Musician Tyde Levi was one of the guests inside the evening, dressed in Prada. From inside the orbit of the night, he sent RUSSH postcards – snapshots of getting ready with his siblings, of family gathered at the table, of friends caught between moments – and answered all of our burning questions.

What did you choose to wear to the NGV Gala, and how did Vivienne Westwood or Rei Kawakubo’s design philosophies influence your look for the night?

I wore Prada along with my two brothers to the gala. Prada’s new line is all about ‘raw beauty’ and featured rough edges and unfinished textures. It’s like refined imperfection. Elegant, but slightly disruptive. That’s very Westwood-Kawakubo to me.

What was playing in the background while you were getting ready – and how does your getting-ready soundtrack set the tone for an evening like this?

I put on a DJ set! Palms Trax set on The Lot Radio. It’s gotta be high energy. This set is perfect. Disco and groovy house tracks. It sets the tone whilst being easy to listen to for everyone in the house.

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Can you describe the moment you stepped into the gala? What caught your eye first – the people, the clothes, the energy?

It’s chaotic in the best way. Just looking around seeing what’s going on, where to walk, who to talk to… I’m definitely just feeling the energy out first and foremost.

Was there a particular detail, outfit, or artwork from the exhibition that stopped you in your tracks or shifted your perspective in some way?

My personal style I would say is very classic. So, it was pretty amazing to see the way both designers broke so many rules on such classic designs and silhouettes. It makes me think about how I could bring more disruption into my looks.

What was the most memorable moment of the night for you – a conversation, a performance, a feeling – that you think will stay with you?

The most special thing most of the time at these events is being able to do it with family. I look around the table and my parents are there – with my Mum holding my two week old nephew – my siblings, close friends, our partners all sharing a table. These events are always special but having family with you there just makes it that much more incredible.

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Looking back through your own photos from the evening, is there one image that captures the essence of your night at the Gala? What makes it special?

It’s this photo of a family friend of ours. Like I said before – it’s so special being there with friends and family. Its not just about the glitz and glam, but sharing it with the people around you.

If you could distil the night into a single sensory memory – a sound, a fabric, a colour, a scent – what would it be, and why does that moment linger?

I love the hum of a room full of chatter. Knowing that people are asking questions, laughing and sharing special conversations and moments with each other is always my favourite part of going to any event.

The post Tyde Levi sends postcards from the Melbourne’s NGV Gala appeared first on RUSSH.

The Australian actor and Pandora ambassador landed early for the 2025 Fashion Awards, determined to outwit the time-zone shift (a mission she admits was doomed from the start:”I landed in London a few days early to try and beat the jetlag (alas I did not!).”). And what followed was a delightfully chaotic blend of fashion fittings, scenic wanderings, and festive city magic.

Still, she made the most of every moment, weaving her way through the city with the enthusiasm of a local at heart. Borough Market was an early priority: “chocolate-covered strawberries from Turnips and the pulled pork and crackling sandwich from The Black Pig – IYKYK.” From there, she wandered through Notting Hill Bakery, Buckingham Palace, and beneath the glowing web of Christmas lights that make London sparkle in December.

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Her trip unfolded like a curated collection of moments. A cosy lunch at The Hollybush in Hampstead – described simply as “so cute” – sat alongside an icy morning stroll through Hyde Park, “always stunning.”

But one of the most magical stops of the week was the Pandora styling suite, held in the penthouse of 1 Hotel Mayfair. Maddison called the experience unforgettable: “I almost have no words to describe how incredible and special this was… the attention to detail that went into staging this was so dreamy.” Working directly with Pandora’s head designers, she styled bespoke pieces into her looks, adding, “I love experimenting with ways you can wear Pandora, so this felt very fun.”

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There were glamorous dinners too, including a sustainability-focused welcome evening at Apricity in Mayfair, where she wore a chic Camilla + Marc ensemble paired with a gold Pandora Essence stack – a favourite of hers.

Ahead of the awards ceremony, Pandora also hosted a private tour of the Marie Antoinette exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum, which Brown described as “a beautiful start to the morning… very fitting for the evening ahead!”

And finally, it was time: a vintage clutch, Christian Louboutin heels, a last-minute decision to bleach her brows.

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The Fashion Awards night itself was the dazzling crescendo to an already magical week. As guests spilled onto the carpet in a constellation of couture, Brown stepped into the Royal Albert Hall shimmering in bespoke Pandora Lab-Grown Diamonds – among them a breathtaking 6ct pendant that caught every flash of light.

