinajewellery.com.au
(worn throughout); bag, $99, KAWAIIAN LION,
kawaiianlion.com
Cooper wears: shirt, jeans, both model’s own
V E FROM CENTRE Jimmy wears: shirt, $79.95, INSIGHT,
generalpants.com.au (worn throughout); shorts, $69.95,
STÜSSY, generalpants.com.au; sandals, $154,
BIRKENSTOCK, birkenstockbondibeach.com.au
(worn throughout); necklace, $45, MY ISLAND
HOME, myislandhome.com.au
Fergus wears: shirt, $79.95, INSIGHT, generalpants.com.au;
shorts, $69.95, STÜSSY, generalpants.com.au; sandals, $143,
BIRKENSTOCK, birkenstockbondibeach.com.au
Matilda wears: top, $1,345, pants, $1,195, both MARNI,
(02) 9327 3809; sandals, $143, BIRKENSTOCK,
birkenstockbondibeach.com.au; (from left) earrings, $275, ALEX
MONROE, (03) 5962 5535; earrings, $14.99, H&M,
hm.com/au; tan bracelet, $428, FIORINA JEWELLERY,
fiorinajewellery.com.au; black bracelet, $79, blue bracelet,
$59, both THOMAS SABO, thomassabo.com; ring, $457, ALEX
MONROE, (03) 5962 5535 (all jewellery worn throughout)
Juay wears: shirt, $29.99, H&M, hm.com/au; shorts,
$99.95,  KSUBI, generalpants.com.au (both worn throughout)
 FROM LEFT Juay wears: shirt, $49.95, ZARA,
(02) 9376 7600; shorts, $690, GUCCI, gucci.com/au
(worn throughout); sandals, $143, BIRKENSTOCK,
birkenstockbondibeach.com.au
Matilda wears: jacket, $3,625, T-shirt, $605, belt, $905,
all GUCCI, gucci.com/au; pants, $550, ROMANCE
WAS BORN, romancewasborn.com; sandals, $1,150,
LOUIS VUITTON, au.louisvuitton.com (worn throughout);
(from left) ring, $525, FIORINA JEWELLERY,
fiorinajewellery.com.au; ring, $279, ALEX MONROE,
(03) 5962 5535 (both rings worn throughout)
Fergus wears: shirt, $960, GUCCI, gucci.com/au;
pants, $1,310, PRADA, (02) 9223 1688 (both
worn throughout); hat, stylist’s own

76
Dress, $5,000, CÉLINE, (02) 9232 7051;
earrings, $21, NEXT, next.com.au; pastel
chain necklace, $145, LUCY FOLK,
lucyfolk.com; silver necklace, $18, NEXT,
next.com.au; orange crystal necklace,
$7.99, H&M, hm.com/au; shell
necklace, $55, MY ISLAND HOME,
myislandhome.com.au; on model’s left
hand: ring, $28, HUNTER GATHERER,
huntergatherer.bigcartel.com; on
model’s right hand: ring, $25, HUNTER
GATHERER, huntergatherer.bigcartel.com
(all jewellery worn throughout)
FROM LEFT Juay wears: shirt, $680,
GUCC ucci.com/au; sandals, $154,
BIRKENSTOCK, birkenstockbondibeach.com.au;
necklace, model’s own
Matilda wears: , $1,075, MARNI,
(02) 9327 3809; pants, $795, MOTHER
OF PEARL, parlourx.com; earrings, $229,
JIMENA ALEJANDRA, enaale dra.com
(worn throughout); bag, $19, CALL ME THE
BREEZE, callmethebreeze.com.au
Dress, $4,700, CHRISTIAN DIOR,
(02) 9229 4600

79
80
FROM LEFT Jimmy wears: jacket,
$3,610, pants (worn throughout),
$1,310, both PRADA,
(02) 9223 1688
Matilda wears: dress, $895,
KITX, kitx.com.au; top, $139,
ZARA, (02) 9376 7600
s 590, ROMANCE WAS BORN,
romancewasborn.com
Blouse, $459, LEE MATHEWS,
leemathews.com.au; stud earrings,
$12.99, H&M, hm.com/au
(both worn throughout)
 Dress, $895, ZIMMERMANN,
zimmermannwear.com; belt, $99, THE
TOUCAN SHOP, thetoucanshop.com;
on model’s left hand: ring, $360,
JAMES & IRISA, jamesandirisa.com.au
(worn throughout)

84
Rose wears: playsuit, $2,330,
MIU MIU, (02) 9223 1688
86
 FROM LEFT Rose wears: dress, $750,
SHE MADE ME, shemademe.com.au
Matilda wears: dress, $799,
HANSEN & GRETEL, hansenandgretel.com;
earrings, $195, MY ISLAND HOME,
myislandhome.com.au (worn throughout)
 Crochet top, $189, HANSEN
& GRETEL, hansenandgretel.com;
blouse, $550, ZIMMERMANN,
zimmermannwear.com; necklace,
$14.99, H&M, hm.com/au

88
 Shirt, $89.95, STÜSSY,
generalpants.com.au; bikini
top, $140, briefs, $130,
both ZIMMERMANN,
zimmermannwear.com; sandals,
$143, BIRKENSTOCK,
birkenstockbondibeach.com.au
(all worn throughout)
hanging (on couch), $599, Julie Nicholson, julienicholson.com.au
Wall hanging, $980, Kawaiian Lion, kawaiianlion.com; wall
 Dress, $799, TRELISE COOPER,
trelisecooperonline.com; sandals,
$143, BIRKENSTOCK,
birkenstockbondibeach.com.au

90
 FROM LEFT Rose wears: cami, $299,
PAIGE, (02) 8987 3400; blouse, $430,
JUPE BY JACKIE, Playa By Lucy Folk,
(02) 9130 3666; dress, $325, WYNN
HAMLYN, wynnhamlyn.com; necklace,
$14.99, H&M, hm.com/au
(worn throughout)
Matilda wears: crochet top, $895, KITX,
kitx.com.au; dress, $229, COOPER,
trelisecooperonline.com
 FROM SECOND LEFT Cooper wears:
jeans, ring, both model’s own
Dillon wears: top, $350, pants, $395,
both ZIMMERMANN, zimmermannwear.com;
belt, $299, IRO, (02) 9362 1165; stud
earring, model’s own
Rose wears: shirt, $415, EQUIPMENT,
edwardsimports.com; skirt, $369, HANSEN
& GRETEL, hansenandgretel.com

92
Dress, $79.99, H&M,
hm.com/au; hat, $1,629,
GUCCI, gucci.com/au
 Matilda wears: top, $POA, pants,
$POA, both ACNE STUDIOS,
(02) 9360 0294; stud earring,
model’s own; bracelet, $328,
FIORINA JEWELLERY,
fiorinajewellery.com.au

94
 Dress, $699, LEE MATHEWS,
leemathews.com.au; bodysuit,
$120, KEEPSAKE THE LABEL,
fashionbunker.com

96
Rose wears: top,
$1,250, ZIMMERMANN,
zimmermannwear.com;
pants, $56, NASTY GAL,
nastygal.com/au

Photography: Simon Upton at

Debbie Walters Production. Hair:
Richard Kavanagh at DLM. Makeup:
Gillian Campbell at Company 1.
Models: Matilda Dods and Rose
Freemantle at IMG; Fergus Bailey
and Jimmy Freeman at Kult; Juay
Kennedy at Five Twenty; Cooper
Chapman; Dillon Duchesne.
Location: Courtesy of shayneallen.com
Sandals, $149, MIMCO, Top, $160, SIR,
mimco.com.au sirthelabel.com

Pants, $80, H&M, Earrings, $195, MY ISLAND

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 Daisy,
Daisy,
give
me
your
answer,
do PHOTOGRAPHY BY

LIZ COLLINS
STYLING BY

ANNE-MARIE CURTIS

What’s cooler than one multibillion-dollar

box-office hit? Two multibillion-dollar box-office
hits. British actress Daisy Ridley is set to have
both to her name as she returns as Rey in the
next instalment of Star Wars. Emma Brockes
meets her as she prepares for superstardom
Dress, $1,966, GABRIELA
HEARST, net-a-porter.com;
earrings, $5,350, ELSA
PERETTI FOR TIFFANY
& CO. DIAMONDS BY
THE YARD, tiffany.com
(worn throughout)

OPPOSITE PAGE dress,

$14,900, CHANEL,
1300 242 635; earrings,
$4,700, ELSA PERETTI
FOR TIFFANY & CO.
DIAMONDS BY THE
YARD, tiffany.com
 A few weeks after the release of 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Daisy Ridley,
who plays Rey – Jakku scavenger, desert-planet survivor and feminist hero – went on
holiday to an island off Croatia with friends from the crew. The actress, who was 23 at
the time, had been warned that after the release of the movie – number seven in
a franchise that’s made more than $55 billion
worldwide – her life would dramatically

“Everyone asked
change, and she was terrified. This was, after had gone to boarding
all, her first big-screen role. In restaurants, she school and it sounded like
scrutinised waiters to see if they were being too fun. “I was such a grumpy
nice to her; she wondered if she’d ever be able
to use public transport again. On holiday, her me, A‘ re you child,” says Ridley, smiling at
the implication that she can
friends started calling her Linda, “as a jokey
alias”, she says, “and then they started calling ready for still, now and then, throw
a big wobbler. “I used to get
me Paranoid Linda” when she became
convinced a man was following them around
your life to super-distracted – once I’d
done my work, I would be
and wondered if he was a private detective
employed by the studio.
Two years later, 25-year-old Ridley is sitting change?’ And annoying to everyone else
– and my mum thought if
I was busy, I’d be less
opposite me at a restaurant in downtown
Manhattan, dressed in a shirt and capri pants that gets into distracting. I always sort of
felt like I didn’t fit in.” This
in clashing blue-and-white prints, her hair still
wet from the shower. She’s brimming with the
kind of enthusiasm that reads on screen
your mind” anxiety wasn’t just a result of
being a bookish teenager,
but a feeling of unreadiness
as charisma, and that helps to explain her to go out and meet the world
meteoric rise from stage-school graduate with a few TV credits to her name to one as an adult. “At 12 or 13, I didn’t know how to do
of the most recognisable young stars on the planet. Paranoid Linda still makes an makeup,” she says, “and I still don’t know how to
occasional appearance, she says, but mostly she has managed to adjust to life do my hair. And people wore high heels at that age!”
after two Star Wars movies. Even now, Ridley retains some small sense of
Ridley clings to the fact that fame doesn’t need to have a warping effect. It also fits herself as an outsider looking in. How could she not?
in with her belief that the best way to survive the pressures of high-voltage exposure is Her CV at this point is extraordinary: as well as Star
to try enjoying it. Everything is “amazing” in her world and everyone is “remarkable”, Wars, the actress has starred in Ophelia opposite
ranging from her mum (“a great person”) to Barbra Streisand, with whom she recorded Naomi Watts, and shot Murder On The Orient
a song in 2016 (“a fantastic woman”), Harrison Ford (“awesome”) and “Colly” – Olivia Express alongside Judi Dench, Penélope Cruz, Sir
Colman to you and me – who she starred with in Kenneth Branagh’s Murder On The Derek Jacobi and Olivia Colman. It was on that last
Orient Express and who she found “incredible”, naturally. There’s no hint of sycophancy set that Ridley finally cracked. “I turned to Ken
here; it appears that Ridley is simply joyfully happy. [Kenneth Branagh], wiped away a tear and said,
This cheerfulness has acted as a useful screen to hide behind during the years since ‘I can’t believe I’m here, thank you so much.’”
she made Star Wars. Now her character, Rey, is back for The Last Jedi, the new Star Ridley adds, only half-jokingly: “‘Did someone
Wars movie, directed by Rian Johnson. But Ridley felt the pressure much more with this make you cast me?’” (No, he said.)
one than the first movie. “I suddenly felt a much bigger sense of responsibility,” she The self-deprecation is real. It’s not just the
explains. “I didn’t think I was good in the first film, and I was struggling with that.” burden of fame or lame faux humility. There have
This is no humble brag. Ridley’s candour when it comes to her own performance is been times in Ridley’s life, most notably after the
kind of startling. As a child, her general inability to disguise her feelings occasionally first Star Wars movie was released, when she was
sent her into scatterbrained overdrive, an impulse that was, and still is, grounded by her literally uncomfortable in her own skin. At 15, she
loving London-based family: Mum, who works in internal communications, Dad, who’s was diagnosed with endometriosis, a painful
a retired photographer, and two sisters – a model and a musician. Ridley sometimes condition in which the tissue that normally lines the
reads as posh – there’s a certain ringing tone to her accent. In fact, she says, her family uterus grows in other locations. Along with other
is more bohemian than posh. The accent, meanwhile, probably comes from boarding symptoms, it can result in severe acne that is
school. Aged eight, Ridley went to board at Tring Park School For The Performing Arts in exacerbated by stress. You know, the kind of stress
Hertfordshire, UK – not, she says, from any desire to be an actor, but because a friend that comes when you find yourself the star of one of
the highest-grossing films of all time. “I was in my flat
going nuts, and then my skin got really bad with the stress of it all, and I hadn’t been well
– I had holes in my gut wall and stuff – and we were trying to figure out what to do with
that because I’d felt poorly.” She did what she always does in times of stress and turned
to her family, moving first to her sister’s house, a few streets from their parents, then to an
apartment she rented on her own in the same west London neighbourhood.
Still, says Ridley, it was scary. It’s difficult to think of a more intense introduction to
Hollywood than winning a big role in a new Star Wars movie, nor a bigger professional
leap than Ridley’s jump from small parts in the usual roster of TV dramas and long-
running soaps – the UK’s Casualty, Silent Witness, Mr Selfridge – to the first day of
filming The Force Awakens in Abu Dhabi. She had only turned up to the audition when
a friend mentioned she was going, too, and now here she was, on day one of the shoot,
with a production assistant holding an umbrella over her to keep the sun off while she
looked around and “freaked out”. And then JJ Abrams, the director, yelled “action”. >

102
Dress, $4,345, ERDEM,
erdem.com; earrings,
$POA, MAISON
MARGIELA,
maisonmargiela.com
 Top, $3,824, ISABEL
MARANT, isabelmarant.com

“I felt a much
bigger sense
of responsibility
[with The Last
Jedi]. I didn’t
think I was
good in the
first film, and
I was struggling
with that”
Dress, $13,510, GUCCI,
gucci.com/au; earrings,
$40,654, REPOSSI,
repossi.com; (from left) ring,
$10,550, ring, $3,200, both
CHANEL, 1300 242 635

105
 Ridley will never forget that first scene, in which she had to dismount from her Speeder Bike and
walk a short distance with BB-8 while saying something like, “We’re going to get you home.” Is it
true that, after delivering her line, Abrams called her acting “wooden”? Ridley laughs. “It is true!
After the first take, he goes, ‘Just a bit... wooden,’ and then we carried on. But JJ is the kind of
person who before a scene says, ‘Don’t fuck it up.’ So he said, ‘Just a bit wooden,’ and I was like,
‘Oh my God.’ But it got better.” She is still laughing at the discrepancy between how bad it sounds
(quite bad) and how bad it was. “It’s only because that word ‘wooden’ is so loaded. But it was just
tense. And I thought, ‘Okay, loosen that shit right up and it’ll get better.’”
In fact, Ridley found Abrams and
the rest of the production crew to be

“Carrie Fisher
incredibly nurturing, to the extent that
she was rarely aware of the Star Wars

said not to shrink

“machine”. It was a friendly set, she
says, where she mostly hung out with
John Boyega, the young Brit who
plays Finn, and with whom she had the
greatest number of scenes, although away from the
her best friends were among the crew.
Abrams had deliberately hired hair
and makeup for Ridley from the team
success, but to
who had worked on the Harry Potter
franchise because, she says, “aside enjoy it. And that
from the fact that they’re amazing, he
knew that they had looked after Emma
[Watson], Daniel [Radcliffe] and
was wonderful”
Rupert [Grint] for however many
years. I felt very well taken care of.”
Harrison Ford, meanwhile, reminds her of her dad
– “They both have an earring and are fucking
awesome” – and the first time she shot a scene with
him, he gave her a hug and said, “She’s so adorable,”
and she felt right at home after that. (Meanwhile,
when her real dad visited the set, he went up to Mark
Hamill, aka Luke Skywalker, and, in classic dad
fashion, asked, “So, who do you play?”)
In fact, the most difficult thing about the whole Star
Wars experience has been reconciling the terrible
warnings she received about how life would change
with the reality of what actually happened – that, and
the anxiety of shooting the second film. In the first
instance, “Everyone asked me, ‘Are you ready for
your life to change?’ And that gets into your mind.”
Throughout this period, she tried to hang on to a piece
of advice given to her by the late Carrie Fisher – not
to shrink away from the success, but to enjoy it – “And
that was wonderful.” Beyond that, she threw herself
back into work. “At work, you’re normal, you’re not the
anomaly, unlike in other situations.”
Surely she has occasionally been starstruck
herself? “Absolutely not,” she says. “I’ve never idolised
anyone, really. I never had a crush thing. So when
I met Barbra Streisand, for example, I was blown
away, not because of her work,
but because she’s a fantastic
woman.” It was Abrams who
recommended Ridley to Streisand,
who was looking for a young star
with a good voice to feature in
Encore, her album of 2016. Ridley
ended up singing with her and
Anne Hathaway on the song “At
The Ballet” from A Chorus Line,
and finding a new role model for
herself. “I went to her house and we talked about [psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl]
Jung because my dad loves Jung, and we were talking about dreams, and I left and got
super emotional, not because she’s famous, but because she’s amazing. Part of her
reputation comes from being a woman. If it was a man being ‘controlling’ about his
career, people would just say he knows what he wants.”
One of the things Ridley has struggled with in the wake of growing fame is the
responsibility of being told Rey is a role model for young girls. She has been asked
about feminism and has had to scramble, on occasion, to form an opinion, not because
she is bland or apolitical, but because everything she now says has the potential to come
back and haunt her. For someone struggling with self-doubt, this can have a paralysing
effect, and it is testament to Ridley’s seriousness that she has the sense to acknowledge it.
Of course, whatever kind of attitude you have, being a beautiful young woman in
Hollywood means you are exposed to constant scrutiny. Ridley, like Hathaway and
Jennifer Lawrence before her, will have to weather the salacious interest that undercuts
anything she has to say and, if she seems less confident than her peers, it’s not only part
of her charm but also, paradoxically, speaks to some deep-seated security that one
assumes comes from Ridley’s family; it can take greater courage to admit to your
weaknesses than to cover them up with bravado or a fake kind of self-confidence.
She has also learnt to sit back and relax a little, although shooting the second Star
Wars movie, in which she had fewer scenes with her pal John Boyega, made her briefly
very stressed. “It’s not this big adventure that I’m on with John [unlike in the first movie].
I was thinking I did the first one because I didn’t really know what I was getting myself
into and I was having loads of fun, and suddenly I’m realising what this actually is, and
I can’t fucking do this.” She says all this with a smile to acknowledge how neurotic this
was. “I’m highly dramatic – so it’s all ‘Oh my God’. And [director] Rian [Johnson] just
said, ‘We’re going to do this, and these are the scenes, and this is how it’s going to
work,’ and finally I was like, ‘Oh yeah, this is working.’ The fact is sometimes you’re not
good at your job, and sometimes you’re better at your job.”
Having that kind of experience helps, but Ridley still has moments when she
has to check herself to make sure it’s all real. There was one night on the set of
Murder On The Orient Express when she found herself sitting around playing
cards alongside Sir Derek Jacobi, Olivia Colman, Penélope Cruz and her husband
Javier Bardem, who had come to support his wife. (Judi Dench had retired early
to bed.) The next day, she and Jacobi sat around doing the crossword. Even
Paranoid Linda couldn’t worry the fun out of that one. E
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is out now

106
 Dress, $3,390, LOEWE,
(03) 8614 1190; earrings,
$24,052, ARA VARTANIAN,
aravartanian.com
 Dress, $3,354, EMILIA
WICKSTEAD, net-a-porter.com;
heels, $POA, JIMMY CHOO,
jimmychoo.com; earrings,
$POA, CHOPARD, chopard.com
(worn throughout)

108
 Dress, $17,000, CHRISTIAN
DIOR, (02) 9229 4600

Photography: Liz Collins at CLM. Hair:

Samantha Hillerby at Premier Hair And
Make-Up. Makeup: Shinobu Abe
at CLM. Manicure: Adam Slee at
Streeters. Seamstress: Mirja Rosendahl
at Chapman Burrell
 PREPARE FOR A SHOCKING FACT: HAIR IS THREE TIMES MORE EXPOSED TO UV
RAYS THAN SKIN*. SO AS YOU SLATHER ON THE SUNSCREEN, DON’T FORGET
OUR MANE GAME PLAN TO KEEP YOUR HAIR SAFE THIS SUMMER

PROTECT, REPAIR, HECK YEAH!

Hair has it tough in the hot
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and filling hair with antioxidants,
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Don’t just mask dry and damaged hair;
trt att the problem and keep hair safe from
rtth r damage! Try nourishing hair with a AUSTRALIA HAS
protecctive conditioner like Pantene Pro-V 3
Minute Miracle, to keep each strand
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*P&G Research & Development. Based on surface area of hair being more than 3x that of skin
^Source: http://www.who.int/uv/intersunprogramme/activities/uv_index/en/index3.html
I .

C
K
S
S
WHAT IT’S
LIKE TO TRY: Photographer
Jennifer Davies
“NATURAL” has been on an
au-naturel beauty
HAIR journey since
discovering she had KISS, KISS,
COLOUR polycystic ovary
syndrome. She tests
the latest salon
BANG,
version of more
natural pro colour
BANG
Shu Uemura’s updated range of lippies
includes four “mixers”, which you can
WHAT IT IS: Australian brand Original & use to tweak the tone of your favourite
Mineral first launched its ammonia-free hair shade to make it all brand new. Purple
colour nearly 20 years ago. Its next-gen version deepens, Yellow brightens, while Pearl
is free of paraphenylenediamine and resorcinol and Glitter pretty up the finish of your
(a response to what they say are increasing rates standard matte. Options, meet endless.
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$45 each, SHU UEMURA, 1300 651 991
100 different colours, is extra hydrating and
conditioning (thanks to an oil blend that
includes coconut and macadamia) and
capable of covering up pesky greys.
WHAT IT FEELS LIKE: “Not a lot – and that’s HAPPINESS
a compliment. There was no noticeable chemical
smell, which I’ve come to expect from hair colour, IN A JAR,
and no irritation to my scalp, skin or eyes.”
THE VERDICT: “I’d do it again. My greys OR A TUBE,
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than people asking what I’ve done to my hair,
BANANA
FUN BUYS THAT WILL LIGHTEN UP
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VLON, priceline CØR.Color, from $80, ORIGINAL & MINERAL, 1. Send Nudes Lip & Cheek Tint, $11.95,
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112
3.

IN MY KIT:
Hairstylist
Ashley
Streicher, who
looks after
LA types like
Mandy Moore
from her
Beverly Hills
salon Striiike,
reveals her
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“All I need is a blow-dryer,
a good flat iron like a ghd
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Those three can give me
everything from a polished
finish to a wild texture.”
1. The Airshot hairdryer, $240,
CLOUD NINE, au.cloudninehair.com
12. Platinum Styler, $315, GHD,
ghdhair.com/au 16. Curve Soft Curl
Tong, $230, GHD, ghdhair.com/au
“I prefer to be barefoot
when I work. And jobs for the
red carpet always tend to
be quick. I’m not a huge
snacker, but if I work with
my sister [Jenn, a makeup
Words: Amy Starr; Sara McLean. Photography: Olivia Malone/Trunk Archive/Snapper Media;
artist], she’s always fully
stocked with all the essentials,
including these curiously strong
mints that I eat like candy.”
2. Peppermint Tin, $3.99, ALTOIDS,
usafoods.com.au 3. Bobby Pins in
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Sevak Babakhani and Chris Jansen (still-life); Bonnie Tsang
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4. Portable Case, $1.95, MUJI,
muji.com/au
“This product has the best
balance of feeling clean but
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amount of volume.”
5. Volume Powder, $45,
SACHAJUAN, sachajuan.com.au
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obsession with this velvet bow.
We’ve done three different
versions of it on the red carpet.
It’s so feminine, beautiful,
simple and original.”
6. Black Velvet Bow Barrette, $150,
JENNIFER BEHR, desordrestore.com
“This is the best building
hairspray – it’s crushable
so gives a soft look, and the
more you use, the stronger
it becomes.”
7. This Is A Medium Hairspray,
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“My clients always want to
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created equal, so I’m always
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2.
4.
3.
6.
5.
7.
b
w
ty
prepared with texturising MUJI, muji.com/au; Snagless Ela
products of different weights Black, $6.98 for pack, LADY JAYNE,
for all kinds of hair.” ladyjayne.com.au
8. Dry Finish Working Texture Spray,
$18, KRISTIN ESS, kristinesshair.com “It’s important I have a flyaway
comb or toothbrush to make
“I always have this paste on sure any baby hairs around
hand for emergency flyaways, the hairline can be lightly
to tame a cowlick or to give
short hair texture.”
sprayed and brushed down.”
9. Quicksand, $29.95, HANZ DE
13. Goldilocks No.5 Fine Plastic Tail
Comb, $7.15, KREST, i-glamour.com
FUKO, 1300 764 437 14. Gold Medium Styling Comb,
“I have separate bags and
$30, JANEKE, janeke.com.au
15. Gold Toothbrush, $17, JANEKE,
containers for all my products, janeke.com.au
tools and pins – separated
into brunettes and blondes.”
10. Large Metallic Double Bar
Slides, $11.49 for three, LADY
JAYNE, ladyjayne.com.au
11. Eva Clear Case M, $2.95,
12.
8.
13.
9.
15.
14.
10.
11.
16.
 Jeremy Scott
FORGET
ME
NOT
After a 15-year Australian study,
researchers have finally been able to
prove that regular sunscreen use can
prevent melanoma. While scientists
have long known that sunscreen
can cut your risk of one of the most
common skin cancers, squamous cell
carcinoma, they’ve only now been
able to show its effectiveness on the
more deadly melanoma. Need an
application refresher? We asked
Dr Scott McGregor, skin cancer and
cosmetic physician and director of
We Are Feel Good Inc, for his advice. SEEING
Sunscreen should be applied after
moisturiser but before makeup.
This means skin has usually been
STARS
If you can’t get your hands on
cleansed, plus it’s hydrated to ensure Jeremy Scott’s starry-eyed shades
even distribution of sunscreen. for the festival season, here’s the
If you work in an office, a morning next best thing. Business on one
application should be sufficient. side and party on the other, these
That’s if you’re staying indoors and felt-tip liners not only deliver
Star Stamp Liner, $19, THE BODY SHOP,
not sitting for long periods near a smooth supply of black ink for thebodyshop.com.au
a window where UV light can still foolproof flicks, but the star-shaped
penetrate. If you head outside for stamps on the opposite ends will
lunch, reapply your sunscreen. Most instantly add a fun twist to your
sunscreens suggest reapplying every look. Stamp them high on your
two to four hours due to regulations cheekbone or go directly on the
that stipulate this is the maximum lids (just prime first with concealer
Dual
D al Stamp-Me
Stamp Me Eyeliner,
Eyeliner $44,
$44
amount of time to claim protection. to prevent bleeding). SHU UEMURA, 1300 651 991
Remember what can be seen by the
sun can develop or is susceptible to
skin cancer. Commonly, the areas WHAT I SWEAR BY: , woolworths.com
EARS .au
that are overlooked are the ears e, P

WITH thre
for
(both the lobes and even inside $6
,

Words: Amy Starr; Sara McLean. Photography: Sevak Babakhani (still-life); Jason Lloyd-Evans. Styling:
the ear), the back of the neck,
ar
pb

décolletage and under the eyes.

BROW Dannielle Cartisano. Hair: Keiren Street at Vivien’s Creative. Model: Azlin Esqueda at Chadwick
Soa

Think of the acronym SEEN –

Sunscreen for Ears, Eyes and Neck
– to help you remember these
overlooked arreas on your fface.
MASTER
1. 2. 3.

1. Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPFF 50+,
$27.95, WE ARE FEEL GOOD INC,
wearefeelgoodinc.com.au 2. Tinted Daywear
SPF 30+ UVA – UVB, $32.95, INVISIBLE
ZINC, 1800 630 056 3. Sunscreen Emulsion
SPF 50+ Face, $26.95, AVÈNE, avene.com.au
LIEN DAVIES
“I use Pears soap as a substitute for a clear brow gel.
It outperforms the most expensive gels with its flake-free, strong
s
hold. Think of it like a push-up bra for your brows – instea ad of
having hairs layering on top of each other, which can ma ake
them look thin and shapeless, soap separates and maxim mises
the length of each hair to give the illusion of thicker, feathery
brows. Just spritz the soap with water and twirl a spoolie brush
until you get a paste-like mixture. Brush the hairs upwards,
coating each and every strand, using small strokes in the
direction that you want your hairs to stay, then leave to dry.”
now
be
au
ty
PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A DRI A N PRI CE

THE PIECE:

scrunch it

SCRUNCHIE, $46, MANSUR GAVRIEL,

FROM A SELECTION AT
MANSURGAVRIEL.COM

Once a cringe-inducing icon

of the ’80s and ’90s, a teen
movie trope to mark a tragic
character or the butt of jokes
on Sex And The City, the
scrunchie has made
a triumphant return to chic
heads via the Mansur
Gavriel AW17-18 runway.
They’ve since adorned
the hair of Bella Hadid,
Alexandra Spencer and
Lily-Rose Depp. How ya
like me now?

115
 Brandon Maxwell
#askELLE EDITOR’S

Vanessa Seward
OBSESSIONS
Chanel

What’s worth watching

out for this month
BLUSH HOUR
When makeup artists want to fake
a healthy, just-went-running flush,
there’s a good chance they’ll reach
Byblos

for Benefit’s cult Benetint. Several

iterations have been released since
Gogotint, $55, BENEFIT,
it first made its debut, but we think benefitcosmetics.com/au
the latest, Gogotint, could just nip
at the heels of the original for top Violet-C Radiance
spot. A dense cherry tint that adds Mask, $99, TATCHA,
mecca.com.au
a pop to every skin tone, use a light
hand to apply it to cheeks or swipe
Alberta Ferretti

it over lips for just-bitten pink.

IT’S LIT
Strobing is still having a moment,
but nothing beats the natural-grade
glow that comes from lit-from-within
skin. This mask will fast-track your
efforts via a cast of antioxidants,
radiance-boosting fruit extracts and
vitamin C. Come for the selfie-ready
purple colour and stay for the
insane lustre it gives your skin.
4 Colour All-In-One
Pen, $45, CLARINS,
Balmain

Elie Saab

Striking Nights Eye BACK-TO -SCHOOL COOL clarinss.com.a

com au
Palette, $93, GIVENCHY, The pencil-case nostalgia makes it
sephora.com.au

A.
cool, but the genius of housing three

Q. I buy
a palette that
Firstly, you look beautiful.
Secondly, don’t beat yourself up: most
women have at least once parted with
liners for your eyes and one for your
lips in the one little changeable pen
is what has us giving it all the heart
eyes. Click, click, done.

I think I love, their cold, hard cash for a blinged-up OH, HONEY

but then only palette of dream shades, only to just use

the matte beiges and blacks. But there is
It’s a do-it-all salve capable of
calming skin that’s having a full-blown
ever use the another way. A lot of powder shades are freak out. The honey is in it for

one shade. dual-purpose without you even realising it.

If the colour is too bold to be casually
healing (and smelling sensational),
so it’s a goodie if you’ve just had Abeille Royale Black Bee

Am I just brushed over your lids for weekend a pro-grade treatment like a peel or
Honey Balm, $89, GUERLAIN,
davidjones.com.au
Philipp Plein

a sucker? brunch, try dipping a fine-point brush in

water first, then use that statement shade
laser, plus it feels more comforting
than a hug from your mum. Meso Infusion
Overnight Micro Mask,
wet. Start small, with colour in a fine line $187, 111SKIN,
along the top lid or with a dainty feline PATCH WORK mecca.com.au
Words: Amy Starr; Sara McLean. Photography: Sevak Babakhani

flick. If you’re feeling brave, get your Think of these as part Compeed
inspiration from the Chanel cruise 2018 patch, part derma roller. Instead
runway and take that pretty little cat eye on of spikes, each patch is lined with
to the lower lid, too. If fine lines aren’t your micro cones of pure hyaluronic
(still-life); Jason Lloyd-Evans; Benoît Peverelli

forte, blend a little of the bold shades in acid and vitamin C, which deliver
with your safe ones for a custom colour a concentrated hit of hydration
that lets you dip your toe (or your lid) in. and antioxidants to trouble zones
You’ll get used to more colour gradually. (crow’s-feet, forehead lines, smile
ASK A QUESTION lines – you’re up). Leave on
askELLE@bauer-media.com.au overnight and wake up with
Oscar De La Renta

Red Carpet Eyes And Face Palette,

$188, GIORGIO ARMANI, skin that’s visibly smoothed.
giorgioarmanibeauty.com.au
 now
be
au
ty
WHAT I USE:

RUBY
ROSE
1.

The Aussie actress

opts for products
that can keep 2.

up with her back- 5.

to-back schedule
4.

MY SKIN IS SENSITIVE so I love products that 3.

are nice and gentle. The chamomile range from
Èminence is really healing.
I USE A LOT OF ELEVEN AUSTRALIA, which is
my friend Joey Scandizzo’s label. I’ve known him
6.
for 15 years – we used to surf together.
I FLY SO MUCH my schedules are always ,
upside down and with jet lag I really rely on
sheet masks to rehydrate my skin.
SHOOTING ACTION FILMS can be incredibly
taxing on my skin. For John Wick: Chapter 2,
I wanted my character to have scars and injuries,
but then of course I was regretting it after all the 9.

hours of makeup I had to sit through. My skin

takes a real beating, so when I get a day off,
I just take everything off. 7.
FOR MY BASE, I SWITCH BETWEEN Urban
Decay Naked Skin One & Done and All Nighter
depending on what kind of gig I’m up for. And
8.
I love beige shades for lips – they’re just easy. I’ll
always take an eyeshadow when I travel. I love
the original Naked Eyeshadow Palette from Urban
Decay because it has all the golds and bronzes,
and those colours go really well with my skin tone. 1. Naked Eyeshadow Palette, $83, URBAN DECAY, mecca.com.au 2. Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil,
I LOVE LED LIGHT THERAPY because it’s so $158, SHU UEMURA, sephora.com.au 3. Naked Skin One & Done, $52, URBAN DECAY, mecca.com.au
healing for the skin and non-abrasive. I’m terrible 4. Facial Treatment Mask, $28, SK-II, davidjones.com.au 5. Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer, $102, ÈMINENCE,
eminenceorganics.com.au 6. Perversion Mascara, $36, URBAN DECAY, mecca.com.au 7. LED mask, $449,
at sitting still, but I’ll watch Big Little Lies for 20 ADURO AUSTRALIA, aduroaustralia.com.au 8. Vice Lipstick in Rush, $28, URBAN DECAY, mecca.com.au
minutes and just LED my skin. 9. Matte Texture Styling Paste, $24.95, ELEVEN AUSTRALIA, elevenaustralia.com
Giambattista Valli
Jenny Packham
Preen By Thornton Bregazzi

THE
Rosie Assoulin

THIS IS A THING:

SMUDGED
MSGM
Ann Demeulemeester

LIP
Emporio Armani

How to put a 2018 spin on your go-to red lip? Smudge it out for
a just-kissed, partied-all-night effect. Deliberately diffused lips were
spotted all across the AW17-18 shows, including Emporio Armani,
Preen By Thornton Bregazzi, Public School and Rosie Assoulin. This
Nicole Miller

isn’t about staying strictly in the lines – just layer your lip colour on and
buff the edges out with a fluffy brush or cotton tip. Quicker, cooler
Topshop Unique

and way easier to do in the back of an Uber.

Public School

117
 Zimmermann
CLEAN
DREAM
Micellar is
taking over
Clean Maniac
our beauty
Clean-Touch Micellar
Shampoo, $32.95,
REDKEN, redken.com.au regimens, now
being found
in next-gen
shampoos
and cleansers
Used in place of harsh tap water
to cleanse the skin, micellar water
2-In-1 Cleansing Micellar has successfully transitioned from
Gel + Light Makeup obscure Parisian skincare staple
Remover, $38,
CLINIQUE, to mass-appeal complexion
clinique.com.au obsession. Naturally, it was only
a matter of time before other steps in
our beauty routines tapped into the
trend. Spiked with the same micro
micelle fatty acids that cling to oil
and debris, the latest line-up of
micellar gel formulas from the likes of
Clinique and Simple will satisfy those
on the sensitive side who love how
the OG waters melt off makeup,
Water Boost Facial but still prefer the deeper clean and
Gel Wash, $9.99, SIMPLE,
priceline.com.au rinse of a traditional cleanser.
Haircare has received a micellar
makeover, too. Redken’s new
now
be
shampoo is gentle enough to use
daily, with innovative Neofresh
Technology neutralising odours and
au
instantly nixing any post-party smoke
or pollution. Or you can use it after
ty
the beach, when the micelles will
deep-clean your strands and scalp of
persistent product build-up, sunscreen
and grease without drying them out.
Giambattista Valli
HOW
WE
ROLL
A makeup brush
holder is like
your sunglasses
case: use it and
your investment
will last you
infinitely longer
“The mistake that I often see women
making is not taking care of their
brushes,” says makeup artist Jasmin
Lo. “That means cleaning them once
a month, protecting the bristles and
making sure they’re not bent out of
shape or stuck in the zipper of your
makeup bag.”
To do her part to ensure tools
last, Lo has created the individually
made Lo Roller Compact, a purpose-
built wrap for all your essential brushes
that’s made of premium Japanese
denim, which, she says, like your fave
pair of jeans, only gets better (and
softer, and cooler) with age (and
frequent washing). “It has enough
room if you’re a makeup lover with an
impressive set of brushes, but if you’re
more of a minimal girl, it fits three to
four brushes, a palette, mascara,
eyeliner, brow gel and a lip crayon,
too,” she explains. “If you’re
travelling, you can even fit in things
like a toothbrush, cotton tips, a hair
comb and a roll-on perfume.”
Lo, whose handiwork has
appeared in magazines all over
Compact brush case,
$75, LO ROLLER,
loroller.com
the world (including this
one), also created a pro
version of the Lo Roller,
modelled off the one that
she made with her mum
early in her career.
If the denim is too down-
home for you, Chanel’s
latest luxe brush set comes housed in
a chic-as-hell black wrap, complete
with a logo-emblazoned pocket mirror
and four compact bristly brushes with
lids to keep them perfect, for when
you need to re-up at the desk or in
the back of a taxi.
Need more pro-grade advice
from someone with all the tricks and
tools of the trade? “Never, ever use
the same brush to apply bronzer and
blush – they must be different in order
for the colours to stay pure. If they get
mixed, you’ll end up with murky tones
of brown and pink and that’s not
flattering on anyone,” advises Lo,
who says her favourite brushes are
big and fluffy. “They’re foolproof –
they create a diffused, flawless finish,
rather than the small dense brushes
Words: Sara McLean; Amy Starr. Photography: Sevak Babakhani (still-life); Jason Lloyd-Evans
that can make it hard to disperse
your makeup evenly.”
Les Indispensables De Chanel
2017 Brush Set, $255, CHANEL,
1300 242 635
 Dress, $369, SHE MADE ME,
shemademe.com.au; hat, $875,
LOEWE, loewe.com