Her look felt equal parts classic and daring. Surrounded by designers, creatives, and global industry icons like Anok Yai, Jonathan Anderson and Paloma Elsesser, she soaked in the atmosphere with genuine awe, later reflecting: “It was such an iconic event in the fashion calendar. I felt so honoured to be here with Pandora and to be surrounded by so many incredibly talented people. The vibe was something else!” It was a night that blended glamour, artistry, and emotion – the kind of fashion moment that lingers long after the lights dim.

The post Maddison Brown sends postcards from London’s British Fashion Awards appeared first on RUSSH.

Her guesthouse – perched above the port, shaped by sun-faded walls, patterned tiles and open-air living – distills the island’s raw beauty into something exquisite. At Alicudi Secret Retreat, the rhythms of the Tyrrhenian Sea set the tempo, the terrace becomes the living room, and conversations with Elise drift easily into the kind of intimacy that makes you feel less like a guest and more like a welcomed friend.

In RUSSH’s November issue, writer and founder of @nomsdujour, Madeleine Woon, sends us postcards from the retreat.

Place: Alicudi Secret Retreat

Address: Near the port, Alicudi, Italy

Contact: Soprano Villas

Designed and curated by …

French-Italian artist Elise Collet Soravito, who lives there year-round with her young daughter.

I stay here because …

I’m drawn to small, beautifully designed guesthouses that capture the spirit of a place, and my idea of luxury leans elemental. While the interiors are undeniably gorgeous, life in Alicudi is lived outdoors, and the airy guesthouse reflects that – most notably with its oversized stone terrace, complete with a hammock and outdoor mattress, made for lazing. Elise and her daughter are the heartbeat of the p roperty and I loved my daily chats with them.

My last visit was …

May 2024. Late spring here is magical and not yet stifling as it can be in summer. (Expect an older, hiking-enthusiast crowd. The cool kids arrive in August.)

What I love about the room …

It’s the epitome of good taste – soulful and reflective of a lifetime spent in pursuit of beauty. I particularly loved the canopy bed and Elise’s use of colour and texture, which makes the old-world simplicity of the space feel both chic and fun. I fantasised almost constantly about living there permanently.

Amenities worth a mention …

The bathroom is gloriously oversized (why don’t we all allocate more square metreage to them at home?). The shower might just be the most beautiful in the world with its sweeping views over the Tyrrhenian sea.

It’s the details that count …

Patterned cement tiles. Lisa Corti bedspreads. An antique wrought iron daybed curling at the foot of the bed. Lace curtains in the bathroom. Elise’s artworks on the walls. Every detail speaks to her ingenuity and eye.

Room service order …

This isn’t the place for room service. Head downstairs each morning for Elise’s homemade bread and yoghurt, granola, freshly baked cakes and fruit from the garden.

Places nearby worth frequenting …

The island is blissfully devoid of options. With no cars (or street lights), donkeys carry your luggage and everything else is left to your own two feet. Distance is measured in steps. With only one restaurant at the port, locals often open their homes to visitors for dinner. Work up an appetite on the hiking trails, one of which leads to the very top of the cone-shaped island, swim at the port or spiaggia bazzina, take a boat around the island and stop by the supermarket where the baritone owner will sell you everything you need for a simple seaside lunch (bread, tomato, mortadella, mozzarella). I’d suggest pairing the trip with the neighbouring island of Filicudi, where you must eat at La Sirena.

The one thing I always return home with …

Elise’s ceramic flying heart hangs on my front door. It’s inspired by the maiara of the island (witches, or “women who fly”).

Gallery …

Pop downstairs to visit Elise’s atelier for tantric-inspired posters, jewellery, ceramics and vintage clothes. A small piece of the island to take home.

Dinner…

Go to Rosina’s for the best goat of your life and her homemade wine. Lea’s offers the most sophisticated fare on the island, including a tuna pasta I periodically think about, served on her lovely terrace overlooking the sea. The hottest ticket in town is undoubtedly at Silvio’s, the white-haired fisherman and local legend whose balcony fills with visitors from around the world eager to watch him grill his own catch.

The post Writer and founder of @nomsdujour Madeleine Woon sends postcards from Alicudi Secret Retreat, Italy appeared first on RUSSH.

Set in the heart of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, The Calile Hotel is a destination that celebrates its neighbourhood as much as it does its guests. Surrounded by buzzing boutiques, and a hub of exceptional restaurants, every corner of the hotel reflects a sense of style and community.

For designer and creative Olive Cooke, a recent stay at The Calile offered the perfect opportunity to slow down, embrace family time, and indulge in the small luxuries that make a getaway feel truly special.

The hotel is designed for both relaxation and connection. Spacious rooms with airy balconies overlook the pool and dining terraces, while sun-drenched day beds and lounges invite guests to linger over morning coffee or sunset cocktails. From its curated interiors to thoughtful amenities, every detail encourages ease and presence, allowing visitors to soak up the rhythm of Brisbane life.

Below, Olive Cooke shares her favourite rituals, wardrobe picks, and little discoveries from her stay at The Calile – from check-in to check-out.

Did you unpack, or let the suitcase stay half-closed?

I love to unpack, even if it’s just a few of my most-used bits. There is something very ‘Vacay mode’ about putting my shoes on the floor, makeup and skincare in the bathroom, and a few outfits on hangers.

Where in the room, or what part of the resort, did you spend the longest?

Travelling with a baby means a lot more time spent relaxing in the room while she sleeps, so having a balcony to lounge on overlooking the restaurant, pool and surroundings was perfect. When not in our room, we joined them downstairs, sprawled on day beds ourselves, starting the day with coffee and a dip and ending with a drink in the afternoon. The pool area is the place to be at The Calile.

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What became your uniform here?

I am always wearing my Cooke Swim bikinis by the pool, and lounge shirt to breakfast or relaxing around the hotel. I also packed a few St Agni basics to pair back with lounge pants and denim. In the evenings, I opted for the same – my very versatile Olive x Outland denim jeans and a Friends with Frank silk top were the perfect combination for dinner at SK Steak & Oyster.

Was there an object in the room that felt like it was waiting for you?

The robes were calling my name! I was quick to slip into one with eye-mask on and margarita in hand.

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What made it into your bag that didn’t arrive with you?

I did pop into Camilla and Marc around the corner and picked up the most incredible polka dot heels. From the room, I couldn’t help but take the Loco Love chocolate from the minibar!

What was the last photo you snapped before leaving?

This family shot in the mirror.

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Did you have a favourite meal or snack during your stay?

If we could dine at Sushi Room every day, we would. Everything is wonderfully fresh, and the vibe, interior, and service are all just as beautiful. The crispy rice and sashimi platter is a must.

Was there a dish, drink, or treat you kept going back for while you were there?

We accidentally developed a tradition of ordering oysters to start each meal. They’re particularly delicious at Hellenika (as is everything). We’ll need to keep this up on our next visit, as they were all fantastic.

How do you take your coffee when it’s the last one?

I hardly stray from a long black with a dash of milk (regular), and this time of year it’s usually always iced.

What’s a moment from your stay that will stay with you after your check out?

It’s beautiful to see your baby interact with the world. Swimming with her in the pool was so special, smiling, giggling – she is just the epitome of joy in those very special moments and we love taking her away and creating memories as a family.

The post From check-in to check-out, this is how Olive Cooke embraces family time at The Calile Hotel appeared first on RUSSH.

A hidden gem in the hills of Blackheath, perched on the ridge beside an apple orchard, sits The Machinery Shed. The award-winning Airbnb has the character of a true mountain retreat and the comfort you want for a slow weekend. It is the sort of place you book for a reset and remember long after you leave.

And if you’re feeling lucky, we’re giving one reader the chance to experience a solo reset at Logan Brae. Entries close December 11. Enter here.

Read on for everything worth doing, seeing and savouring during a weekend at Logan Brae.

Stay

The Machinery Shed sits inside a century-old apple orchard on the edge of the Kanimbla escarpment, and you feel that history from the moment you arrive. The building mixes industrial and mid-century design with timber throughout, and a full wall of glass doors and windows that frame the view of the mountains ahead.

Walking inside, the fairy lights across the ceiling, the soft furnishings, the indoor plants and the open floorplan stopped me in my tracks. It felt like a real oasis, set up with everything you could need. There’s a TV with Netflix and Stan, board games for slow afternoons, and excellent wifi, which I ended up relying on while I logged on to get a little work done.

The fireplace became our anchor after sunset. We spent both nights sitting around it, talking through the day and toasting marshmallows like we were far further from home than we actually were. In the mornings, I took my coffee outside and sat in the hanging chair, taking in the view before we planned anything at all.

Do

A walk through the orchard is a must – even out of season, it’s beautiful. The rows of apple trees stretch out in every direction, and the nets above them give the whole place a unique glow when the light comes through.

One must also make the very short walk downhill and through the gate to find the outdoor bath perched on a deck with the most incredible view I’ve ever had from a tub. I stayed until the water went cold.

When we wanted to explore beyond the property, we took the car out for a slow drive around the Blue Mountains. Blackheath and Katoomba – each spot has its own lookouts and winding roads, and half the fun is pulling over whenever something catches your eye.