Suffering
from styling-
product
fatigue?
Meet
the new
techniques
and
texturisers
giving the
perfect

new lived-in vibe

and more, in
one magic

wave
bottle

order PHOTOGRAPHY BY

HANNAH SCOTT-STEVENSON
STYLING BY

EMMA KALFUS
Top, $610, REJINA PYO,
mychameleon.com.au; bikini
briefs, $59.90, AQUA BLU,
aquablu.com.au; earring,
$308, ALBUS LUMEN X RYAN
STORER, albuslumen.com;
necklace, $1,750, ELSA
PERETTI FOR TIFFANY & CO.,
tiffany.com (worn throughout)

Texture 2.0
The multi-function movement that’s been dominating skincare in
recent times has made its merry way to haircare. “No-one has time
anymore and they don’t want to use multiple products every day,”
says hairstylist Kevin Murphy. “The modern woman wants to
enhance, condition and style in one product.” Changing the
game and downsizing routines right now are the latest hybrid
stylers – texturisers that are spiked with protective ingredients to
leave hair nourished and touchable, while simultaneously giving
you more bang in each bottle. >

121
One-piece, $44.99,
H&M, hm.com/au
 Haven’t found
a texturiser that goes the
distance yet? You may just be using it wrong. “Liquid texturisers such as sea-salt spray are
designed to be applied when the hair is wet and then dried in – that way they give the hair
a bit of guts and create a stronger foundation,” says hairstylist Paloma Rose Garcia. “Dry

It’too
s hot
sprays or powders can be layered in once the hair is dry.” She also recommends
patchworking products on areas that are soft
and flat, rather than using all over your head.
“Lightened ends will already have natural texture,
so concentrate your product at the roots and
under layers where you want some height.”

for polished perfection and you’re too weary from last night’s
festivities to fuss too much with your mop, so what do you do?
Make like hairstylist Michele McQuillan did on set for this ELLE shoot and style in some perfectly imperfect
texture using multipurpose texturising products. “This model actually has straight hair,” she says. “Apart
from lasting all day, this great texture naturally evolves with time and gets better over the course of the
day. It’s a great base for lots of different shapes, too. It gets even better after it’s dropped a little and the
products have worked deep into the hair.” The pro used Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse ($47.95,
moroccanoil.com/au) and sea-salt spray, brushing through hair while damp. She dried it roughly, using
only her fingers (a brush or comb won’t give you enough of a lived-in feel), then added haphazard curls
Refresh + Care
Dry Shampoo, with a hot tong. “Don’t have the ends in when you curl – the shape is too glamorous,” she says.
$9.99, DOVE,

Texture
1800 061 027

Coconut Oil Formula With

Vitamin E Dry Oil Mist,
$12.99, PALMER’S,
1300 191 918

Love Curl
Primer, $41.95,
and
Words: Amy Starr; Sara McLean. Photography: Hannah Scott-Stevenson at ArtBoxBlack; Sevak Babakhani (still-life). Hair: Michele McQuillan using Moroccanoil.

DAVINES,
Makeup: Isabella Schimid at Union. Model: Nana Skovgaard at IMG. Shot on location at Phillip Bay, NSW, with thanks to Diana and Noek of noekdesign.com

(07) 3850 6200

hydration
have long been mutually
Prêt-À-Powder Très exclusive, but the latest
Invisible Dry Shampoo, Motion Lotion, line-up of innovative
$43, BUMBLE
No Blow Dry Bossy AND BUMBLE,
$38.95, products is offering the best
KEVIN MURPHY, Texture Tonic,
Cream, $34.95, mecca.com.au kevinmurphy.com.au
of both worlds. These are
REDKEN, $39, AVEDA,
aveda.com.au the buys embracing the
redken.com.au
Sea Spray, multi-tasking mentality. E
$18, FRENCH GIRL,
mecca.com.au Dry Powder Volume Paste,
$24.95, ELEVEN AUSTRALIA,
elevenaustralia.com

123
let
there
be
light
LEDs are
treating all
kinds of woes,
from wrinkles
to sore muscles
and maybe
even memory
loss. April Long
shines a light
The potential of light therapy – exposing
the body to specific segments of the
electromagnetic spectrum to address certain
health conditions – was first recognised in the
early 1900s, when Niels Ryberg Finsen
picked up a Nobel Prize for his treatment of
lupus vulgaris (nasty tuberculosis skin lesions)
with ultraviolet radiation. The practice got
a boost in the ’90s when NASA sent LEDs into
orbit, having discovered that the wavelengths
emitted by the tiny electronic light sources
could enhance cellular energy in plants,
enabling them to sprout aboard space
shuttles. When researchers found LED exposure
also benefitted human cells, it resulted in the
development of LED therapies for pain
management and wound healing. Now, the
uses are prolific: different wavelengths have
been shown to act on everything from acne to
arthritis, affecting the body (and even the
brain) in ways that may revolutionise wellness.
LED 101
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) can beam light, in
the form of photons, across the spectrum –
from ultraviolet through the rainbow of colours
we see to invisible infrared. Their wavelength
(measured in nanometres) determines their
colour and visibility.
BLUE (475NM)
Works on the epidermis to destroy the
bacteria associated with acne.
RED (650NM)
Anti-inflammatory, minimises the pore
clogging that contributes to acne, stimulates
collagen and promotes hair growth.
INFRARED (780NM)
Invisible to the eye, infrared light can help
increase circulation. Near infrared – with
wavelengths closest to visible red – is used for
skin tightening and neurological rejuvenation.
body work
The slogan at HigherDOSE, NYC’s infrared
sauna spa, is “Get high naturally”; its
website greets you with an image of a nude
woman frolicking in a jungle. One could be
forgiven for inferring that ayahuasca might
be involved. Instead, the experience involves
basking in infrared-induced heat for up to 60
minutes in one of its saunas, which reach
a maximum temperature of about 65°C
(markedly lower than traditional saunas,
which can approach 90°C). Studies show
that “far infrared” (the longest wavelength in
the infrared spectrum) lowers blood pressure,
improves coronary function and reduces
oxidative stress in heart disease patients.
Infrared sauna devotees include Gwyneth
Paltrow (natch) and Lady Gaga (who swears
by its chronic-pain-relieving powers), while
Selena Gomez favours a blanket fitted with
infrared-emitting filaments. Another way to
enjoy the beneficial beams can be
experienced via a 40-minute session lying on
a LightStim Professional LED Bed, which
features LEDs calibrated to emit a broad
spectrum from visible red to far infrared and
 is used to treat muscle, joint and arthritic
pain, as well as to stimulate local blood
circulation. Although questions remain as to
exactly how red-to-infrared light can confer
such diverse benefits, the wavelengths have
been shown to prompt a cascade of positive
reactions at the cellular level, including
boosting nitric oxide – dubbed the “miracle
molecule” after the three pharmacologists
who discovered its many properties were
awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine in 1998 – and triggering
mitochondria to produce ATP, the primary
molecule responsible for storing and
transporting energy in cells. “We know LED in
the right wavelengths produces nitric oxide
in the body, and by the time we’re 50 or 60,
our bodies are only releasing about 20 per
cent of the amount they released when we
were 20,” says LightStim CEO Steve
Marchese. “Having high levels of nitric oxide
can reduce strokes and increase blood flow
to the brain, plus reduce lactic acid build-up in
the muscles, so it can give athletes more stamina
and strength and reduce recovery time.”
skin deep
Ever since Kim Kardashian brandished
a Baby Quasar in 2015, an increasingly
sophisticated array of at-home LED gizmos
has emerged, promising to reduce fine lines
and wrinkles with regular use. NYC
dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross has harnessed
the red-light spectrum to de-age eyes with his
SpectraLite, a chargeable mask to be worn
three minutes a day, which he says will
produce noticeable smoothing results in two
weeks. “When a light is stimulating collagen,
it works on the fibroblast cell in the dermis,”
he says. “Red LED wavelengths, specifically,
activate a unique receptor on the fibroblast
surface, leading to collagen production. They
also reduce the amount of enzymes that
break down collagen and work on
mitochondria to increase ATP levels. There’s
no trauma to the skin – no heat or dryness. LED
is an amazing new frontier in the anti-ageing
arsenal.” Whereas acne-fighting blue
wavelengths address the epidermis, red
and infrared penetrate deeper. “I like to
use a little bit of infrared,” Gross says,
Photography: Karina Twiss/Trunk Archive/Snapper Media;
“because it stimulates circulation, which
improves the look of the skin by bringing in
antioxidants from the bloodstream. In sun-
damaged skin, there’s a loss of collagen
lower down, and infrared can go below
the dermis, where the blood vessels are,
Sevak Babakhani (still-life)
to induce healing.” Infrared wavelengths
can also be used to tighten lax skin.
Dermatologist Dr Macrene Alexiades uses
the near-infrared-emitting Alma device to
firm up saggy jowls. “Infrared has been
shown to improve both collagen and
elastin,” she says. “Sagging is due to a loss
of elastin, so something that stimulates
elastin is going to give better tightening
than something that just stimulates collagen.”
A study in the Journal Of Drugs In Dermatology
in 2009 showed increases in collagen
and elastin up to 90 days after treatment
with infrared, and a randomised trial
published in 2014 in Photomedicine
And Laser Surgery involving 136 subjects
demonstrated that nearly all volunteers who
were exposed to red and near-infrared
light for 30 sessions showed significant
improvement in skin roughness and collagen
density. As for the patients Alexiades treats,
she says: “Ninety-nine per cent of the time
there’s an evident tightening result after
the first treatment.”
brain power
Perhaps the most surprising area in which
light therapy could have profound benefits
is the brain. British physician Dr Gordon
Dougal, who developed a helmet
containing 700 infrared LEDs in partnership
with neuroscientists at the University of
Sunderland in 2008, is currently conducting
double-blind clinical trials looking at its
effects on “general memory impairment”
in otherwise healthy patients; his belief is
that the helmet might be used to protect
against neurological decline. The science
is promising: mice treated with infrared
have shown gains in recall, and in a study
published in 2013 in Neuroscience, all
20 healthy subjects who were treated
with red to near-infrared lights applied to
their foreheads experienced improvements
in reaction time, memory and mood after
one treatment. Light might also provide
relief from traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
A clinical study conducted by researchers
from Boston University, Harvard and MIT
reported upticks in executive function,
learning and memory after near-infrared
treatment (delivered via a cap fitted with
LEDs) in patients suffering TBI. There’s even
hope that the technology could mitigate
Alzheimer’s. A 2016 MIT study showed that
pulsed LED light reduced beta-amyloid
plaques, the deleterious proteins associated
with the development of the disease, by 50
per cent in rodent brains. A device inspired
by this study – the Vielight
Neuro Gamma, which
combines a red-light LED
“LED is an amazing
designed to be clipped
inside the nostril (where
capillaries are close to the new frontier in the
surface of the skin) and an
infrared-emitting headpiece anti-ageing arsenal”
– is now undergoing a 40-patient pilot study,
to be followed by a larger trial involving more
than 200 patients. Dermatologist Dr Nicholas
Perricone, who says he experienced clearer
thinking and more energy while trying
Dougal’s helmet, believes we’re just seeing
the tip of the iceberg. “We’re going to keep
expanding research into the electromagnetic
spectrum, especially infrared, and there will
be more and more devices out there,”
he says. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have
a nonpharmacologic approach to many of
these problems just by using very benign
amounts of different frequencies of light?”
THE LIGHT
STUFF
1. TRINITY DEVICE, $477,
TRINITY WRINKLE REDUCER
ATTACHMENT, $217, BOTH
NUFACE, MECCA.COM.AU
The Wrinkle Reducer Attachment
gives the microcurrent device an
added anti-ageing oomph of
red-light-spectrum LED.
2. SPECTRALITE EYECARE PRO,
$274, DR DENNIS GROSS,
MECCA.COM.AU
Works to stimulate collagen and
nix crow’s-feet with LED light ranging
from amber to infrared.
3. VISIBLY CLEAR LIGHT
THERAPY ACNE MASK,
$69.99, NEUTROGENA,
PRICELINE.COM.AU
This mask offers a blemish-busting combo
of bacteria-ta argeting blue light and
anti-inflammatory red light.
2.
1.
3.
 *
BEST
CONDITIONER
Botanicals Fresh Care Coriander
Strength Cure Masque, $17.95,

For our L’ORÉAL PARIS, 1300 659 359

“Coriander isn’t something

annual ELLE
we usually associate with
haircare, so this mask was

International
a wonderful surprise. It
leaves hair soft, without
feeling heavy at all.”

Beauty Awards, – CAROLINA ADÃES

PEREIRA, ELLE PORTUGAL

46 editors from
all over the world
came together to
test thousands of
* new products and
BEST
FR AGR ANCE curate a list of those
Bloom, $182 for 100ml,
GUCCI, 1800 812 663 that stand out from
“It’s like sexiness in a bottle.
The mix of tuberose, jasmine, the pack. Skip the
rangoon creeper and musk
leaves an elegant and risk at the counter
sophisticated powdery veil
on the skin and a trail that
and find a new
doesn’t leave anyone
favourite out of this
indifferent (not even
the man in your life).”
– ANGÉLIQUE MARTEL,
all-star line-up
ELLE QUÉBEC

PH OT OG RAPH Y BY

SE V A K B A B A KH A NI

126
 *
BEST
MASCAR A
Diorshow Pump’N’Volume,
$56, DIOR, (02) 9295 9059
“I’m so sceptical when
a product seems like
a gimmick, but I was made
to eat my words when I saw
the life-changing sooty, fat
lashes this created. Why
don’t all mascaras have
a squeezy tube?”
– GRACE WONG,
ELLE MALAYSIA
*
BES T
ANTI - AG
GEING
Visionnaire Crescend
do Progressive
Night Peel, $125, LANCÔME,
lancome.coom.au
“It’s like a bootcamp
amp for your
skin. This overnight peel
provides a brighter-looking,
more even-toned and
even-textured complexion.”
– BARBARA HUBER,
ELLE GERMANY NY
ir itated skin, especially
*
BEST
ANTI - CELLULITE
Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring
Expert, $85, CLARINS, clarins.com.au
“Body Fit is the king of
bodycare. It’s like a fitness
trainer in a bottle. And it dries
super fast – no need to wait,
you can dress immediately. No
cons, only pros. Just perfect.”
– CINDY KERBEROVA,
ELLE CZECH REPUBLIC
*
BEST
MASK
alendula & Aloe Soothing
Hydration Masque, $67,
KIEHL’S, kiehls.com.au
his cooling mask is the
b
best thing to calm red,
hen you’ve spent too
ch time out in the sun.”
– MAMTA MODY,
ELLE INDIA >
 *
BEST
FOUNDATION
N
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch
Foundation SPF 25, $91,

“W
CHANEL, 1300 242 635
With a high water content *
BEST
and hyaluronic acid, it feels
amazing, and perhaps more
BODY
impportantly, looks good and MOISTURISER
performs so well. My skin Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body
Cream, $62, L’OCCITANE,
loves this stuff!” au.loccitane.com
– SOPHIE BERESINER, “It’s like jumping into
ELLE UK a large, ultra-soft duvet.
An experience of
pure wellbeing.”
– MARIE-NOËLLE
VEKEMANS,
ELLE BELGIUM

*
BE ST
LIP CO
COLOUR
Powermatte Lip Pigment, $38,
NARS, mecca.com.au
“The Holy Grail of intense
matte lip colour – you can
see it from miles away! It’s
non-drying and stays
in place for hours.”
– EMILY DOUGHERTY,
ELLE US

128
 *
BEST
HAIR ST YLING
Dry Shampoo Foam, $43,
OUAI, sephora.com.au
“It functions like no other dry
shampoo on the market by
completely obliterating oil
without leaving any trace
elements. There’s also zero
build-up; I could continue to
use this without ever hitting the
shower to lather and rinse (but
that would be oh-so wrong).
I’ll continue to preach its
brilliance to anyone
who will listen.”
– KATHERINE FLEMMING,
ELLE CANADA
Compiled by: Amy Starr
*
BEST
SHAMPOO
Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire,
$44, KÉRASTASE, 1300 365 552
“Natural formulas don’t
always feel particularly
luxurious, but this gentle
wash, which has 96 per
cent natural ingredients,
feels as lightly cleansing
and shine-boosting as
the best of them.”
– AMY STARR,
ELLE AUSTRALIA
*
BEST
MOISTURISER
Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream,
$230, SISLEY, 1300 780 800
“The perfect everyday
cream that hydrates and
firms skin, while giving it
a healthy glow and
smoothing it out.”
– CAROLINE SKJELBRED,
ELLE NORWAY E
129
 every day,

130
 wELL
Eness
people
I NEVER HEARD MY ACTIVE, UPBEAT MUM
Want to reassess your
wellness philosophy
for 2018? For 25 years,
USE THE WORD DIET. She seemed to maintain her
tall, lean body with zero effort. It took me years to realise that writer Lucy Danziger
effort was in fact ingrained in every decision she made: eat
what you want, she’d tell me, but in small portions. When you
has had a front-row
wake up, do deep knee bends, stretch for the sky and start seat at the wellbeing
moving. If your clothes fit tight, just skip dessert. Exercise
should be fun – like a raucous, social game of tennis. A sign revolution, watching
of being a grown-up is putting yourself to bed on time. When
you eat ice-cream – as she did, every day – enjoy the ice- trends come and go,
cream. But that’s not the kind of advice anyone wants to
hear. In the 25 years I’ve covered our culture’s tectonic shift and learning what
towards wellbeing and our obsession with exercise and diet,
I’ve fielded questions from millions of men and women. On actually works. Here,
an almost daily basis, I’m asked: 1. Should I do a cleanse?
2. Will spin make my legs bulky? 3. What single move will
she predicts the advice
tone my arms, flatten my abs and make my legs look leaner? that’ll stand the test of
4. Will eating Paleo help me lose weight faster? 5. Should
I freeze off my fat in a cryogenic chamber? (Answers: 1. No;
2. No; 3. Planks; 4. Yes, as long as you still burn more
time – and science
kilojoules than you consume; 5. You can, or you could just
stand half-naked in a cool room a few times and keep your $1,000.) For every study on how to eat,
work out or think ourselves healthier, there’s a counter study saying we should do the opposite. The
fact that science is constantly reviewing and modifying findings is a good thing. But instead of
a bunch of “breakthroughs” that might be debunked next week, what I’ve included here is tried-and- and living long enough to teach your
true wisdom for readers who accept the (boring) fact that it takes a lifetime of good habits to make grandkids how to ski? That’s the goal
you strong, fit and healthy – not some magic powder sprinkled on your food. This is gimmick-free that has helped me try to be healthy for
advice that can change your body for the better and improve how you feel in (and about) it. 30 years. For every diet, you will cheat;
for every workout streak, you will be
slothful. Breaks are, in fact, a necessary
part of getting fitter. The 90/10 diet

1. FIX YOUR HEAD

I call it PMA: positive mental attitude. Adopt it. Inevitably you will fail at
your first few attempts to quit smoking/lose weight/get in shape. But
studies show that success is not born of willpower alone, but rather
resilience and the ability to stay positive in the face of failure. When
you’re resilient, falling off whatever wagon you’re on (food, sleep,
alcohol) is a momentary lapse on the way to future accomplishment.
True story: when I was a newspaper reporter in my twenties, I smoked.
It was a way to shed my university-athlete vibe and adopt a journalist’s
profile, or so I thought. I’d read it takes an average of six attempts to
quit, but after my sixth, I was still telling myself I was a “social smoker”.
Then I went to a hypnotist who instructed our class to see ourselves as
“non-smokers”. He made us repeat in our heads, “I am a non-smoker.”
Try number seven worked. What I learnt is that envisioning success is the
first step to blueprinting it, then building it. The second part of PMA
is motivation. Set an achievable goal that is meaningful, authentic and
only for yourself. Starving for days to fit into that dress by Friday may
work for one black tie, but the weight will inevitably come rushing back.
Defying the odds of everyone in your genealogy who has heart disease
approach is the only one I remotely
subscribe to: succeeding 90 per cent of
the time and giving yourself permission to cheat 10 per cent of the time.
The stress over punishing yourself is worse for your body than the offence
itself. Little mantras help. One of mine: make the healthiest choice you
can in every situation. But sometimes the cookie, or the entire pack of Tim
Tams, wins. Adopt a PMA. Drive on.
2. REASSESS YOUR
BEDTIME
I’m convinced the Western world’s weight problem is actually a sleep-
deprivation problem. Exhaustion causes the stomach to release the
hunger-boosting hormone ghrelin. Hence the direct relationship
between sleeping less than eight hours a night and increased body
mass index. Lack of sleep makes you “metabolically groggy”,
according to University of Chicago researchers, who found that when
dieters got a full night’s sleep, more than half of the weight they lost was
fat. When they cut back on sleep, only a quarter of their weight loss >

131
 came from fat (not the kind of long-term loss you want).
Sleep-deprived subjects also found it 55 per cent
harder to lose weight. A sleep-starved brain will seek
alternative energy, usually in the form of junk food.
Find yourself hunting for a sugar hit at 3pm, when
brain power tends to plummet? Get more shut-eye
tonight, then see what happens tomorrow afternoon.

3. MOVE EARLY
AND OFTEN
Too frequently I hear, “I work out and don’t see
results.” To which I answer: get moving first thing.
Yes, a spin class at 7am burns the same kilojoules
as one at 7pm, but the early-morning option
keeps your engine burning for hours. Better yet,
work out before breakfast, or fuelled by just
a handful of berries or half a banana and a cup
of coffee. In a UK study, overweight male
exercisers who worked out before breakfast
burned fat more readily than those who exercised
after eating. After a night’s sleep, muscles’
available fuel – aka glycogen – is at its lowest,
so your body is more likely to pull the energy it
needs from stored fat. As for that morning coffee,
studies have shown caffeine can boost
metabolism and signal the body to utilise fat
instead of glycogen for power, plus enable
you to work harder for longer.

4. WORK OUT
SPIKY, EAT SMOOTH
How do you “work out spiky”? You’ve probably heard of high-intensity
interval training. When you work your muscles at maximum effort, even
for one to two minutes, your body needs more fuel than is available in
that moment. Again, it has to pull fat out of storage. Once you turn up
the burners, they keep roaring for up to 24 hours, adding significantly
to your total deficit as your body tries to get back to resting
metabolism. According to one Canadian study, just three minutes
a week of all-out intensity (three bursts of 20 seconds at maximum effort
separated by bouts of moderate activity, done three times a week)
improved blood pressure, VO2 max and other measures of cardio
fitness. “Eat smooth” means keeping the glycaemic index (a measure
of how foods impact blood-sugar levels) of what you eat low and
steady by cutting sugar consumption, increasing protein and complex
carbs, and eating small portions regularly. Eating sufficient lean
protein (15 to 20 per cent of meals) stops blood sugar spiking, so there’s
less insulin telling your body to cart off extra kilojoules to be stored.
Beware of misleading sugar cravings – when your blood sugar drops,
you need protein, not more simple carbs to send you back up the sugar
roller-coaster. Protein helps keep blood sugar steady, making it easier
to fight mid-afternoon snacking.
I learnt this doing Ironman triathlons. If you don’t take in about 850kJ
an hour during the 180km bike ride, you won’t be able to manage the
42km run (meanwhile, you already swam 38km). Eat too much and
you get queasy; too little, and you lose focus. The takeaway? Your
body needs only a small amount of steady fuel to keep going. Overeat,
and you store the excess. Undereat, and you demolish the bread
basket at your next meal. So anticipate your next three hours and eat
to fuel that level of activity. And since it takes 20 minutes from the
moment you begin eating for your brain to sense satiety, slow down.
6. FIBRE: NOT JUST
FOR OLDIES
The topic du jour – anti-inflammatory foods – essentially refers to
those that are rich in antioxidants, low in sugar and packed with
good old-fashioned fibre. Fibre in itself may be the simplest diet booster
ever. In one study at the University of Massachusetts Medical School,
people who added 30g a day to their regular diets lost 75 per cent as

5. DON’T BE THE FRIDGE

Chances are you’re never more than a few minutes from a food source.
If you don’t want to store extra kilojoules in your body, don’t eat more
than what you need to fuel your next activity, or the next three hours.
much weight as those who switched to a much stricter diet; the fibre
eaters also saw similar improvements in blood pressure. Hitting that
magic number isn’t as hard as it sounds: a cup of cooked porridge has
about 4g; two slices of wholemeal bread has 5g; a cup of raspberries
has 6g. And that salad you ate for lunch? Essentially a big bowl of fibre.

132
 wELL
Eness
“For every diet, you will cheat;
for every workout streak, you
will be slothful. Breaks are
necessary for getting fitter”
7. VANITY CAN BE
GOOD FOR YOU
A leading breast cancer specialist once told me that when a patient
says she wants to restore her looks to their pre-cancer state, it’s often the
best news a physician can get – a sign of her commitment to making
a full recovery. I see a real correlation between self-care and health, in
that a regular beauty routine can be a gateway to a more consistent
health routine. A Kaiser Family Foundation survey showed that women
are more likely than men to delay healthcare when they need it – we
Photography: Martin Rusch/Trunk Archive/Snapper Media
tend to grin and bear it. But regular appointments for so-called
superficial concerns (nails, hair, skin) can sometimes lead to bigger
revelations. For example, you go to a dermatologist to eradicate
a pimple, she finds a mole that needs investigating.
8. CLEANSING AND
WEIGHT LOSS
I can’t say this enough: there is no convincing evidence that “detox”
regimens help your body shed toxins, nor is there proof that extreme
cleanses help you lose weight. Quite the opposite. Since
your body (when starving) burns fewer kilojoules and goes
on “dimmer” mode, cleanses that reduce your kilojoules
below about 5,000 a day actually slow your metabolism.
You can drop weight, but it’s mostly water – or worse, muscle
(if you don’t eat protein) – and temporary. Once you revert to
normal eating, your smart body – to help with, you know,
survival – will overrule you and store every morsel as fat.
9. BREATHE LIKE
A YOGI
We think of breathing as something our body does without
conscious participation, but you can control both the depth
and frequency of your breaths, and it may be the easiest way to
dial down your stress. Last March, researchers at Stanford
published a study revealing a cluster of cells they dubbed the
brain’s respiratory “pacemaker” that connects breathing to
stress response. Breathe rapidly, from your upper chest, and
you get anxious and produce negative stress hormones;
breathe slowly and deeply into your abdomen, and it signals
your cells to calm down – oxygen is on the way. In one of my
favourite yoga classes, the instructor’s mantra was,
“Breathe, breathe, breathe. Everything’s going to be fine.”
We would breathe in for five beats, pause, and breathe out for six,
expelling all that stress. Try it right now. See?
10. THE SCALE IS NOT
YOUR FRIEND
Weight-loss research often indicates that daily weigh-ins can be an
effective tool, but I’ve found them to be counterproductive: when it says
you’re down, it’s like being told, “Good job!” When it says you’re up,
it’s a downer. Either way, it can derail you. Weigh yourself monthly.
How your clothes fit and how your body feels walking up a flight of
stairs tell you what you need to know. Keep track, but don’t obsess. The
biggest change I’ve witnessed in my time in the health and wellbeing
trenches: back in my twenties, friends of my mum’s would talk about
going to the “fat farm” to lose weight, like it was some kind of penance
for having fun, drinking and eating whatever they liked the rest of the
year. Now we see a spa trip as a luxury, and living healthy as an even
greater privilege. I’ve seen crazy-bad luck: healthy friends get sick no
matter how many good choices they’ve made. And I’ve known women
who smoked like chimneys and live into their nineties, defiantly happy.
Wellbeing is a choice, yes, but also takes a whole lot of luck. Every day
I realise this and remind myself again to keep a PMA. Drive on. E
133

PINEAPPLE
MANGO
SMOOTHIE
BY KATRINA SCOTT
AND KARENA DAWN
OF TONE IT UP
BLEND:
1 cup coconut water
1 scoop vanilla protein
½ cup frozen
cauliflower rice
¼ cup frozen mango
¼ cup frozen
pineapple
1 tbsp almond butter
to evaluate attention, mood, memory and
reaction speed throughout the day. In
addition, new discoveries into the link
between our heart rate variability (the time
between beats) and circadian patterns
mean wearable devices that track both have
the potential to screen your risk of mental
illness with new-found accuracy.
THE DIET:
NEW THE ANTI-DIET
Call it food fatigue or bullshit backlash, but
COOL
the new leaders in the wellness space are
anti-diet, anti-plate shaming and all about
debunking fads. Helping us cleanse our
mindsets for the new year is UK food writer
Now that you’ve Anthony Warner, who calls out every cult
committed those diet from Paleo and alkaline to sugar- and
gluten-free in his book The Angry Chef: Bad
tried-and-trusted
Science And The Truth About Healthy Eating
fitness methods to ($24.99, Oneworld). Taking a less cranky
approach to demystifying eating anxiety
memory, here are is Dr Libby Weaver, who focuses just as
a few new ways much on mental health as what to put in
to supercharge
your mouth in What Am I Supposed To
Eat? Making Sense Of Food Confusion
your routine ($39.95, Little Green Frog). For an
inside-out take, try celebrity trainer James
Duigan’s latest work, Blueprint For Health
THE TECH: ($29.99, Pavilion). Tapping into the
importance of sleep, mindset, movement
andd nutrition,
t iti itit’s back-to-basics
b k t b i information
i f ti
MATTERS
From counting steps and encouraging
that’s easy to digest, finally.
standing to evaluating how hard you weent in
that HIIT workout, smart watches have larrgely
focused on improving our physical health –
but that’s now set to shift thanks to new reseearch
into the ways wearable technology can tra ack
anxiety, stress and depression. A UK stud dy
found success using a new Apple Watch
app to monitor and assess people with major m
depressive disorder. By having participa ants
complete cognitive tests, the app was able
134
wELL
Eness
THE IT- INGREDIENT:
CAULIFLOWER
How did broccoli’s less controversial
cousin suddenly soar to cool-food
status? High in fibre but low in
carbohydrates, the cauliflower craze
has already swept through the US –
American supermarket chain Trader
Joe’s recently had to cap purchases
at two bags of cauliflower rice per
customer at some of its stores due to high
demand – so prepare to see the
versatile vegetable starring on many
a (recycled paper) menu in 2018.
“Our Pineapple Mango Smoothie is
one of our favourites right now – we swapped
banana for cauliflower,” says Katrina Scott,
co-founder of fitness and lifestyle brand Tone It
Up. “It helps keep blood sugar levels stable so
you won’t have a spike and crash in energy.”
Filling in for grains in rice and pizza recipes,
the multipurpose plant is as easy on the
wallet as it is on the digestive system.
THE SUPPLEMENT:
ASHWAGANDHA
Move over, magnesium; ashwagandha is the
new natural remedy to know about. (Well, not
quite “new” – it’s been used for thousands of
years in Ayurvedic medicine.) The ancient
adaptogenic herb is gaining widespread
traction after studies showed it could assist
with many modern health woes, from anxiety
to insomnia to stress. Take it in a tablet or
Words: Sara McLean. Photography: Martin Rusch/Trunk Archive/Snapper Media;
swirl it through your smoothie.
THE KICKS:
ENVIRONMENT-
PROOF
adidas has updated its bestselling Boost shoes
to keep up with our ever-changing exercise
routines. The bendy sole is super stable, while
the stretchy-knit yarn that holds your foot is Sevak Babakhani (still-life)
designed to be moisture-repellent, so you can
adjust where you run (on the road, gravel,
mud) without having to change your shoes. If
you travel a lot, pack these and swap the hotel
gym for the city streets without a worry.
UltraBoost All Terrainn
trainers, $320,
ADIDAS, adidas.com.au
Help us
help
women
The Priceline Sisterhood Foundation
is dedicated to raising funds for the
charities that directly support some
of the biggest health concerns facing
Australian women and their families.

To find out more about our charity

partners & how you can help,
visit priceline.com.au/sisterhood

Charity partners

Priceline Sisterhood Foundation Limited

(as Trustee for the Priceline Sisterhood Foundation ABN 35 854 830 577).
HOME:
The palette
of a wellness

whole heart expert’s

beachside
home is
inspired
by nature
and the
coastline that
surrounds it

W ORD S AN D S T Y L I N G BY

A M Y ST A RR
PH OT OG RAPH Y BY

KRI ST I NA SO L J O
EARTHY APPEAL:
A bust made by Oates’
“The home
is a warm
daughter takes pride of
place next to ceramics

space where
by artist Kimberly Cruz,
pieces from Country
Road and Dinosaur
Designs, and an artwork
by Hannah Nowlan
we gather to
share food,
music and
cups of tea”

137
 SITTING PRETTY:
An old IKEA table (from the
CARLA OATES, the founder and CEO of wellness bargain corner, no less!)
brand The Beauty Chef, lives surrounded by exactly the looks chic with the help of
earthy, grounded shades and textures you’d expect, chairs by Hans Wegner
given her vocation. Tobacco leather and velvet cushions
in soft khaki and rust pair perfectly with the natural finishes
of timber and ceramics. “I’m inspired by the natural
world and curvilinear forms,” she says. “I lean towards
muted, dirty tones, with a pop of bright colour that
usually comes from botanicals. They reflect nature,
which I’m naturally drawn to.”
Oates shares her private paradise in Bondi Beach
with her husband Davor and children, 20-year-old Jeet
and 17-year-old Otis. They moved into the space 13
years ago, but embarked on an ambitious renovation
only three years ago. What was once a small, dark
two-bedroom apartment is now a sprawling, light-filled
family space. “I love Modernist design,” says Oates.
“What emerged from that era really resonates with me
visually and philosophically – the fluidity, simplicity and
functionality. I love the flow of inside to outside. We love
living near the beach and I think there’s a relaxed and
open feeling in our house that reflects this being an
important part of our lifestyle.”
Her favourite spot is the one with the best view of the
outdoors. “I love sitting on the leather Staple & Co
lounge and looking out into the backyard at our beautiful
fig tree. It’s a shared source of beauty among two
apartment blocks and it’s awesome in both breadth and
height. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of how
incredible nature is. It’s a work of art.” >

“I like simple
lines, elegant,
organic Stool, $35, IKEA,
ikea.com/au

shapes and
lots of texture
and space”
Coffee table, $3,250, GREAT DANE,
greatdanefurniture.com

Vase, $29, ZAKKIA,

zakkia.com.au

Rug, $5,400, JARDAN,

138 jardan.com.au
 Pendant light, $895, LUCCI DÉCOR,
beaconlighting.com.au

Chair, $13,975, GREAT DANE,

greatdanefurniture.com

Cushion, $92, LIGHTLY,

lightly.com.au

“Comfort is
important to
me – I love chairs
and lounges
you can
sink into with
a good book”

FACE TIME:
Oates’ beauty line-up is
peppered with products
from her own range
 Platter, $295, DINOSAUR DESIGNS,
dinosaurdesigns.com.au

Rug, $800, ARMADILLO & CO,

armadillo-co.com

Cushion, $92, LIGHTLY,

lightly.com.au

Print, from $169, THE PRINT EMPORIUM,

templeandwebster.com.au

Framed print, from $290,

BLACKLIST,
blackliststore.com.au
 Cushion, $240, JARDAN,
jardan.com.au

Chair, $750, LIGHTLY,

lightly.com.au

r
Hair and makeup: Allison Boyle at The Artist Group using Sisley

MAKING WAVES:
A photograph by Justine Kerrigan
and bed linen by Tow And Line
bring colour to the bedroom

Print, from $120, BLACKLIST,

blackliststore.com.au

Chair, $1,595, SARAH ELLISON,

clickonfurniture.com.au

Shelving unit,
$129, IKEA,
ikea.com/au

141
 TRAVEL:

STAYING From the perennially cool

to the next big things, these
ultra-chic hotels will make
POWER you want to book that US
road trip asap

ACE HOTEL
& SWIM CLUB
PALM S PR IN GS, C A L I F O RNI A
The music is pumping, rosé is flowing and
Instagram boyfriends are working hard to get
the shot. In this part of California, you could
only be at the Ace, which, over the past
nine years, has cemented its place as Palm
Springs’ seminal “hip hotel” (turning the desert
town from a kitsch road-trip stop to the
weekend playground of LA’s most influential).
DESERT OASIS:
You’ll come for the cool The 176 rooms vary in size – some
architecture and bohemian have extra seating inside, or a sweet
styling, and stay for the little private patio – but all are designed
poolside party scene to evoke a Bedouin-goes-to-Hollywood
aesthetic, with canvas-panelled
walls and desert-inspired art.
Set beneath rocky Mount San
Jacinto, lying by the pool in the sun has
never provided such a unique view. Of
course, being that it’s the Ace, the pool
is one of the most in-demand places to
hang out in town (so forget focused
reading here). And if you’re not much of
a night owl, request a room away from the
main pool – it’s open until 2am and you
never know when the party will run well
into the night.
The in-house restaurant, King’s Highway,
serves breakfast, lunch and dinner – think
Americana with a south-of-the-border twist
(order the soft egg and grilled corn cazuela
and have a transformative experience). With
Eames-style chairs, a stained-glass window
with an all-seeing eye and old-school coffee
mugs serving up Stumptown brew, it’s more
a millennial take on the ’70 than an accurate
depiction of what the era was actually like.
There’s also the Amigo Room, the hotel’s dive
bar that’s anything but. Slide into a booth for
extra privacy in the dark or grab a mic and
join in at the weekly karaoke night – a perfect
opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals.
acehotel.com/palmsprings
 SCRIBNER’S
CATSKILL LODGE
HU N TE R, N E W Y OR K
There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic
about Scribner’s Catskill Lodge – it harkens
back to the old-school camps and family
ski trips where time was spent making
fires, grazing knees on tennis courts and
competing in heated rounds of Trivial Pursuit.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this was not
upstate New York but in fact the Austrian Alps
(neighbouring homes and motels have the
same European charm to them, though
no-one seems quite sure where that alpine
influence came from). Perhaps it all comes
back to Hunter Mountain, the magnificent
peak that looms over the town – the
beloved ski spot for locals draws hikers
from the city during warmer months.
The 38-room lodge, part of the
exclusive Design Hotels portfolio, has
a retro flair – with all the charm but none
of the staleness you might expect from
a hotel in a quiet ski town. The hallways,
lined with wood-panelled walls, lead to
bright, airy rooms with high ceilings and
a calming palette of white, charcoal and
tan leather – a faultless blend of old and
new. There’s a TV, but no minibar. But you
won’t miss it. It’s far more fun to head to
the lobby, choose a book and curl up
beside the fire. Or grab a table and
enjoy the modern take on mountain fare
at in-house restaurant Prospect (and COUNTRY CHARM:
make an effort to look at your coaster; With its modern spin on
it’s inspired by the constellations above). mountain luxury, it’s easy
to see why Scribner’s is
scribnerslodge.com a popular getaway spot
for chic Manhattanites