Eat

Food ended up being one of the nicest parts of the stay because everything felt easy. We stopped at Harris Farm before the drive up and stocked the basics – bread, fruit, snacks and a few things to throw together for grazing in the afternoon. Once we arrived, we set it all out in the living area and picked at it while settling in.

Breakfast was our slowest moment each day. The kitchen is fully set up, so we made pancakes and eggs from the free range chickens (so cute) and sat by the window with the mountains right there in front of us. When I wanted something quick, I’d grab tea or a coffee from the Breville machine (one of my favourite parts of the stay).

One evening, we drove to The New Ivanhoe Hotel in Blackheath and ordered arancini, barramundi and a parmi. It hit the mark after a day of walking, lounging and working online.  And of course, the marshmallows by the fire became a nightly ritual. Simple, but it worked perfectly with the pace of the stay.

Take

I kept my packing light for this trip, and it ended up being all I needed. A book was essential for slow moments on the deck, and sunglasses stayed in reach the whole weekend. A beach-style tote was surprisingly handy too, even though we weren’t anywhere near the beach.

I packed swimmers and thongs for the outdoor bath, which turned out to be the right call once we found it perched above the valley. SPF was another must – the sun is strong up there, even when it doesn’t feel like it. I brought my laptop to get a bit of work done during the day (thank you, wifi). A jumper was useful at night when the temperature dropped.

The rest was already waiting for us: robes, kitchen basics, bedding, tea, coffee. You really don’t need much more than your own essentials for a weekend here.

Image: airbnb

The post Postcards from the Blue Mountains, at The Machinery Shed appeared first on RUSSH.

Day one

After a 10-hour flight from Sydney, I arrived in Tokyo in the early evening, just as the city began to glow. Our driver was waiting for us as we stepped out into the (surprisingly humid) September air — a small detail, but it set the tone for the week ahead. Lexus calls it omotenashi: hospitality so intuitive, you never need to ask.

My home for the next two nights was Hoshinoya Tokyo, a modern ryokan in the city’s financial district. The noise of the streets fell away as soon as we stepped inside. You’re asked to remove your shoes upon arrival, one of the many traditional hospitality relics that reign supreme here. It’s a welcome request, given all the floors in the hotel are gently tatami-matted.

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Some of the group opted for a visit to the rooftop onsen to recover from the flight, but after exploring my room (and discovering the iced tea left thoughtfully in anticipation of my arrival), I fell into the low-slung bed and immediately surrendered to sleep.

Day two

Breakfast here is akin to ceremony. A traditional bento box was the perfect fuel for a busy day, which began in the quiet hum of a Lexus LM, as we were chauffeured to teamLab Borderless.

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In this immersive gallery, you don’t just look at the art, you become part of it. Digital flowers bloom across walls, oceans rise and dissolve at your feet. It’s a sensorial experience, and a reminder that boundaries are often of our own making.

The experience spilled over into lunch, which was a short drive away at MoonFlower Sagaya Ginza, where food and art intertwine. As we ate, teamLab’s projections unfolded across the table, in accordance with the dish being served — cherry blossoms in spring, gold leaves in autumn — transforming the dining room into a living canvas.

A stroll around the shops in Ginza served as the perfect post-lunch digestif, before an evening at Oryori Tsuji, a Michelin-starred restaurant that celebrates the traditions of Japanese cuisine. Ten courses followed, each one more beautiful than the last. And afterwards, we found ourselves at Studio Mule, a hidden listening bar in Shibuya. Owner Toshiya Kawasaki poured natural wine while spinning vinyl on a Mark Levinson system — the same sound technology featured in Lexus interiors.

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Day three

There are few greater luxuries than breakfast delivered to your suite after a late night. I could have stayed cocooned in bed all morning, but our first stop called: INTERSECT BY LEXUS.

This is a space that resists definition — not quite a café, not quite a gallery — more an immersive expression of the brand’s ethos. Bamboo lattices inspired by the Lexus spindle grille filter the light, while walls crafted from Lexus vehicle parts turn engineering into art. A café hums on the ground floor, while upstairs, guest are invited to stay a little longer, either over a proper meal, or perhaps getting lost in a good book (of which there are many).

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Nearby, we visited Tangent Studio, where design engineer Hideki Yoshimoto introduced us to ‘Inaho’ — a golden light sculpture inspired by rice swaying in the wind. As you walk closer, the stems bend towards you, graceful and seemingly alive. It’s technology that feels both deeply human but also impossibly futuristic, rooted in the same spirit of craftsmanship and curiosity that defines Lexus.

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In the afternoon, it was time to board Japan’s famed Shinkansen bullet train. The journey was smooth and silent — the only real telltale sign that we were actually in motion was the city landscape blurring into green as we moved west, towards Kyoto. When we arrived, we checked into the Banyan Tree Higashiyama – one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever experienced, which is surrounded by lush greenery, and framed by bamboo. A warm matcha was waiting in my room when I arrived, which was the perfect pick-me-up before the rest of our itinerary.

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We spent the evening with Takumi master Nobumi Miyake at his kimono workshop, where he has been perfecting the art of hand-painted silk for over 30 years. Watching him lay gold leaf across fabric was hypnotic — the kind of patience and precision that only comes with time.

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Then, dinner was at Tsujifusa, a tiny Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant. Every detail — from the placement of chopsticks, the eclectic assortment of sake vessels — was deliberate.

Day four

My final morning in Kyoto (and the morning of my 27th birthday) began before sunrise, with a drive through empty streets to the train station. We boarded the Shinkansen bound for Fukuoka — another smooth, almost meditative journey made even better by a hot drink and a breakfast bento.

Our first stop was the Lexus Miyata Plant, where craftsmen and robots work in tandem, with careful choreography bringing each Lexus vehicle to life.

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Lunch followed at Soukatei, a small French-Japanese restaurant hidden inside a private home overlooking a garden. Each dish reflected the season, with much of the produce grown on-site. As with so many of the meals we’d enjoyed so far, many of the dishes more closely resembled art pieces than actual food.

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By late afternoon we were back in Tokyo, checking into The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza. The hotel is sleek but soft, with warm lighting and low, expansive lounges. Over cocktails at the rooftop bar, we talked about how Brahman Perera has translated these Japanese ideals into the LANDMARK by Lexus pavilion for Melbourne: the tactile surfaces, the listening-bar ambience, the interplay of AI and craft.

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Day five

My final day had no real agenda, which felt like a luxury in itself. We lingered over our final breakfast together, then I set out to explore the shops solo. I’d arrived in Japan with countless recommendations for both vintage and luxury shopping spots in Omotesandō, and it didn’t disappoint.

I could’ve spent hours wandering through tiny shops, backstreets, and cafés, but my afternoon was punctuated by one final indulgence – a Lexus LM was waiting to deliver me to a full-body treatment at the Hoshinoya Tokyo spa, followed by a quick dip in their famed onsen. The perfect prelude to a 10-hour journey back to Sydney.

The post ‘RUSSH’s Kirsty Thatcher sends postcards from Japan with Lexus appeared first on RUSSH.

Now thoughtfully restored, the resort’s thatched hale, lava-rock pathways and ocean-soaked rhythms summon both the spirit of old Hawai‘i and the promise of something new. In RUSSH’s November issue, Perreira revisits the Kona of his memories – and the one that continues to shape them.

Place:Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort

Address:72-300 Maheawalu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Contact:+ 1 (808) 865-0100

Designed and curated by …

Kona Village originally opened in 1965, founded by Johnno Jackson and his wife Helen and soon after garnered a cult following. It was open for nearly five decades until 2011, when a tsunami swept the resort away, forcing its closure. But a couple years ago, the resort reopened with development in partnership with Kennedy Wilson, and led by Hawai’i-raised architect Greg Warner of Walker Warner Architects, and designed by San Francisco-based interior design firm, NICOLEHOLLIS.

I stay here because …

Besides its being stunning, they have done an incredible job at respecting and celebrating the natural landscape and deep cultural history the land holds. Kona Village has an almost mythic quality about it. Everyone seems to have a story or some connection to it.

My last visit was …

Last year, for a swim and lunch with my friend Nani who was staying on the property. The time before that was nearly 19 years ago for my Uncle and Aunt’s wedding!

What I love about the room …

The rooms are so generously sized, but the best part is the bathroom and soaking tub. To be honest though, I spent most of my time outside of the room enjoying the rest of the property, in the pool or in the ocean.

Amenities worth a mention …

The spa is to die for – it’s absolutely stunning, perfectly nestled into a lava field. It feels otherworldly. I’ve spent a lot of time there between the cold plunge, sauna and steam room. There are also a lot of activities to do at the resort. The sunrise canoe paddling or snorkel is such a wonderful way to start the day. The reef is so healthy and full of life.

It’s the details that count …

The most attractive detail for me is their commitment to celebrating the history of the land, the rich cultural heritage, and the legacy of the original resort. It’s integrated so well that some of it is easy to miss but, luckily, they offer a cultural tour to highlight some of these efforts – and have signage and dedicated restricted areas throughout the property as well.