THE OLD NO 77
HOTEL & CHANDLERY
N E W OR LE AN S , LOUIS IAN A
In a city where tales of local legends are
as intrinsic to its magic as the powdered
sugar-coated fingertips of Café Du Monde
pilgrims, it’s tough to stand out. Everything is
charming, colourful and steeped in history.
THE BIG EASY: But The Old No 77 is quickly establishing
Fill up on hush puppies itself as one to watch. Positioned in NOLA’s
and biscuits and gravy hip Warehouse Arts District, the 167-room
at Compère Lapin
hotel affords its guests an ideal location –
(above) before
exploring the rest less than a 20-minute walk from the French
of NOLA Quarter action (or, the area you’re most likely
to have a string of beads thrown down at you
from a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street).
The building has its fair share of historical
cred, too. First, it was a coffee warehouse,
then a chandlery where ships would stock
up on essentials before long voyages. The
rooms are a nod to its warehouse origins,
with exposed bricks and pipes, hardwood
floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, while
the Artist Loft Suites offer more space and
a curated selection of art from local creatives.
There’s a rotating exhibit of art in the lobby,
produced with the New Orleans Center
For Creative Arts, and a vintage cigarette
machine repurposed to dispense bite-sized
bits of one-off art for a US fiver.
Also making waves is the hotel’s
restaurant, Compère Lapin. Inspired by
a character in a series of Caribbean
children’s folktales (Compère Lapin is French
for “brother rabbit”), the menu is as delightfully
whimsical as the rabbit motif that appears
throughout, and chef Nina Compton’s
Caribbean-Creole fusion quickly earned the
venue a place on multiple “Best” lists. Don’t
miss the biscuits and gravy at brunch. >
old77hotel.com
 SOUTH CONGRESS
HOTEL
AUS TIN , TEXA S
In the coolest town in the South, tourists make
a beeline for Sixth Street. On nearby Rainey
Street, cocktails in converted houses and
fairylight-laden beer gardens attract a hipper
crowd. But the hottest spot of all, across the
Colorado River and away from the bustle
of the CBD, is South Congress Hotel.
Alongside the stunning interiors – mid-
century furnishings in denim and leather, with
reclaimed wood and clay brick bringing
a Southern zest to the mix – it’s the less
noticeable additions that make each of the
83 rooms feel like home. The entertainment
system includes Apple TV and Chromecast
(so you can stream Netflix to the TV from your
Apple or Android device), the bathroom is full
of Aesop toiletries and the minibar is stocked
with local goodness. Spring for a Bouldin
room and be treated to more space and
a view of buzzy South Congress Avenue.
FORGET KEYRINGS:
With its impressive curation
of books, art and homewares,
Marfa Book Co (below) is
the perfect place to stock
up on souvenirs
144
In a city where you can fill a few days
without stopping or happily do nothing at
all, there are plenty of places to hang out
at South Congress. Three acclaimed
restaurants, two bars and a cafe are on-site, DIVE IN:
as well as a womenswear boutique, expertly With a bar and
incredible view of
curated lobby shop, nail salon plus bike and
Austin’s skyline,
motorcycle rentals via the concierge. The staff you’ll find it hard to
are undoubtedly a drawcard; they’ve got all leave the hotel’s
the friendliness of Texans, with the efficiency rooftop pool
you’d expect from an upscale boutique hotel.
They’re handy with a recommendation –
Barton Springs Pool on a hot day, Lucy’s
Fried Chicken for a local dinner – and ensure
you never miss a happy hour (of which there
are a few) unless you want to.
southcongresshotel.com
HOTEL SAINT GEORGE
M A RF A , T E XA S
In 1886, Hotel Saint George was built as the
stopping place for travelling salesmen who
came by train on the Union Pacific line. You
can still hear it passing through; it’s considered
the lifeblood of this town. Not that you should
be concerned; the newest incarnation of the
hotel – opened in 2016 – provides earplugs
for light sleepers. Another thoughtful touch? In
an area where water is a precious resource, it
offers different housekeeping services – full,
green or none. (Let your conscience decide
how many towels you really need.)
The hotel excels at making its spaces the
place to be. In the lobby, there’s local fave
Marfa Book Co, buzzy Bar Saint George
and rustic restaurant Laventure. The 55 rooms
are cool, dark and inviting – an oasis from
the unrelenting sun outside – and an even
bigger relief if you’ve spent the day at Donald
Judd’s Chinati Foundation, where the artist’s
concrete sculptures are exhibited against the
barren west Texas landscape. It’s worth
noting that in Marfa weekends are prime
time – the town is all but tumbleweeds from
Monday to Wednesday – so travel late
in the week and book ahead to ensure
you’ve always got a place to go.
marfasaintgeorge.com
FUN IN THE SUN:
SURFJACK HOTEL
Playful touches, like & SWIM CLUB
the Instagram-worthy H ON OL U L U , H A W A I I
pool, add to the It’s easy to pigeonhole Honolulu as
hotel’s fun vibe
a destination for honeymooners or families
seeking the ease of mega resorts and
commercial shopping, but there’s so much
more to Hawaii’s capital city than meets the
eye. Sure, its misty green hills, hyper-blue
waters and mid-century high-rises give it
postcard-like appeal, but it’s not just that
either. Rather, what makes it a stand-out is the
alluring mix of ’60s nostalgia, legendary surf
culture, appreciation of fresh food and
generous aloha spirit – all of which can be
found at the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club.
Located just a few blocks from the iconic
Waikiki Beach, the community-oriented
concept sees locals and vacationers alike
hanging out enjoying the curated events,
including live music, workshops and wellness
activities. Group fun not your thing? Bliss out by
the pool enjoying locally sourced food (the
poké bowls are next level) and craft cocktails
– in-house restaurant Mahina & Sun’s are
topnotch. Or explore the neighbourhood
using one of the hotel’s adorable bicycles.
The 112 bungalow-style guest rooms
range from one-room to three-bedroom suites
and feel more like hip beach apartments than
hotel rooms. The 10-floor building wraps
around the property’s focal point: an oval
pool with “Wish you were here!” written
on the bottom. Though the pool is the most
obvious Instagram op, every corner of the
hotel has been thoughtfully designed
with that in mind, ensuring you’ll
return home with no free storage
on your device.
surfjack.com

BEACH BLISS:
THE ROSE HOTEL
While located in V E N ICE BE ACH , CALIF O RNI A
bohemian Venice The Rose Hotel is the most brag-worthy place
Beach, the hotel has in LA’s beloved Venice Beach. Preaching
a stylish Hamptons feel
a lo-fi approach to hospitality, the vibe will
have you falling under its spell – few hotels in
the area so effortlessly capture the Venice
lifestyle. Despite the salacious rumour that
Venice Beach’s founding father Abbot Kinney
built The Rose as his own private party pad
and brothel, the current owners prefer a more
wholesome approach – they’re eco-friendly
and source food from local, ethically minded
suppliers. The art on the walls is a nod to the
area’s surf and skate culture, and rooms are
simple in design and vary in size. The smallest
include a bed, basin and mirror, with communal
showers and toilets a few doors down (don’t
worry, it’s not as “hostel” as it sounds).
A handful of larger suites feature their own
private bathrooms; some with additional
living space, a kitchen or a deck (in the
Abbot Kinney Suite, you’ll find all three).
Borrow a bike, cruise down the
boardwalk and take in the action at Muscle
Beach. There are surfboards at the front
desk, too, if you decide to go “full Venice”.
From 8am, complimentary Sugarbloom
Bakery croissants (better than any from
Paris) and strong coffee is in the lobby. The
hotel, though moments from the sand, is
also close to the canals and Dennis
Hopper’s old compound, which was
designed in part by Frank Gehry – worth
adding to your walking-trail route. >
therosehotelvenice.com
 FAENA HOTEL
M I A M I B E A C H , F L O RI DA
A relative newcomer to the hotel scene
on Miami’s world-famous beach strip, the
Faena Hotel is the absolute centre of the
“Faena district” – first made a reality in 2014
by Alan Faena, an Argentinian hotelier and
real-estate developer. The six-block area’s
billion-dollar revamp has made Mid-Beach
a neighbourhood worthy of international
attention and the 169-room Faena Hotel
is the jewel in the crown.
A towering gold mammoth created by the
art world’s enfant terrible, Damien Hirst, takes
pride of place in the gardens (cementing
the property’s place as most photogenic in
Florida). But inside the front door is where
you’ll truly pick your jaw up off the
floor; there, a “Cathedral” lined
with golden columns offsets the
custom murals by Juan Gatti.
MAXIMALIST’S DREAM:
Unsurprisingly, Baz Luhrmann and
There’s plenty to see at Faena,
including Damien Hirst’s Catherine Martin were creative
“Gone But Not Forgotten” consultants during the hotel’s
installation (below right) design – a collaboration most
evident in the colour palette
of gold, red and teal blue, and
the playfully kitsch decor.
In this part of town, the people-watching is
as mesmeric as the art, and there’s no better
146
place to check out the locals than the pool,
nestled between strategically placed palm
trees and striped umbrellas, or the hotel’s strip
of beach, where the lounge chairs are as
upmarket as the cocktail menu. Once you’ve
had your fill of fun in the sun, head to the
on-site spa, Tierra Santa Healing House –
an epic 2,044m2 oasis that includes one
of the largest hammams on the east coast.
The massage menu is extensive, but skip
the indecision and go for the Tierra Santa
Masaje De Coco (therapists use virgin
coconut oil and a warm coconut herbal
compress and it’s as delicious as it sounds).
There are three restaurants to choose
from: one focused around open-fire cooking
and excessive consumption of meat, another
celebrates Asian cuisine and the third offers
breakfast with beach views. As further
enticement to stay put, Faena Theater
showcases cabaret and artistic productions
amid an old-Hollywood setting. After the
show, head to Saxony Bar, The Living Room
or Tree Of Life. With three bars in such close
proximity to your room, hedonism is difficult
to avoid here (but, after all, this is Miami).
faena.com/miami-beach
ART ATTACK:
The exhibition
space at 21c
means you
can up your
culture cred
without even
going outside

21C MUSEUM HOTEL

N AS H V ILLE , TE N N E S S E E
No epic tour of the US would be complete
without a stay at a 21c hotel, a boutique
chain founded in 2006 by contemporary art
collectors Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown.
You won’t find their hotels in America’s big
cities; they aim to revitalise smaller towns
through a unique blend of hospitality and art.
Their new Nashville venture – the brand’s
seventh outpost – is a 124-room hotel and
contemporary art museum, which
is free to the public and features
rotating exhibitions from artists
across the globe.
The hotel is a few moments’
walk from the honky-tonks that
have made Fifth Avenue
a beloved destination for
country-music fans and curious travellers (it’s
fun for a night, but those seeking a more
enchanting experience should head to
Printer’s Alley, right behind the hotel, to sip
whiskey in cosier bars). The hotel serves
a kind of modern opulence; the bright, white
lobby contrasts the moody hues of the guest
floors. Rooms feature floor-length drapes, with
velvet, wood and copper details enhancing
the innate livability. Book one of the rooftop
suites and be treated to stunning views of
the Cumberland River and downtown
neighbourhood, or nab an exclusive
Artist Suite and experience complete
artistic immersion.
21cmuseumhotels.com

THE WILLIAMSBURG
HOTEL
BR OOK LY N, NE W Y O RK
Manhattan may be the beating heart of
New York, but everyone knows that Brooklyn
is where it’s at. Specifically, Williamsburg.
More specifically, The Williamsburg Hotel,
one of Wythe Avenue’s newest openings (so
new, in fact, that the rooftop pool and bar
don’t open until later in 2018, but don’t let happy-cry thanks to panoramic views of the
that deter you from a visit). The hotel is East River and Manhattan. Jewel tones, wood,
beautiful inside and out. The imposing brick copper and clean white finishes come together
structure commands attention from the street in an aspirational way (you’ll suddenly realise
below, and upon closer inspection you’ll find a blue velvet sofa is the one thing your living
both a double-door entrance and a staircase room is missing). The rooms feature a clever
descending into an outdoor seating area little MediaHub, which makes streaming
serviced by the lobby bar but making full use music and video from your mobile to the
of the outdoor vibe the ’Burg is known for. in-room speakers and TV a cinch – even for
There are 150 rooms – all are beautiful, the most technologically inept. The toiletries
but the Skyline Suites will really make you are an exclusive collaboration with local
artisans Apotheke, and the local approach
extends to its farm-to-table restaurant, Harvey,
HIPSTER and to the services offered by front-of-house
HEAVEN: staff, who will whip up recommendations for
The copper bar,
exposed brick
where to eat, drink, shop and party, and get
and custom you there via tuktuk (it’s complimentary for
furnishings will guests, and prime for photos). >
give you plenty thewilliamsburghotel.com
of inspiration for
your own pad
 PIONEERTOWN MOTEL
Y UCCA V ALLE Y , CALIF ORNI A
What would make someone want to drive
into the desert – no, the middle of nowhere
– and stay in an almost-ghost town that
WILD WEST: looks like the place Westworld props go
Ever wanted to star to die? That’d be Pioneertown Motel,
in a Western? This a low-frills, 20-room desert inn surrounded
motel will let you by flat top mesas, cacti and little else.
channel your inner
Clint Eastwood
Just 40 minutes’ drive from Palm Springs, and
even closer to the stark
and supernatural Joshua
Tree National Park,
Pioneertown was ensued). These days, the area attracts hipster
founded in 1946 by thirty-somethings seeking an escape from LA.
a group of Hollywood Under new ownership, the motel was
actors – Roy Rogers and recently renovated and offers only the bare
Gene Autry among them necessities – coffee, a little wi-fi and a hot
– who hated travelling far shower. Rooms are decorated with Aztec
from home to film their blankets, cowhide rugs and photographs of
Westerns. Facades and Joshua Tree (they’re almost as pretty as the
buildings designed real thing). Rooms are named after the stars
to replicate the Wild West served as both who once slept there – a subtle nod to the
a film set and a place for the actors to stay cinematic history of the place. A short walk
during production (expectedly, all-nighters away you’ll find Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown
Palace, a bar that both teams with the theme
and sets itself apart from other drink and
dine joints in the region. Drawing big-name
musicians – Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin’s
Robert Plant and the Arctic Monkeys – to its
stage, a visit to the ramshackle spot goes
hand-in-hand with a stay at the motel. E
pioneertown-motel.com

Words: Laura Collins; Anna Deutsch; Pete Harrison. Photography: Trey Dillon;
Casey Dunn; Nik Koenig; Eric J Nunez; Mariko Reed; Vincent Ricafort; Annie
Schlechter; Nick Simonite; Kris Tamburello

148
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R
 2018
the

HORO
I L L U S T RAT I ON BY

T A NY A C O O P E R
 CO
s P E
S ial
pec
2018 is set to be a year like
no other. Two big planets, Saturn
and Jupiter, are changing star
signs, and those shifts will make life
look and feel very different.
In any given year, we pay
2018 PROMISES
A SHAKE-UP IN THE
STARS, WITH BOTH
JUPITER AND SATURN
IN NEW SIGNS.
WHAT DOES THIS
attention to the position of Saturn
and Jupiter because they’re the MEAN FOR YOUR
two planets that have the most
influence on us. Jupiter and Saturn
CAREER, LOVE LIFE
are planets in the middle of the AND GENERAL
solar system line-up, moving not
too quickly nor slowly to make an HAPPINESS?
impact on our lives. Jupiter stays
in one sign for one year, because
WORLD-RENOWNED
it takes 12 years to orbit the ASTROLOGER
sun. Saturn spends around three
years in one sign, because it takes SUSAN MILLER
29-and-a-half years to revolve
around the sun. REVEALS ALL
Jupiter has recently moved into
Scorpio, where it will stay until November 2018, giving Scorpio the
crown of celestial favourite. Everyone can benefit from this placement,
depending on where this generous planet will be in your chart. Jupiter
is a planet of healing and truth that always brings injustices out in
the open. Meanwhile, Saturn has moved to the big money sign of
Capricorn, a sign Saturn hasn’t visited since February 1988 to
February 1991. Saturn is known as the taskmaster planet, because it
teaches life lessons in each of the areas of the horoscope it visits, so
some financial teachings could be around the corner.
The good news? Jupiter is the giver of gifts and luck, and will be
the sunniest, most fortunate part of your chart through most
of 2018. Have a look in the pages ahead at what I see for your sign
and you will certainly be very excited. >

153
 JUPITER’S IMPACT
In 2018, you’re likely to be thrilled with the money you see come to you, due to good-fortune
Jupiter helping you from your eighth house of other people’s money. This is the first time Jupiter
has visited this area of your chart since 2006. Your effort to fund an expensive dream is edging
closer than you might assume, so fill out the application and have meetings with influential people
to get the money you need. You can get financial aid for further education, get venture capital for
a new business idea with a well-written business plan or discover you can get a loan to renovate
your home. If you’re negotiating a new job or promotion and can’t get the salary you want, look
to company perks as those benefits may more than make up for any salary shortfall.
Other areas of gain include division of assets at the end of a business, child support,
inheritance, insurance payouts, money from
a pension, prize winnings or a valuable gift
you might receive. To be clear, the eighth
house, so lit up for you, is not the house of SATURN’S IMPACT
salary (that would be the second house), Most Aries are serious about their careers. Capricorn is positioned at the top of
although at times you’ll feel some spillover of your chart, on the cusp of the 10th house that rules your reputation and the legacy
energy from the eighth house of other people’s you leave behind when you finish your working years. Now that Saturn has
money to your salary house. This is because entered this place in your chart for the first time in 29 years, you’ll be given a chance
houses opposite each other on the horoscope to climb to great heights in your profession.
wheel often ping energy and benefits back No matter how much you’ve mastered in your specialty, accepting a new offer
and forth, from one house to the other across that’s on its way will entail learning the ropes in an entirely new area of your
the skies, in a 180-degree line. industry. You can expect to be given a new title and great responsibility, so much
You will be a money magnet until so that you may be concerned about how you’ll handle it all. You’ll certainly be
November 2018. After that, until early tested, but you’ll be ready for it.
December 2019, Jupiter will still work in your Saturn entered Capricorn on December 20, 2017, and very soon, possibly at
favour, because Jupiter in Sagittarius will have the new moon on January 16, you may get an idea of what is coming. The
you travelling far and wide, to at least one taskmaster planet will remain in your 10th house of awards and achievement until
foreign country you’ve never visited. Publishing December 17, 2020. This new moon will have an extraordinary cluster of heavenly
and academic interests will both shine for you, bodies in this same 10th house, specifically, six out of a possible 10. You’ll have
too, as will the courts – not only with court the new moon, sun, Venus, Mercury, Pluto and Saturn – the highest number of
cases, but for filing a patent or heavenly bodies to be crowded into one house
trademark, too. of the horoscope, all aligned together, that we’ll
Saturn moved into Capricorn just
days before the start of 2018. In You’ll see in our lifetime. This means you’ll have an
enormous amount of planetary energy in your
Capricorn you will rise through the
ranks to take on a job of great
climb career sector, lighting your ambitions and
bringing great opportunity.