Room service order …

Honestly, I ate at their restaurants for every meal, but trying the room service is a good excuse for me to come back.

What to expect in the mini bar …

Oops – I didn’t look.

Places nearby worth frequenting …

So near that it’s actually in the resort, the petroglyph walk is definitely worth spending time at. Luckily for me, I was born and raised in Kona, so I have quite a few spots I like to visit, but when visiting home, I’ll always make time to go to Volcano National Park or on a hike at Pololū Valley.

The one thing I always return home with is …

Memories, and another story about the Kona Village. My last proper visit was in 2006, so to come back after all these years and experience the new resort and create all these new memories was really special.

Dinner …

Shipwreck Bar and Sushi is full of nostalgia and great food. The Hamachi crudo, Aki – a gorgeous platter of sashimi – and the farm salad, with fresh greens grown on the property, were standouts.

The post Stylist and consultant Ben Perreira sends postcards from Kona Village, Hawaii appeared first on RUSSH.

Day one

Paris in September always feels like the first page of a new chapter. Traffic humming, camera shutters clicking, heels tapping over cobblestones, you can feel the rhythm before you even settle in.

Our first runway of the week was Julie Kegels. The show was raw, refined, quietly daring and creativity quirky in the best possible way.

Then we moved onto the Kering Headquarters to buy our new season sunglasses. A quadruple world of YSL, Bottega Veneta, Chloé and Alaïa, each delivering their own visual language. Sunlit leathers, architectural tailoring, silhouettes that hover between present and future. You could smell fresh flowers, espresso, and ambition in the air.

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Next, it was time for the Vaquera Runway, which changed the tempo of the day. Irreverence, wit, and a reminder that fashion does not exist in a straight line.

And then, seemingly just like that, the day ended in a way only Paris offers, where creativity and movement feel like one continuous breath. No dinner. Straight to bed. Jet lag takes over.

Day two

Paris woke up slowly, and so did we. Soft light filtered through the curtains of our accomodation, a quiet build to what became a full day.

Zomer runway kick-started the morning, beginning with sculptural beauty, garments folding and unfolding like paper under thoughtful hands. There was power in the collection’s restraint.

1/2   Zomer. 

The Lanvin show was softer, bringing effortless elegance and ease to the runway. Breezy tailoring floated through the space, and a palette of sand and sky spoke softly, yet full of control.

The night belonged to Dries Van Noten, with a runway drenched in sun-washed florals and undone layers. Sarongs, tailored ease, prints layered with prints. Everything in motion, even while standing still. The duality was deliberate: form and freedom, tension and tenderness, all woven into one steady breath.

Dinner was at Zapi, a new Italian favourite recommended by our buyer, Allie. Fresh pasta, cosy tables, cool loud 70s decor, and that honey sweet tiramisu that is now embedded in my memory forever. Simple, joyful, perfect.

Day three

By day three, the energy had quickened, and Paris hit its stride.

Alain Paul Runway opened with performance, with fashion that doubled as live theatre. Each look felt like a character entering stage right, owning their moment.

Then it was on to the Dries showroom in the Marais. Painterly florals against stripes, tailoring anchored by sneakers. It all felt intimate.

1/2   Dries Van Noten. 

That night, we dined with ten Australians. Kym Ellery and I curated a table at La Belle Époque, a space full of Parisian charm, panelled mirrors, and waiters that remember your order before you do. Champagne, shared plates, and full-volume conversations set the tone for a uniquely Australian table in the middle of Paris, in the best possible way.

Day four

Shows, meetings, late dinners, and early mornings blended into a rhythm that felt natural, even when exhausting.

The Uma Wang runway brought a different kind of quiet, via padded shapes and sculptural calm – it was soft, but not delicate.

Our A.W.A.K.E Mode appointment was fabulous because the collection is always fabulous. This time around sharpened the lines even more; sensuality with precision. It’s impossible to stick to a budget here.

1/2   At A.W.A.K.E Mode. 

The Mugler runway broke everything open again. Structure, confidence, fascination. Pamela Anderson added to the theatre, with a kind of glamour that does not try to explain itself.

And then, the Rabanne runway closed the loop with metallic liquid, and movement suspended in air.

Somewhere in between it all, we managed to find stillness. A tiny gallery. A few sculptures. A river like silver. Paris saying, even in the noise, there is space to breathe.

I ended the day visiting my friend Raech’s new collection, TEMILY, which is remarkable. So proud.

And last, it was time for the Camilla and Marc Paris Party. Elaborate, buzzing, and full of Australians who looked like they had always belonged in Paris.

Day five

We began the day with a Mugler appointment. After such a fabulous show, it was all the more special going to see the collection up close.

1/2   Mugler. 

Then we had a Calvin Klein appointment. After a ten year absence, this felt nostalgic in the best way – a conversation between past and present, where merican minimalism meets European restraint.

The Row was the opposite, all silence, no cameras, no theatrics. Craft spoken purely through form, texture and cut. It forces you to look. It forces you to feel.

The Nina Ricci runway opened the day with colour in motion, pieces that floated but were still cut sharply. We were already familiar with the pieces, because we had already bought the collection in June. But the show set the vibe: it was fun, eclectic, and seventies chic.

Dinner was at Costes for our friend Megan’s birthday. Candlelight, champagne, white tablecloths, major celebrities everywhere, all of us trying not to notice. Paris at its most cinematic.

Day six

Saturdays during fashion week are always a big runway day, and this season was no exception, with many of my favourites on today’s schedule.

First was Junya Watanabe, then Noir Kei Ninomiya, followed by Comme des Garçons. Three entirely separate worlds, all connected by risk, reconstruction and the right to defy. Punk made poetic. Metal turned soft.

1/2   Junya Watanbe. 

Vivienne Westwood came next. Rebellious, clever, and beautifully made. The show pulsed with her signature attitude – pure Westwood energy.

I ended the day with another lovely dinner with friends at La Baronne. That perfect blend of old French service and relaxed conversation that only happens on the sixth day of Paris.

Day seven

The balance shifted. Fashion week became less about the runway and more about the rooms in between. Moving from showroom to showroom in the Marais we ended up at Comme des Garçons for a five-hour appointment. Immersive, cerebral, layered with possibility, this is a space where clothing becomes concept.

Vaquera, in the DSM showroom, carried that same duality. New York grit translated through Paris ease, full of irreverence and life.

After days of non-stop activity, we treated ourselves to room service of fries and Coke Zero – a Paris fashion week staple. The Hoxton does this so well. Crisp fries, cold glass bottles, no pretence. Exactly what we needed.

Day eight

Sacai reminded us of the beauty in contradiction. Structure against fluidity. Masculine and feminine coexisting without tension.

1/2   Sacai. 

Alaïa brought sculpted sensuality, via leather and knitwear with a pulse.

Givenchy followed, cool and sharp, each line as deliberate as the last. No excess. Just clarity.

That night, we had dinner at Caviar Kaspia with LaBaba. It was an evening full of warmth, vodka, potato, caviar, and fashion gossip traded like currency over candlelight. Paris nights are sometimes as memorable as Paris shows.

Day nine

The final day carried softer weight. No showrooms. No rush. Just Paris, still in motion but slower now.

We wandered the Tuileries, taking in the symmetry and silence. Next it was lunch at Loulou, with sunlight spilling across the table like it had nowhere else to be. The perfect place for a long conversation without checking the time.

At Place Vendome, the light hit the windows like mirrors. The past and future facing one another again. You realise fashion week ends, but fashion itself never does – it simple changes form. Paris remains. The city waits for us to return, and we always do.

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In late August this year, the team took Broken English to Venice for its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, before heading home to London for a packed screening at the BFI London Film Festival. These are Beth’s postcards and notes from both premieres – snapshots of dinners, stormy boat rides, last-minute arrivals, and unforgettable nights. Together, they tell the story behind the scenes of Broken English and capture the excitement of finally sharing Marianne’s story with the world.

August 28th, 2025

It started with an idea – and a deep admiration for Marianne Faithfull – that turned into a four-year journey to bring Broken English, a creative documentary about Marianne’s life, to the big screen.

After reading an article about Marianne, I was inspired to produce a film showing her as the fierce trailblazer she’s always been. I reached out to the incredibly talented directors Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard (20,000 Days on Earth) to see if they would be interested in telling her story. Today, we landed in Venice – four years to the day that I first emailed them. It’s been a labour of love and after all the twists and turns, Broken English is set to premiere on August 30th at the Sala Grande at the The 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

Thank you Marianne for teaching us the meaning of strength and resilience, and for trusting us to tell your story, we cannot wait to share your film with the world!

1/3   First stop, Antiche Carampane, for a ‘Broken English’ dinner supported by CHANEL who, along with Bella Freud, dressed Marianne for the film. 

August 29th

1/6   Left: I met Iain and Jane and George MacKay at Casa I Wonder, a private space on the Lido where our wonderful Italian distributors, I Wonder, hosted us for the day. This is actually the villa in front of I Wonder, not I Wonder’s. I was lost, of course… But it’s the only photo I took on the way. Right: George, Iain, Jane and I and Liam Coutts all on our phones! No doubt working out boat logistics, a real concern at the festival.. Especially when dealing with storms and ‘rain never seen before’ in Venice! Photo by Maurizio Bresciani. 