responsibility and power. You won’t
have to wait long to see the truth of this
– in January, six planets will migrate
into Capricorn, all in your house of
fame and honours, meaning a new title
or award will be yours. You will work
hard, but all your efforts will be
rewarded, and by December 2020
you will turn yourself into a force to be
reckoned with and a seasoned leader
in your industry.
to great
In January, you’ll be obsessed with getting
ahead, but there’s a catch. Uranus, the planet of
unanticipated challenge, will oppose the sun,
heights Venus and the new moon of January 16. You
could be in two minds about this new job, but
in your sooner or later you’ll take the step up – another
chance may be offered around the full moon on
June 28. Saturn will conjunct that full moon,
profession giving it a weightiness, so the job will certainly
give you power. But you may still hesitate. You
could realise that this job will give you little time
to yourself. But Saturn rules structure, so if you’re
organised, you can master the juggle.
No matter when you take on this new position, during the time Saturn spends
with you in 2018, the compensation will be quite generous, both in terms of salary
and benefits. Having more money will allow you to reach goals in your personal
life, such as to put a deposit on a house, welcome a new baby or travel overseas.
These and other dreams seem very possible for you now.
apr 21-may 21
r SATURN’S IMPACT
Saturn, the great teacher and taskmaster, will be in Capricorn from now
until December 2020. Since Saturn takes 29 years to circle the sun, it can
only visit each of the 12 houses two or three times in a lifetime, spending an
average of two-and-a-half years in each house. This means the lessons you
learn from Saturn will have to remain with you for nearly three decades,
hence the reason its teachings have to be so vivid and indelible. Yet Saturn
in earth sign Capricorn will be easier for you to deal with than what you
experienced over the past three years when Saturn was touring fire sign
Sagittarius. You’re an earth sign, so Saturn will be in your element, and you
will absorb its wisdom more easily over the coming years.
Saturn will be in your ninth house, an area that covers your intellect
JUPITER’S IMPACT and the information you take in through travel and study, as well as
On October 10, 2017, Jupiter, the planet of gifts and the information you give out to others. Also included in this area of the
luck, began a rare appearance in your solar seventh chart is international travel – the ancient astrologers felt the finest way
house of marriage and partnership, where it will to learn about life and the world around us was through visiting other
remain until November 2018. This wonder planet cultures. In the coming three years, you may go back to school to
will make your seventh house glitter with opportunity. earn a degree, and if so, you’ll find the professors to be tough teachers.
Simply said, 2018 will be the finest year for you to Yet you will learn in ways you have never learnt before and retain
promise your love forever to the one who means so much of the information. Saturn will want you to work hard – it teaches
much to you. If you’re single and are not dating, you us that the goals that are the hardest to achieve are the ones that
will start to meet marriageable types. bring us the greatest pride. During the next three years, you may publish
Already married? You and your partner will grow a book, get a job as a contributor for a prestigious newspaper or
closer in this period. If you’ve been having problems, produce an exciting podcast series. You may decide to live abroad in
Jupiter, the great healer, will coax you to address the coming years, or start an import-export business involving ideas,
them, perhaps with the help of a coach or therapist, goods or services.
so you can find solutions. Your partner will also Keep in mind that although Saturn is the planet of stability, it has
become more optimistic and prosperous in 2018, another side. When Saturn enters any house of the horoscope, it’s time
which will give you both an array of choices of to change your methods. Old formulas won’t work anymore, although
exciting things to do together. You’ll travel, most likely the first instinct we have as creatures of habit is to try using methods that
to an international location you can both enjoy have been successful before. Only when we see nothing is working as
discovering for the first time. You may buy a house, well as it used to do we change. Saturn will keep twisting your arm until
consider having a baby or start work on another you’ll do anything to get out of the fix you are in – and then almost instantly,
dream. Together you will create magic. you will get relief. People around you, especially those in power, will
Whatever your status, you can also use the be impressed by how hard you’re working with a difficult situation and
brilliant energies of Jupiter to forge powerful business will come to your aid as you begin to develop a new and far more
partnerships and collaborations. The seventh house meaningful method of coping with these challenges. The good news is that
is a contractual house between two parties who both what you learn now can be put to great use in future years. >
benefit from the association, bringing talents and
skills the other lacks. As long as both parties are
equally committed to the venture, success is almost In the coming
assured. If you work as an agent, publicist, lawyer or
other kind of middleman, then you may now sign
three years,
you will learn
a talent who turns out to be a gem, or it might be that one of the people
you already represent will blossom into quite a successful person.
This wonderful influence will be at play for more than a year, so you
can find many ways to take advantage of it.
This move from Jupiter is important for another reason: Jupiter now in ways you
crosses the line that separates the lower and upper part of your chart.
This means you’ll take on a more public role over the coming six years.
When Jupiter moves out of your marriage/partnership house on
have never
November 8, 2018, it will move into your eighth house of money and
shared resources, and it seems the success of the association
you build in the first 10 months of 2018 will start to blossom. Money
learnt before
will rain down on you and dreams that you used to assume were
beyond your ability to achieve will suddenly become doable. What
a wonderful year you have in store!
 SATURN’S IMPACT
Saturn, the great teacher, recently entered your financial sector and will remain in
your eighth house for three years. In that time, Saturn will teach you wise money
management, since part of its job is to show you reasons you need to plan for the

may 22-jun 21 future. You may learn obvious lessons like the importance of paying credit cards
on time or putting aside money for retirement, but with Saturn, the lesson is often
new and less obvious. You may find you’re ready to save up for a deposit on your
first home and learn how to buy real estate. If you long for a baby, you and your
JUPITER’S IMPACT partner might save a little nest egg by forgoing dinners out or frequent holidays.
Good-fortune planet Jupiter has recently moved into Keep in mind Saturn often asks for a sacrifice to achieve something of future value
Scorpio and will remain in your sixth house of health – an achievement that will remain in your life for many years.
and work assignments until November 8, 2018. Jupiter The eighth house deals with the financing needed to fund a big dream, and
last visited Scorpio and this part of your chart in 2006, that requires resources generally beyond the amount the average person
so its influence will feel new to you. Jupiter will expand would have saved. If you want to start a business, you’ll need to write
your opportunities and luck into different areas of your a business plan and learn the steps it takes to get a business loan. Saturn
life, both at work and in regard to your wellbeing. teaches us about the importance of filling out paperwork properly – you’ll need
If you have been looking for work that’s similar to be accurate or lose credibility with the bank or investors.
to the kind you did previously, you will likely find it Sometimes we learn painful lessons from Saturn, such as if you sign a contract
easily now, as many clients/customers will call on without showing it to a lawyer, only to discover that there was a clause that will
you for your goods or services. Jupiter expands all come back to bite you. During the coming three years, don’t borrow one dollar
it touches, so if you’re self-employed, you will have more than you need, because paying back your loan could take longer than
a choice of many assignments. If you’re looking you originally anticipated.
for a step up to a more influential position in your The eighth house also rules credit cards, insurance and loans. Examine your
career, you will have to wait until March 2018, but in statements and make sure you’re not the victim of identity theft. If you discover you
the meantime, the assignments you’ll be given now will have been, the sooner you alert authorities, the sooner you will be able to protect
be fun and pay well, too. Give those jobs all you your good name. This same house rules taxes, so know all the rules and keep
have, and you’ll be on top of the world when meticulous, organised receipts in case you’re audited. (Audits do become more
promotions are given out in March. likely when Saturn tours this
The sixth house also covers health – specifically the part of your chart.) Make
preventative measures you can take to heal or stay
well. The sixth house being activated by Jupiter is
sure all your insurance
policies are paid on time Jupiter will
a rare, once-in-a-decade event that will help your
efforts to shape up and get strong with small but
as well. Review your
coverage to check make you
significant changes. You’ll be attracted to nutritious,
colourful foods, and find engaging in sports and going
to the gym to be pure joy (you’ll actually look forward
each policy still covers
your evolving needs.
One final, important
the sign most
to those times when you are working out for the
temporary relief from everyday cares). It seems strange
point: Saturn will work with
you to set up a strong likely to wed
that you’re likely to lose weight during this time since
Jupiter is supposed to expand all it touches. But
structure for your life, and
the deeper that foundation, or form a
empirical evidence has shown that people lose weight
when Jupiter is in the sixth house. You’ll see!
Also schedule in those medical exams you know
you should do, from tests on blood pressure and iron
the taller the structure you
can build. Saturn will teach
you to be practical and
realistic, and that may be its
successful
count to eye exams and dental visits. If you have greatest gift of all.
a medical problem your doctor hasn’t been able to
fix, seek advice in 2018 – you might discover new
medical breakthroughs have happened since you
last sought help.
If you have wanted to get a pet, 2018 will give you the chance to find the perfecct
furry creature to bring home. This is because the sixth house also rules small domestic
animals. You can go to the animal shelter any time you like from now through early
November. And as a bonus, scientists say that having a pet can be good for your healthh.
When Jupiter leaves your sixth house of work and health, it will enter your opposite
sign of Sagittarius
S on November 8, 2018, where it will stay for 13 months. At tha at
time, Jup piter will make you the sign most likely to wed or form a very successfuul
business partnership or collaboration. One-on-one committed relationships and
collabora ations will be remarkably happy, and in the business sense, also quite
profitablee. You’ll see that you won’t have to do everything in life by yourself, dea ar
Gemini – there will be others standing near who can complete your life in many
ways and d help you every step of the way.

156
 JUPITER’S IMPACT
The big news for 2018 is that Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, will glide through Scorpio until
November 8, making you the sign most likely to fall in love. A visit from Jupiter comes by this part
of your chart only every 12 years, so it’s something very special. If you’re single, you’ll now have
a great chance to meet someone new and right for you – most likely at a party or other social
situation, or even through a business partner, collaborator or professional matchmaker. This
influence will take your mind off your career, which has been your number-one priority in recent
years, meaning you’ll have more time to become relaxed and you can return to your work
refreshed. Jupiter will be calling in Cupid and his entire fleet of angels for you, so if you are
dating but feel the person is not right for you, or you’re not in a happy relationship, then consider
leaving. Jupiter will help find someone better suited for you this coming year. It would be a shame
to waste these rare and special beams.
If you’re already attached, you will grow closer in love. You’re also likely to travel with your
partner to a foreign land so you can discover the culture together. It’s time to weave memories of
golden threads and build a grand future together.
For the next 10 months Jupiter is lighting up your fifth
house, which rules conception, pregnancy and the
care of children, so the coming year would be ideal for
having a baby or adopting one. If you already have
children, they’ll be protected and at least one child (if SATURN’S IMPACT
not more) will make you extremely proud. You’ll also For three years, you will host Saturn in your house of partnerships, which
have more time to spend with your children, which will includes your relationship to your partner in your first marriage (a second
be music to your ears. If you have had disappointment marriage would be in another house). This house also points to your relationship
with conception, keep trying, because this is the finest with a business partner, collaborator and others you have a contractual
place for Jupiter to be to help you conceive. If you’re one-on-one relationship with. You’ll discover exactly what it takes to have
single and worried you have not yet met your one true a successful, committed partnership, both in terms of what you’re willing to give
love, consider freezing your eggs to give you options and hoping to receive in return.
and peace of mind. This will not be the easiest period because Saturn will be 180 degrees from
This fifth house is not only the house of love your sun in what is called an opposition. This suggests your relationship will be
and romance, but also of fun, sport, holidays and tested in some way during the next three years, as Saturn works by applying
happiness, so you’ll have more time for those activities pressure and a series of tests. You may have been too trusting, too willing to give in
and to see friends. (The 11th house of friendship falls during a disagreement, and that might be your lesson from Saturn – you gave too
180 degrees from the house of true love, and planets much. Or your partner might go through a hard time and you’ll be called on to help
often ping energy back and forth from one house to the in a significant way. Under Saturn’s tests, you might feel you and your partner are
other, bringing happiness to both. This is why you’ll have hopelessly incompatible, or worse, find out your partner betrayed you. There’s no
help from friends, too.) rule that says you will break up. You have free will and if love is present, you can
Jupiter in the fifth house will have another bonus: your work though difficulties and become stronger as a couple.
creativity will flourish magnificently. You’ll surprise clients, You won’t feel the direct rays of Saturn throughout the entire three-year period.
co-workers and bosses with your originality and Cancers with birthdays that fall in June will feel the tests of Saturn first, in 2018.
imaginative powers for the 10 months of 2018 while Those with birthdays from July 1-10 will feel this influence most in 2019, and if you
Jupiter tours Scorpio. were born later, you will feel Saturn most in 2020. By the end of this trend, in
Finally, in fellow water sign Scorpio, Jupiter can help December 2020, you’ll know the strength of your business or personal relationship.
you in a more direct way than it’s been able to do since If you’re still together, Saturn will not be back to this place in your chart until 2047.
2010, because you will be able to absorb its goodness So chances are, you will be together nearly forever.
naturally and organically. In Scorpio, Jupiter will “trine” Each subsequent visit of Saturn – we get a maximum of three – will become
your sun, an astrological term easier since you’ll have
denoting a supreme harmony learnt so much already.
capable of bringing you great
happiness. Your optimism will Where you saw no Saturn also rules old age,
so you get increasingly
rise, and you will feel that life is
sunnier and sweeter. Where possibilities, suddenly comfortable with
presence as you get older.
its

you saw no possibilities,

suddenly you see many. Are you
excited yet? You should be.
you see many During the time Saturn
opposes your sun over the
coming three years, if
you find no relationship
adjustments are necessary, then keep an eye on your health. You may be under
a strong energy drain. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods and schedule
frequent check-ups. It’s likely you’ll be slimmer at the end of this trend since Saturn
tends to shrink all it touches – and that includes your body. >
 SATURN’S IMPACT
The sixth house of the horoscope, where you will invite Saturn to be in the next three
years, will help you in many ways. This house rules work projects and your health.
In both areas, you will become even more organised and efficient than you are
now. Saturn rules the concept of time, so when Saturn comes calling, we always
feel we’re running out of time – in your case, with Saturn in this area of your chart,
you will wish you had more time to get tasks done. To do more in a day, you
will want to utilise software and electronic gadgets. When estimating how much
time you will need to complete a project, allow yourself more time than you think
you’ll need. At home, you may want to hire someone to run errands and generally
lend a hand. The more help you have in coming months, the better you will feel.
More work will be coming in the door, so you may have to recruit staffers, but
you could have difficulty in finding qualified workers that you can afford to hire.
Keep a file of any applicants who write to you – you may be dipping into that
applicant folder from time to time between now and the time Saturn leaves in
December 2020. You will be glad you had the foresight of keeping those résumés.
JUPITER’S IMPACT In matters of health, strengthen your bones by asking your trainer how to
In 2018, you’ll be the most favoured of any properly lift weights. Saturn will create a need for more calcium, so ask your doctor
sign for property, home and family matters. Jupiter, if you should take supplements. Saturn’s move through your sixth house can make
the giver of gifts and luck, will enter Scorpio and will you feel tired, most likely because you will be so busy, so you’ll need more sleep.
remain until November 8, 2018. You may move, The upside is that you will accomplish a lot, and you will be proud of all you do.
renovate, paint or simply buy new furniture, linens,
tableware or other additions to your house. From
now on, home will be where your heart is. You may
also find a roommate who gets along very well
When Saturn
with you if that’s a goal, or find the perfect piece
of furniture at a flea market. Expect to be gloriously comes calling, we
lucky with all real-estate situations.
If looking for a new place to live, don’t settle for anything less than your ideal always feel we’re
space. You can now find a spacious house or apartment, with large wardrobes
and one that will likely give you a beautiful view. Jupiter, planet of happiness and
running out
of time... you
good fortune, orbited for 12 years to arrive at this part of your chart, so this will be
a special influence. If at first you don’t find a space you’re enthusiastic about,
keep looking – you’re likely to find somewhere you can call your castle. In coming
months, this will be the most glittering, golden part of your chart where most of your
personal growth will emanate. When Jupiter comes calling, financial benefits
will wish you had
more time to get
are usually part of the package as well.
You may also find that you’ll have plenty of support from your loved ones when
it comes to your goals, particularly from your parents or someone who you think of
as a parent figure. Your family might help you with a deposit on a house or an
apartment, or if you have been out of work (unlikely, but if so), your family could
lend a financial helping hand. Alternatively, you or another close family member
may have a new baby within the coming year, bringing everyone emotionally
tasks done
closer. Babies can bring untold joy and you will see this to be true.
As you see, you’ll be the most favoured of all signs for seeing big improvements
in your living style. You name it, you’ll have luck on your side. But life can’t always
be this way, so make sure you take advantage of it while Jupiter is smiling at you.

158
 aug 24-sep 23
JUPITER’S IMPACT
The big news of the year is the arrival of Jupiter to water sign Scorpio, which will blend beautifully
with your earth sign. Jupiter has not been in Scorpio since 2006, so the trend will feel new and
exciting to you. In a water sign, Jupiter can support your ambitions in a much more powerful way
than it has over the past several years.
Jupiter will stay until November 8, 2018. In that time, it
will light up your solar third house, known to be the hub for
communication arts. This is good news because Virgo is
known to be talented in this area. In fact, Virgo produces
some of the zodiac’s best authors and editors, public
speakers, translators and software engineers (where the
code has to be perfect in every way to work). Now you
will have the platform you need to express your
thoughts and have them well-received by your audience.
The opportunities will be there for you to blossom. If
you are in sales (and who isn’t? In truth, everyone sells),
you’ll be quite persuasive and find you can more easily
bring in the order. Jupiter is not only associated with
luck but also with financial bounty, so if you work in
sales, marketing, public relations, advertising copy,
app development or other communications-oriented
fields, your possibilities will be endless.
This same house rules short-distance travel, so your
best opportunities will come from places you visit within
a day’s drive or a short flight away. If you work in the
transportation, shipping, courier or travel industries,
business will be brisk, too.
In the coming 10 months – taking up most of 2018
– you will have a chance to show off your abilities
in communication. Jupiter, as the good-fortune planet,
will expand all it touches, so you’ll be able to
increase your sophistication in this arena. You may set up
your own blog or website, build a successful app, write
a bestselling novel or get a chance to make your
own podcast series or radio show. If you work
in advertising, you may create an award-winning
campaign. So much of the world spins on fine
communication. You will be valued for your talents and
given a bigger stage in the future. If you feel you are
not talented enough in writing, editing or speaking, 2018
is the time to take higher-education courses to polish
your performance. It’s worth doing, because the potential
for success is so strong. Periods like this don’t come by that
often, but when they do, you must celebrate being
showered in good vibrations.
When Jupiter leaves Scorpio, this bountiful planet will
move into Sagittarius and help you feather your nest. It
will be a glorious time to buy, sell, rent, renovate, decorate
or do anything connected with property. Family news will
be wonderful, and if you have tried to help your mother
Saturn makes us
or father in a specific way but have been at a loss to find
the right solution, by year’s end, all the pieces of your
puzzle will fit into place. Home and hearth will glow
with a warm and cosy feeling, just in time for Christmas.
What a perfect way to end the year.
SATURN’S IMPACT
Almost everyone wants to find someone to love, and that certainly includes
you, but your fifth house, where you’ll host Saturn for the next three years, might
set up obstacles for you. Saturn won’t prevent love, but it may ask you to
work harder to be with the one you love. With Saturn, there’s always a lesson
entwined in the message.
If you date, you may meet someone in a distant city who makes you think
about whether you can sustain a long-distance relationship. Sooner or later, one
of you will have to move, but if neither of you is able, you’ll have to decide
whether to continue the relationship. The problem with a distant relationship is
that you both see each another under perfect circumstances – to get a realistic
view (and Saturn is the planet of objectivity), you have to have access to your
partner in good times and bad.
If you’re dating a person who never told you they’re married, you may find
out during the course of the three years Saturn is in your fifth house. The lesson of
Saturn will be that you were too impressionable or gullible to believe your date
was single, even when signs were there that your partner was never available to
you at such telltale times as on holidays or weekends. To counter this possibility of
deception, meet your new date’s friends and family soon, before getting too
involved in the relationship.
If you’re attached and want a baby, conception may take a bit longer than you
hoped, so start early. Saturn will never deprive you of a baby, but may test your
determination to have one. You might need the advice of a fertility specialist, as the
fifth house also rules conception, pregnancy and birth. Or you may find parenting
responsibilities more demanding than you expected. If that’s how Saturn affects
you, you’ll get used to the added demands. You will learn to get babysitters to help
or set up reciprocal play dates with other mothers to give you relief from parenting.
Saturn makes us more mature and helps us understand life in a new way.
The fifth house covers creativity, too, and since Saturn is the planet of
constriction, you might work on a big project that takes more time and money than
you thought it would, but that makes you proud of what you achieve. Saturn
teaches us that it’s through hard work and concentration that we achieve the goals
we’re happiest to have done in life.
As an earth sign, you will accept the demands of Saturn more easily than other
signs. Saturn helps us build a firm foundation for the future and find ways to give
meaning to life. During Saturn periods, we work on the grand plan of our lives, and
in the next three years, you will choose something you want to add to your life to
make it feel more enriched. >
 sep 24-oct 23
JUPITER’S IMPACT
In 2017 you were the celestial favourite because Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, was in Libra. But
you may not have noticed that you were wearing the crown and being protected more than other
signs. The reason is that often during those once-in-12-year periods when Jupiter tours your sign,
you’re so busy planting seeds you don’t realise your life is changing, growing and about to enter
a new profitable phase. Now you will be able to take
stock and make plans. On October 10, 2017, you
transferred your crown to Scorpio as the celestial
favourite, and as Jupiter moves to your second house of SATURN’S IMPACT
earned income until November 8, 2018, you are about Saturn has just arrived in your home sector, suggesting you may be buying,
to see the fruits of your labours. selling or leasing property, or saving up for a big renovation. Saturn will test
This is wonderful news because Jupiter will be on the depth of your determination to achieve a goal, and in your case, the goal
a mission to see that you get paid generously for will likely pertain to property or the care of a family member. As part of this,
your talents, experience and good judgement. You it will be important to look into renter’s or homeowner’s insurance. Saturn will
will get several opportunities throughout the year be in Capricorn, an earth sign, so it might be wise to get earthquake insurance,
to keep climbing higher, and chances are you’ll like even if it’s unlikely that your region would ever experience such an event.
the assignments you work on. It’s been more than When buying a house, ask neighbours if they can recall having to deal with
10 years since you hosted Jupiter in your second a flood, cyclone or other natural disaster.
house of earned income, and no doubt the luck you’ll Be absolutely sure you take on a mortgage you can afford, because
feel will seem surprising. Saturn in the fourth house can make you feel that the cost of maintaining
Your money-making trend will continue for almost a home and paying the mortgage is burdensome. This can be a temporary
a year, so you’ll have plenty of time to bring in cash from feeling, but nevertheless, if life throws you an unanticipated curve, decide how
several sources. Jupiter will cooperate with Pluto (which much you would need in reserve to pay the mortgage and other living
is based in your home and property sector), meaning expenses should you be temporarily out of work.
you could make money from real estate, such as by If you are doing your first major renovation of a home you want to sell, do
renting out your home on Airbnb. Other sources of thorough research of the contractors you’re considering for the job. Ask friends
income might include selling furniture or taking for recommendations and ask the contractor for references. If you are taking
on a roommate or tenant. in a roommate, call for references, too.
Knowing how fortunate you’ll be with money, you There’s another way this trend of Saturn can affect you. During the coming
might want to investigate a new job, or if you are happy three years, you may not focus on your physical home, but on one of your
where you are, have a talk with your boss about a raise parents or a person you think of as a parent. The fourth house of home covers
– do this in May. If you are not working at the moment, parents and certain family members. Even though you may have siblings, you
look all month for possible jobs, whether you prefer may be the one in the best
part-time or full-time work – you may hit on something position to be of help to your
you love to do. My point is, there are many ways to
make money, so find a vocation that you’re passionate
about because, in the end, passion and love for your
parent during this period. You
may organise the payment of
bills, help your mother or father
Saturn will
job will always determine ultimate success
Also this year, connected to Jupiter’s visit to Scorpio,
find a doctor or a suitable
assisted-living facility. Learning test the
you may spend money on something you dearly want,
and something that is fairly expensive. If you have been
to be of assistance to an
elderly person can bring joy, depth of your
saving up and can afford the prize, why not buy it? You
might buy a car, a piece of art or jewellery, new
knowing you are doing the
most you can to bring comfort, determination
to achieve
electronic equipment or you may even buy a house. peace of mind and a sense of
You don’t have to think as big as these things. You may security to the person who
prefer to choose a smaller luxury occasionally rather means so much to you.
than spending on something very expensive – such as
scheduling a massage after work and going home
feeling like pampered royalty.
Remember, the money you receive will involve an initiation from you, so don’t book a flight to
a goal
Las Vegas and hope to try your luck at the blackjack table. Don’t buy lottery tickets. You will
likely earn your cash – and that means if you can earn a million dollars, you can earn two million,
and no-one can say you didn’t deserve it.

160
 SATURN’S IMPACT
For the next three years, Saturn will be in your communication sector, a far easier
place to host Saturn than when it was in Sagittarius. Over the past three years,
Saturn in your second house limited your income. Now, that income cap
comes off, and you will find that life has become easier and more fun when
you see you’ll be able to afford several luxuries that were previously out of
reach. With Saturn setting up shop in your communication-oriented third
house, it will help you polish your ability to speak and write in an effective way.
If you like, you can sign up for a creative-writing class, which would stimulate
JUPITER’S IMPACT your thinking and help you in all phases of your communication, both creatively
In 2018, you are the celestial favourite as and in business. Brushing up on your grammar will also give you confidence
good-fortune Jupiter will glide through your when writing. If you’re a veteran writer, you’ll see your work become more
sign for the first time in 12 years, staying with sophisticated, and the hard work you put in will pay off in both pride and money.
you until November 8, 2018. It’s sure to be In this house, Saturn will also help you become more effective in your
a memorable, lucky year – you’ll find negotiating style. You may decide to read several books on the subject so you
you’re at the right place at the right time and can get a win-win result for you and the other party in the talks you enter into.
able to take advantage of opportunities The third house rules siblings, too, so in the coming years you might want to
you’ve only dreamt about. check in with your sister or brother more often. They may face a challenge
Many new faces will enter your sphere, during a portion of the coming three years, and you will be in a position to help
including VIPs who will want to help you. them – the choice will be yours. Remember, when people undergo a hard
Others you meet socially will become time, they can be reluctant to ask for help. So keep your antenna up and if you
important friends, exposing you to new spot anything amiss in regard to your sibling, offer a helping hand.
interests and more new contacts, and Finally, the third house also rules short-distance travel. You may need a new
encouraging you to develop your talents. If car, as Saturn might bring the need for costly repairs. Consider whether the
you’re single, among all the people you’ll repairs are worth the cost compared to the price of a new car. As odd as this
rub shoulders with, one face is likely to stand may sound, it will be easier for you to travel internationally than to locations
out. Take this romantic interest seriously, within a day’s drive. As part of your job, you may also have to travel more than
even if your first instinct is not to do so. Of all usual – say, within 200km of your home. Even though this is a relatively short
the transiting aspects possible in a chart, distance, you may need time to get used to this new, more frequent situation.
having Jupiter in your own sign and touring But there’s no need to worry – none of the factors that you will face
your first house of personality (as you have) between now and when Saturn leaves this communication and transportation
is the most favourable aspect to foster house, in December 2020, will be overly challenging. In fact, you will find the
a fateful meeting with a person who could adjustments more straightforward than you did when Saturn was in your
be the love of your life. If you’re attached, financial house. Life will get easier and breezier – and that’s a promise. >
your love will grow closer and deeper, and
if you hope for a child, this would be the
time to get serious about it.
Your health is due to improve, too, along with job opportunities and financial
benefits. It’s rare to have a year like the one you are entering (Jupiter takes
12 years to circle the sun, so you only get one of these years every 12 years).
You will be more optimistic and energetic, and feel ready to tackle a big goal
that may have once seemed out of reach. You will have a chance to travel,
too, because Jupiter will want to open your mind to exciting new cultures. If you
do, it will be a trip that you’ll never forget.
The seeds you plant from now until November 8, 2018, will forge the way to
a new cycle of prosperity when Jupiter enters Sagittarius, where it will stay until
December 2, 2019. This period will be contingent on all the actions you take prior
to November 8, so make appointments with as many influential people as possible
and present your ideas. By the time Jupiter moves into Sagittarius, you will see
reward for your efforts. While not all your projects will bear fruit, more than the usual
number will. It’ll be vital you know what you want to achieve and turn over every
stone until you get to where you want to be – and Jupiter will help you get there.

It’s
th
 JUPITER’S IMPACT
Jupiter, your ruler and giver of gifts and luck, will travel through Scorpio until November 8,
2018. With Jupiter in your 12th house from now on, you’ll be highly productive when working
alone in a behind-the-scenes role. You may need to do research, writing, editing or any work
that requires solitude to get it as polished as you would like.
With Jupiter in this position, you will have support from powerful people, but you might not
know they’re helping you as they may want to remain anonymous. If you need to focus on
a physical or psychological concern, do so with optimism
– Jupiter’s move into Scorpio will give you a superb
outlook for healing and recovery, and you’ll be able to
locate distinguished, caring professionals to help you. SATURN’S IMPACT
During this time, your intuition and creativity will be Your life is set to change for the better, and you’ll feel this almost immediately. For
very high, and again, the universe is whispering that three years, starting in December 2014, Saturn has been in Sagittarius, testing your
you should work on your craft while alone so that you mettle, pushing and prodding you to meet some difficult life tests. Looking back,
can concentrate without distraction. If you’re working you likely established a new role for yourself. Whatever it was, whether it was
on a book, screenplay or thesis, this position of Jupiter through marriage, parenthood or as a leader in your industry, you no doubt took
will be one of the best you could ever wish to be given on more responsibility. At times, life seemed arduous, but now you are emerging
because it means you’ll have an outstanding chance to stronger – and you’re ready for more.
reach success. Now, with Saturn entering Capricorn and your second house of earned
During the coming months, it will be important to income, this planet will teach you the value of the money you earn and how to get
reflect on what goals you would like to tackle next. You the most from each dollar. Saturn is known to impart wisdom, so you may be
would also be wise to delete the parts of your life that motivated to invest in conservative ventures that bring long-term growth. If you’re
you find unfulfilling. You’re older and wiser now, and working on building your business, you may be investing in it and temporarily
things formerly on your list to accomplish may seem feeling cash poor. Saturn often asks for sacrifice of pleasures in the short term in
juvenile now. You’ll need to also make room in your life favour of accomplishing an important goal that will become a pillar to your life.
for the goodies Jupiter will bring, otherwise you’ll be During the coming three years, you will need to take stock of your value to
overloaded with present obligations, unable to take the marketplace. What talents do you have that you can develop, or if you
advantage of any of the new elements. If you don’t do have already developed them, what fees can the marketplace bear to pay,
this weeding out, the universe will do it for you, and you considering the current state of the economy in your region? Yet life is often
might see elements of your life being taken out with the made up of more than financial decisions. Some professions pay more generously
tide. But don’t worry – the universe will only take but don’t allow you to contribute as much to society. What is important to you?
the unproductive parts. There is no right or wrong answer.
Jupiter will then be with you in Sagittarius for a year, When signing contracts while you have Saturn in the second house
from November 8, 2018, until December 2, 2019. That of personal resources, be sure not to “give away the store”. In your enthusiasm to
means you will have plenty of time to get ready to make make the deal, you may give away too much to the other party involved. Make
use of that coming glorious year. You’ve waited 11 years sure you go over the contract with a lawyer and take several days to think carefully
for this amazing privilege, so you only have a little less about the deal before you sign on the dotted line. Saturn can also often create
than one more year to go before you can wear fear, and in the coming three years, there will be times when you may fear you will
the glittering crown of the celestial favourite. Your special run out of money. This may be an irrational fear, or it may be rooted in a realistic
year will be filled with travel, romance, good health, view. Either way, the question is, how can you make adjustments to your income or
career success, opportunity and more. Prepare, dear outgoings so that you can have enough money to live, and be able to let go of the
Sagittarius. The best for you is just around the corner. fear of not having enough?

sagi
You are fortunate in 2018 as Uranus, the planet of innovation, will be in fine
angle to Saturn, the planet of stability. By taking a well-thought-out risk, you can

nov 23-dec 22
build a platform on which to create a grand plan for the future.

You need to
make room in
your life for the
goodies Jupiter
will bring

162
 APRI N
C
dec 23-jan 20
JUPITER’S IMPACT
The flurry of excitement is all about Jupiter’s
recent move into Scorpio, where it will stay until
November 8, 2018. Jupiter is the giver of gifts,
prosperity and growth, and its only mission is to
make you happy.
From September 2016 to October 10, 2017,
you hosted Jupiter in your 10th house of career,
and you may have taken a big step up in your
professional life. Now, in a move to bring more
balance to your life, Jupiter will see that you get
out of the office and have more fun, too. You are
the most career-driven of all signs, so the idea of
taking time off to socialise might not appeal to
you. You don’t like the idea of wasting time, but
taking regular breaks has been shown to help
increase productivity and original thinking.
New people you meet in 2018 will have
a stimulating effect on you. They will introduce
you to new concepts and ideas as well as
influential people, so you should make an effort
to leave the office occasionally at a decent
hour. You have not hosted Jupiter in your 11th
house of friendship since November 2006, so
this trend will seem very new to you. It may also
seem like a breath of fresh air.
Consider joining a club, whether professional
SATURN’S IMPACT
It’s time to get ready to tackle a big goal, one that can’t be easily “undone” later. It
will represent one of the major pillars that will hold up your life. If you’re young,
what you’ll experience will be for the first time. Speaking of time, suddenly you will
want your time to count for something big, and you will be very cognisant of the
need not to waste time. You may get married or have a baby, or you may buy your
first house or move abroad. If you work for others, you may soon take on a very
responsible job. Saturn expects you to make a commitment to a major goal now
and it will want to see you devote full attention to the cause, without distraction.
There are no excuses when you are going through a tutoring session with Saturn.
Saturn entered Capricorn and your first house of personality and vitality on
December 20, 2017, and is set to stay until December 17, 2020. By that time, you
will have matured admirably and be viewed in a new light. Sometimes when
we go through a Saturn period like you’re about to do, you can feel isolated,
devoid of the usual sources of support you’re used to depending on. Saturn
does this so you can find the strength within. By the time you’re done with this
transit, you will feel a new pride in independence.
Saturn in Capricorn can be quite draining to your health, so it will be vital to
eat right and get enough sleep. Saturn is known to siphon calcium from the
body, so see your doctor to find out if supplements are needed, and keep up
visits to the dentist. One possible bonus is that Saturn shrinks what it touches – in
this case, you may lose weight during the coming three years, if only because
you will be run off your feet.
If you have done anything wrong in any part of life, Saturn tends to have a way
of pushing you back on the straight and narrow. Much depends on how life
has proceeded so far, but this is nothing to dread – the universe wants you to
live a productive, happy life, and Saturn will show you how to make corrections in
your course now.
Saturn takes 29 years to revolve around the sun, so its advice has to be
unforgettable. This is why it makes you work hard for your gains. The upside is that
the victories you score will be yours forever and the ones you will be ultimately
proudest to say that you achieved. You will gain authority, wisdom and become
more realistic. Saturn does not send its greatest rewards during the tutoring
session, but will do so just after the planet makes its exit – Saturn always leaves
a gift by the door as a thank you for dealing with its rigours. You can expect this
to happen in late December 2020 or January 2021, and they will be gifts that
you value over all others. >

Saturn always leaves

or purely social in nature. From now until early
November 2018, your greatest personal growth
will come through your association with others
who share your common interests. Friends will be
the ones to introduce you to a romantic interest if
you are hoping to find your one true love. Friends
a gift as thanks for
will actually be helpful on all levels. If you are
hoping to buy a new house, they will give you
solid advice. If you need to buy an appliance at
dealing with its rigours
a great price, they can give their tips. Is your child
starting school? Friends will give you practical information. Also consider
getting involved in a charity – you’ll be able to make a difference and, as
a surprise bonus, you’ll be able to transfer the skills you pick up to your day job.
The 11th house is not only the house of friendship and charity, but also the
house of hopes and wishes. Dream big, dear Capricorn – in the coming
months, you’ll be able to make that dream a reality.
 a
JUPITER’S IMPACT
On October 10, 2017, Jupiter moved into Scorpio and began to light your
10th house of fame and honours, where it will stay until November 8, 2018. Jupiter
is the great planet of good fortune and brings happiness, growth and prosperity,
asking for nothing in return. All the work you put in over the past 12 years, since
the last time Jupiter visited this part of your chart, will come into play now. You’re
about to see big professional rewards for your good judgement, management
style and ingenuity.
The 10th house reflects your reputation
jan 21-feb 19
and your contribution to society. While the
other work-related house of your chart, SATURN’S IMPACT
the sixth house, rules day-to-day work, the Saturn will be in your 12th house of behind-the-scenes activities, making
10th house represents the sum of all you do in the next three years superb for working alone on a major project.
your lifetime, the prestige you gain and how You’re a social creature, but with this trend, you may withdraw and
people of importance value your work. In become more reflective and meditative. This is also the place in the
short, it is the place that reflects your legacy chart where ego melts away and you don’t feel you have to impress
that you are building throughout your life. anyone. It is the house of the subconscious mind, the natural house of
The fascinating part of this place in your Pisces, hence the house of profound creativity, where ideas spring
horoscope is that the 10th house points to from so deep within that when one does arise, you’re not sure where
your family traditions and the generations it emanated. If you’re serious about an artistic pastime you’ve taken
that came before you, and those that will up, this will be the time you’ll start to see it materialise. Saturn slows
come after. We look to the 10th house to see time, so you may find you’ll have to work longer and harder on
the influence of the mother or the father, a project, but when done, it will be quite breathtaking to behold (and
whoever had the greatest impact on your possibly quite profitable, too).
choice of career. The influence of the parent Saturn’s message is that it’s important to be realistic and objective.
almost always leaves an imprint, large or As the place of healing, Saturn in the 12th house will encourage you to
small. The 10th house also shows how you address all sorts of health-related questions. Saturn is not called the
fulfil your destiny in your chosen area of taskmaster planet for no reason – you will have to work with medical
expertise and how you turn yourself into an personnel towards recovery, but Saturn always brings lasting rewards
authority in your field. You can choose how when you are done with its tour of duty, by December 2020.
big you want to be – in 2018, you will get the The ancients wrote about the 12th house being the house of secret
chance to fulfil it. enemies. In the seventh house, enemies are open and vocal, but in
Jupiter is now in Scorpio, and for the 12th, they plot their antics in the shadows, working to steal your
Aquarius, Scorpio rules the 10th house. market share, credit for your work or even betray you. There’s no
Scorpio is a sign known to excel in the ability indication that you’ll feel any untoward vibes, but if you do sense
to dig deep, to uncover truth, to do careful something going on, don’t assume you’re just being paranoid – there
research, and because you are a street-smart might be something going on.
Aquarian, you are able to put disparate The next three years will be a time of rest and reflection, and
pieces of a puzzle together to create an ultimately, of cleansing the body, mind and spirit. If you need to
answer that eludes others. You are great at correct a physical problem, Saturn won’t let you ignore it. When Saturn
understanding others’ motives, too. No-one enters Aquarius in December 2020, you will want to be fully ready
can lie to a Scorpio – nor to you because to accept the exciting new role you will take on at that time. Shed all
you have Scorpio in such a prominent place that is holding you back from 2018 through 2020 – you will feel
in your chart. liberated when you do.
Scorpio is also a highly financial sign,
with a natural flair for taking money and
multiplying it through investment, so having You’re on the
this sign on the cusp of your 10th house
might give you an interest in working in verge of a career
a financial field in 2018. In the coming
year, when you schedule an important
interview, demonstrate that you’re a big
thinker (Jupiter always encourages us to think
breakthrough
big). And always go into the interview with
more than one idea. If having your own business is a goal, work on that idea –
2018 would be perfect for launching a new business, product or service.
You’re on the verge of a major career breakthrough, the biggest in recent
memory, going back more than a decade. All that you worked to achieve over the
past 12 years is now coming to a pinnacle. Jupiter, the good-fortune planet, will
stand by, dear Aquarius – this is your year to shine.
 feb 20-mar 20
JUPITER’S IMPACT
P
2018 could turn out to be one of your favourite years in recent history. Jupiter, the giver of
gifts and luck, will be in your ninth house, a hub of intellectual curiosity, until November 8
– plenty of time to take in all of its gifts. Jupiter will teach you to think bigger than you’re
used to doing, and you will now view projects in their largest potential. Once a planet S
enters the ninth house, especially Jupiter, you enter new territory for discovery. Your
perspective shifts and opens, your spirit lifts and you will become more excited about life.
This is also a house of deep curiosity about life, where one searches for meaning,
so Jupiter is likely to make you more philosophical.
As a Pisces, you have a tendency towards spirituality,
and you may now find reflection more interesting and
enjoyable. You could take courses in philosophy, or
you may want to learn more about different religions. SATURN’S IMPACT
Your mind will be very active and hungry for information Saturn, the teacher planet that imparts wisdom, will spend nearly three years in
now, and you will read more than ever. your 11th house of friendship, until December 17, 2020. Saturn teaches us to be
The ninth house is about taking in information, but it is practical, focused and willing to work hard to achieve our goals. You’ve recently
also about sharing insights with others. You may publish said goodbye to Saturn in your 10th house of reputation, career honours and
a book and your work may be translated into several fame, so you may now be reaping the benefits from all the experience you gained
languages. Do you want to design and hard work you put in over the past
apps? Your successful smart-phone three years. Now it’s time to relax
apps may be translated, too, and when
Jupiter is involved, profits almost always 2018 is about a little and socialise more.
Saturn rules the concept of time, so
follow. If you do public speaking, you
may go on a lecture circuit when taking in if you moved recently, you might find
making new friends hard, simply
a speaker’s agency signs you up. Legal
matters will also work in your favour, so information because you may not have the time to
go out or because you’re shy about
take the moment to file a patent or
trademark, or to bring a law case to and sharing reaching out to others. Or a friend
may move away and you’ll discover
bear against someone if you feel
you’ve been treated unfairly.
Jupiter’s presence in Scorpio will insights you have to work a little harder over
time to stay in touch. Alternatively, you
may voluntarily decide to say
work very well with your Pisces sun as
both heavenly bodies are water signs,
so you will absorb the goodness of
with others goodbye to a close friend as you – or
she – moves into new life phase. This
changeover in friends may feel
Jupiter easily and naturally. Jupiter’s good fortune will bittersweet. You’ll go through an adjustment until you make new friends who you
be in an especially effective place to help you can relate to in a more direct way. All the while, you’ll value your free time more
prosper and grow in all areas of your life. Jupiter is than ever and want to distance yourself from friends who burn your time, make you
known as the healing planet, so with it at this angle to feel bad or seem to drift with little purpose in life. You will want your friends to
your sun, it can help you become healthier. Whether stimulate your thinking, rather than to simply pass time with them.
you have a chronic problem or a new concern, you During this period, you may take a leadership role in a club or charity, and
will now have reason for hope. A new medical learn skills you can use in your regular day job, too. You may learn to manage
technique or medicine may now be approved that budgets, rally the troops and raise awareness about a cause dear to you. You
will be right for you. will likely feel a strong yearning to contribute something meaningful to society.
You’ve not had Jupiter in a water sign for four years, By volunteering to a charity, humanitarian project or to a political candidate
and not in Scorpio since October 2005 through to you believe in, you may find the perfect way to direct your skills to create change,
November 2006, as Jupiter takes 12 years to revolve and feel gratified in the process.
around the sun. You are moving into a very exciting time, Saturn rules older people, too, so during this phase, you may befriend someone
dear Pisces, and it looks like you’ll be travelling to who is more mature, has valuable experience and who has many insights to impart
a foreign city soon. Get your passport updated, especially to you in your personal life. In your career, that person or a different older person
if it is getting close to expiring. You’ll need it, and you might become a mentor. They can help you expand your circle of business
won’t necessarily have a lot of time to get one! contacts to help you get ahead. If you are a veteran in your field, then you may
Illustration: Tanya Cooper at The Illustration Room