August 30th, Premiere Day

1/6   Arriving at The Excelsior. It was a total miracle that the rain stopped. Marianne must have been smiling down. 

After the premiere, we headed to Casa I Wonder to celebrate. Until next time Venice.. We are all so grateful to the festival and Alberto Barbera for hosting us. We couldn’t have dreamed of a more magical way to share the film for the first time.

October 11th

Next Stop: BFI London Film Festival. Saturday night, October 11th, we had our UK premiere at NFT1 BFI Southbank (All images by Joseph Lynn). London felt like a homecoming as we were fortunate enough to have many of the musicians who contributed to the film attend the screening, as well as a number of our cast and crew and old friends of Marianne.

1/10    

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Heading there for a week in mid-autumn, Samantha Corry RUSSH’s Social Media Coordinator and I had expected cool, trans-seasonal weather. We were met instead with 30º balmy days – let’s just say despite travelling with the largest Carl Frederick bag I could find, I didn’t pack for such weather. But it was a welcome surprise as it made our first few days in Milan ones to remember – days of gorgeous sun beaming down on the Duomo, sitting in the streets eating a focaccia, having a Negroni Sbagliato on the street.

Amongst the Fashion Week flurry of events, running between backstage, shows, fittings and showings, Milan shone through as a modern and bustling city. It was a week to remember.

Stay

I’m very much of the belief that to survive a fashion week you need to have all the amenities of a home available to you. This is true of fashion weeks at home in Aus and fashion weeks abroad. So when it came time to source accommodation for Sam and I’s first Fashion Week, there was so no other option than Airbnb. The ability to have a full sized fridge stocked with food for the early morning breakfasts before Italy wakes, and the late night dinners after a show, was a godsend. Our Airbnb was charming and super conveniently located, with a tonne of public transport options right at our door and walking distance from shops and great restaurants. A norm for most Italian apartment blocks but not for us was the shared courtyard that featured turtles (!) and a gorgeous fountain, that added a little bit of calm to our frantic schedule. In typical European manner, there was a tonne of stairs to get to our apartment, something we knew from the outset when booking (we wanted to ensure we got our steps in). Aircon, Netflix, clothes washing amenities and a sweet view from our window, it was our own little Milanese oasis.

Eat and drink

As an Italian, I sometimes struggle to eat in Italy as the food at my Nonna’s rivals any restaurant I go to. Luckily we found some absolute bangers in Milan, and I still find myself craving the food there. My absolute favourite meal had to be the fresh spinach and ricotta ravioli I had at Bacaro Montenapoleone. It was incredible with a simple burnt butter and sage sauce, and was one of the freshest meals I’ve ever had. Just like nonna makes!

The best bar we went to in Milan had to be Bar Basso. Home and birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, the vibes were immaculate and the wait staff super attentive. Inside and outside seating, massive cocktails and free chips, what more could you want?

In true tourist style, we had to go to All’Antico Vinaio for their viral focaccia sandwiches, and they didn’t disappoint. I got my favourite combination of Italian deli favours – burrata, prosciutto, pesto and focaccia. That is the dream meal forever.

Notable mentions go to Antica Trattoria della Pesa, where Sam and I had a gorgeous Milanese Veal Schnitzel that we had to share due to its sheer size, and Marchesi 1824, the staple Milan café – we went to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II location which was perfect for people watching.

Do

Milan is a modern vibrant city with classic European charm. We really enjoyed checking out the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping arcade – the peak tourist spots. Peak luxury can be found in Montenapoleone, a mecca of our favourite luxury houses. For those more looking for a bargain vintage find, we loved Bivio, a vintage luxury store operating at three locations within Milan. Another favourite shopping space was 10 Corso Como – home to all the coolest brands and a gallery (we just missed a Glen Luchford exhibit!) On the cultural side, we would have loved to see the Last Supper that is on display in Milan – but you’ll need to grab tickets for that.

During Milan FW we were able to do a multitude of special things, such as viewing the Prada collection at the Resee, and the Giorgio Armani exhibition at the Armani/Silos. We also felt it was only right to try and hit up one of Lyas’ Fashion Week Watch Parties, and we headed to his party for Bottega Veneta to celebrate and view Louise Trotter’s debut collection.

Sam and I then caught the train from Milano Centrale to Paris Gare de Lyon – a seven hour train ride that was blissful and relaxing – definitely recommend this as the best way to travel between fashion weeks and just around Europe in general!

You can read more about our time in Paris.

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