decide to pass the baton by becoming a mentor to a younger person who has
a number of business questions. In this case, you will be able to illustrate your
advice with practical, helpful anecdotes.
The 11th house also rules hopes and wishes, so it may be time to examine your
dreams to see if they still hold fascination for you. You may let go of some and add
new ones. With Saturn in this house, you may start work on a dream that will take
time to develop – Saturn will give you a strong sense of purpose and sustainability
so you can succeed in grasping that dream. Don’t give up, even if the climb up the
mountain to the peak seems arduous. When you get to your destination, having
had to work so hard to get there, it will be all the sweeter. E

165
 ask
ADVICE:
e jean
Tormented? Driven witless? Fear not,
help is just a short letter away
TAKE THAT BROKEN
HEART FOR A SPIN
I’ve just had my first real, true heartbreak
and I don’t know where to go from here.
Everything was lovely and I was the
happiest I’ve ever been – until one day,
a girl from his past returned. I trusted him.
I shouldn’t have. Even as we broke up, he
said it wasn’t about her, but a few days
after we ended it, I found out he’d cheated
on me with her. I’d always planned on
staying in this town for him, but now I don’t
know what’s keeping me here. I feel like
I’m caught in some sort of weird limbo. I’ve
started jogging. But other than that, how
do I keep going on with my life? Most of
my friends are his friends, so I’m lonely
now, too. My family and I aren’t close,
so I can’t turn to them. I don’t want to go
back, because I know I deserve better, but
what does moving forward entail? I don’t
even know where I’m headed! How do
I get to the next, and better, part of my life?
– LETTER WRITER FROM LIMBO
Limbo, My Tiger Lily Come here, let me give
you a hug. And a Tylenol. Science shows
pain relievers work on emotional as well as
physical pain. A glass of Moët is, of course,
effective, too. There are only about 500
years of research proving that when love
arrives, we expect champagne. When love
goes, we need it. We’re all just astonishingly
naive when it comes to heartbreak. First we’re
half-dead with the pain, then slowly, slowly,
it retreats till – boom! – it jumps out of its little
basket where it’s been hiding in our hearts,
sniffs the balls of our new boyfriend and
vanishes. So yes. Jogging is good. Starting
a heartbreak diary is good. Flirting is very
good. Volunteering at the senior centre,
wheeling a couple of old dolls outside in the
sun and asking them for their heartbreak tips
is very, very good. It will give them comfort
166
and you motivation. Meanwhile, don’t throw
the mementos of your ex-chap away – I have
plans for them. And now you’re ready for...
THE BEST WAY TO HEAL A BROKEN HEART:
Pick a mountain, pack a bag and hit the
road – nothing hurls a woman beyond
heartache like a road trip. You’ve probably
never dared play music as loud as you want,
but road-trip loud is the volume you’ll need.
Music will not only blow the chap right out of
your head, it’ll become the canvas on which
you can project your future. You’ll also
perhaps be astounded to find you can eat
a whole litre of ice-cream in a motel room
while sitting on a vibrating bed, and that
throwing mementos from life with the
ex-chap into various village-square fountains
across the country is more fun than tossing
coins into the Trevi in Rome.
You will discover novel places to live and
people to admire, figure out possibilities for
what’s “next” and, in the evenings, when it’s
too dark to drive, you’ll meet new friends on
Bumble. And if one of those friends turns out
to be a handsome lad – ha! – rebounding
just happens to be the second best way to
get past a broken heart. And when you arrive
at that mountain? The answer to your question
– “Where am I heading?” – is waiting at the
top. Climb it to find it. Good luck!
Q. Do you believe it’s necessary
to forgive an injustice (no matter
how angry you are) to be healthy?
A. No. You must use your anger
at an injustice to galvanise changes
in the world. (But you can forgive
a blunder by a block-headed lover.)
THROWING HIS
WEIGHT AROUND
I’m married to a handsome, exciting
and very fit man. We’ve had our ups and
downs, but in general we make a good
team. But here’s the thing: he constantly
fat-shames me, to the point that he’s hardly
been able to look at me naked for years.
He’s gone through periods where it gets
so bad that he appears physically ill if
I walk out of the bathroom without a towel.
He often tells me that certain clothes
don’t look good on me, and criticises
me over my wrinkles and acne. Maybe
once a year I get his ultimate compliment:
“You look nice.” I work out five days
a week and eat healthily, but whether
I’m extremely fit or have a few extra
kilos around my middle doesn’t seem
to make a difference. Our sex life is
surprisingly good, considering. Yes,
the lights have to be out, but there are
still plenty of fireworks, and he initiates
things on a regular basis.
Last weekend it was really hot, so
I wore a bikini. Since then, he hasn’t
stopped with the “So-and-so’s wife lost
heaps of weight by eliminating bread from
her diet.” I bought a new dress that looks
better on me than anything I’ve worn in
years, and when I put it on, he looked
away with a pained expression on his face.
My patience is now zero. I’m heading
towards my mid-forties and I try talking
to him about it, but he gets very angry,
turns it around and says, “You just don’t
understand how important it is to me.”
Then he shuts down completely. Or
worse, he starts offering “ideas” about
how I could “lose weight” and “tone up”.
I love him, but this makes me want to leave
him. We’ve built such a great life together
(I didn’t mention our two wonderful,

nearly grown kids); I don’t think I could
actually do it. What I want is just for
once to feel beautiful in his presence.
– SOFT IN THE MIDDLE
Miss Soft, Hail, Brilliant Woman When
I saw your name on the email, I was stunned.
I’m a fan of yours. It doesn’t happen often
that I have books on my shelves written by
the very person who’s writing to me, so if you How do you know when it’s time to quit?
don’t mind, let me ask you for advice. If your
daughter began dating a guy who called
her “fat”, and hounded her about “acne”,
and tormented her to “tone up”, and looked
“physically ill” when she put on a swimsuit,
what would you advise her? Would you tell
her to stay with him until she feels “beautiful
in his presence”? Or would you tell her to
give him a running kick out the door?
One more question, Miss Soft: what
image of womanhood is your husband
presenting to your kids with his flood of
abuse towards you? His pestering you
about wrinkles? His anger at your getting
older? His irrational badgering about your
weight, your clothes, your skin, your looks?
When I say irrational, I actually mean
insane. Because I’ve seen recent photos of
you – you, the disappointing, fat wife who
must live like a mole rat in the dark and dare
not show herself naked – and (of course!)
it turns out you’re slim. And very spectacular
and attractive to look at. He may not be
dislocating your jaw and kicking you across
the floor, but he’s dislocating your very
essence. When you ask him to stop, “He
gets very angry, turns it around” – gets mad
E JEAN’S
STAY MARRIED/GET DIVORCED
THEOREM
A) HE C) DUMP HIM
TELLS IMMEDIATELY
Photography: Gregg Delman. Styling: Christian Stroble. Hair: Eduardo Carrasco at
Q. I’m a teacher,
unmotivated,
at you – and says, “You just don’t understand
unhappy and
how important” it is to him. So what he has
to do is find out why he needs a scrawny, lost in a sea of
underweight, under-his-thumb wife. And you,
according to my theorem (below), have to
schoolwork. I can’t
find the courage to leave the marriage. help dreaming of
GREAT EXPECTATIONS a new career
involving my
I run a small non-profit. I knew there
were issues (lack of finances, lack of passion. But, at
board engagement, etc) that could prove 30, am I too old
to be obstacles to success, and so before
I took the job, I had a frank conversation to start over?
with the chairman. He assured me that my
concerns were their concerns and the
problems would be fixed.
Cut to a year later: I’m totally burned
A. Seventy is
the best age
out. The support, staff and money I was
told would be there are not. I’ve lost my
for starting over
sense of humour and my work-life balance (tough old eggs
is abysmal. The pressure to continue at an
increasing pace with our limited capacity have nothing to
is unsupportable. I keep wondering, is lose). Fifty is also
this just a low point in the process? Is
there something I’m failing to do or could excellent (all that
do better? Admittedly, I’ve always been experience). And
attracted to “challenging” (read: sinking
ship) situations and have started seeing a young lass of
a therapist to address the issue. One part
of me wants to run screaming, and the
30? Despite your
other feels like quitting would make me naivety, I believe
a failure or ruin opportunities down the
road. I see two possibilities: continue at
you can do it, too!
the gulag that allows me to pay my bills,
or quit to feed pigeons in the park down
the street from my biggest triumphs on no money I’ve ever
apartment, where I will beheld in my life.
likely end up living. The first duty of a small non-profit is to get
– GULAG GIRL away with the impossible. You have done
Gulag, My Love Phoo! You that. Blazingly! No doubt there are evolving
know it’s time to quit when quagmires with which every non-profit
you sign yourself off as contends, and which I can’t see without an

YOU
YOU’RE
“Gulag Girl”. But here’s the audit. But stop yammering to a therapist
FAT fascinating thing about your about being “attracted” to “challenging
non-profit. I’ve looked it up
Ford Artists NYC. Makeup: Sylwia Rakowska at Ford Artists NYC

situations” and find out why you’re blind

and, Gulag, honey, those to your successes. You’ve done it. Start
A2 + B2 = C2 pigeons are gonna have interviewing with other companies.
B) HE’LL ONLY HAVE SEX to wait, because you Your work here is finished.
WITH YOU IN THE DARK ASK A QUESTION Tweet @ejeancarroll
have pulled off one of the

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167
 PANDORA
Big earrings are big news
this season, so now’s the
perfect time to put
a stellar spin on your
style with PANDORA’s
Shooting Stars Hanging
Earrings. Hand-finished
in sterling silver and
embellished with
shimmering stones,
they’ll bring a dazzling
LASER CLINICS edge to everything
AUSTRALIA from off-duty denim
Imagine being to eveningwear.
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a moment’s notice. antibacterial properties
Laser Clinics Australia
offers fast and
reliable permanent
hair reduction with
experienced therapists
using the world’s most
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system. Think smooth, SUNGLASS
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being caught out again. Sunglass Hut has joined
Brazilian and underarms for forces with Vicki Lee and
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creative duo whose leaves a greasy residue
artworks feature in many
fashion influencers’ $9.99; palmersaustralia.com
homes – to capture
iconic summer moments
for its new campaign. In
one of the shots, Aussie
model Samantha Harris
is seen soaking up the
rays in Ray-Ban’s Blaze
shades – a nod to one
of the season’s hottest
trends: reflective lenses.
Talk about a hot summer.
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extra
This month, we’re celebrating summer with
chic swimsuits, new shades and hydrated skin
168
MILÉA
Packing for your summer
vacay? Master those
carefree holiday vibes
with Miléa’s soft-textured
Mini-Rib collection.
Available in Ink, Nero,
Chocolate and Rose
Sand, the swimsuits
will ensure you stay
stylish in the sun,
whether you’re poolside,
beach hopping or
PALMER’S kicking back with
The humble coconut is a cocktail at the resort.
known for its hydrating, Maillot, $200, bikini top,
$99.95, briefs, $79.95;
and its ability to help davidjones.com.au
with skin repair, so it’s
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ngredient
when it commes to
moisturisers. Enter:
Palmer’s Cocconut Oil
Formula With Vitamin E
Body Oil. Useed daily,
it will help nouurish skin
from top to to
oe, while
being light and quickly
absorbed, so o it never
on your clothes. AQUA BLU
For Australian swimwear
with an international
designer edge, look to
homegrown favourite
Aqua Blu. With radiant
prints, chic silhouettes
and head-turning details
(case in point: this bold
winged-sleeve, low-back
one-piece), it’ll take you
on a trip across the
globe, even if you’re just
hanging out at your
local beach.
$145; aquablu.com.au
SKIN BY
ECOSTORE
Thanks to its rich blend
of jojoba, apricot,
avocado, blackcurrant,
kiwifruit-seed and
grapeseed oils, SKIN by
ecostore’s Multi-Nutrient
Facial Oil is packed full
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CoQ10. As a result, it
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damage and stimulates
collagen production
for a healthier-
looking complexion.
$27.99;
skinbyecostore.com.au
THE JOJOBA
COMPANY
The Jojoba Company’s
100 per cent natural
Australian Jojoba is
a must for your beauty
regimen – especially in
summer. Not only does
it have the essential
vitamins and nutrients
your skin cells need to
regenerate, it also has
the ability to mimic the
skin’s natural oils so
it penetrates deeper.
Say hello to firmer,
fresher, more
nourished skin.
$19.95;
thejojobacompany.com.au
 KNOW YOUR RISK
CHANGE YOUR FUTURE

Have your
bestie’s back
when it comes
to health

w w w. p i n k y p ro m i s e . c o m . a u
 IT’S THE
LAST PAGE,
SO IT’S ONLY
FITTING
THAT WE ASK
...TIME YOU FELT
REALLY HAPPY?
At my [baby] son Forest
conquering cruising along the
furniture. I feel pure happiness
when I see him so excited
about what he’s achieving.
...INVESTMENT PIECE
YOU BOUGHT?
My house. [It was] my dad’s
property in Adelaide. We kind
of did a swap – he relocated
to the city, and we went from
city to country.
...VACATION YOU TOOK?
To Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. We were bike riding through
the jungle, swimming with the kids and looking at sharks. I haven’t
been able to recharge on a holiday like that for a long time.
...THING YOU DID
BEFORE LEAVING
HOME TODAY?
I did emails for Your Zen Mama,
then took a bath with Forest. He
fell asleep on me until we got
very wrinkly and had to get out!
...PARTY YOU
WENT TO?
An Out Of Africa-themed
kick-off party at Audi Hamilton
Island Race Week. I got very
competitive with the bingo.
170
@teresapalmer
...TEXT
With actress, mother, Your Zen MESSAGE
Life founder, Audi Australia YOU
brand ambassador (and avid RECEIVED?
“Bodhi pooped the bed again.”
bingo fan) Teresa Palmer
...POST YOU
...TEXT
TAGGED YOUR
BEST FRIEND IN?
MESSAGE
A throwback to my 21st
birthday. My dad dressed
YOU SENT?
“Can you come and get the
up as Father Christmas and baby out of the bath please?”
did the most outlandish
speech in the world. ...THING
YOU BOUGHT
...PHOTO YOU TOOK WITH CASH?
ON YOUR PHONE? Touristy “Welcome to Australia”
...TIME YOU A picture of me and my son towels. We were on a walk in
SANG KARAOKE? Bodhi, trying to explain to Sydney with all three kids and
Three years ago I did a friend how sick he was. everyone was freezing, so we
a horrendous rendition of all wrapped ourselves up.
Florence + The Machine’s ...PIECE OF
“You’ve Got The Love” in front CLOTHING ...TIME YOU
of the cast of one of my films. YOU BOUGHT? WERE STARSTRUCK?
Everyone still brings it up. A Port Power [Port Adelaide I’d be starstruck by Eminem,
Football Club] onesie for Forest but I haven’t met him yet!
...BOOK YOU READ? before we went to the footy.
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May ...TIME YOU
HUNG OUT WITH
Gaskin, when I was 39 weeks
pregnant with Forest. ...GIFT YOU YOUR BESTIE?
...SONG
YOU PLAYED
GAVE?
A vegan cookbook, beauty
I hung out with my best friend
of 25 years at playgroup –
she brought her daughter and
ON ROTATION? products and doTerra I brought Forest. They were
“Doo Wop (That Thing)” essential oils to one of loud and hogging the toys!
by Lauryn Hill. Bodhi’s preschool teachers,
who’s just become vegan. ...THING ONE OF
YOUR CHILDREN
...MEAL YOU
COOKED?
GAVE YOU?
A little purple flower that Bodhi
The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Smashed avo with crushed picked from a garden yesterday.
tomatoes, garlic, olive oil,
pepper and Himalayan salt.
I’m more a “putter together-er”
of things. ...THING
...DRINK YOU
THAT MADE
ORDERED AT A BAR?
Pinot noir.
YOU MAD?
A grumpy husband.
Photography: Instagram: @teresapalmer; @roxylola
...ACCOUNT
Compiled by: Justine Cullen; Elle McClure.
YOU FOLLOWED
ON INSTAGRAM?
@roxylola.
...TIME YOU CRIED?
Watching the Michael Jackson
documentary This Is It.
@roxylola
CHANEL.COM

THE NEW FRAGRANCE