Victoria's Secret model Erin Heatherton quit after being told to lose weight

Don't Play
Replay Replay Video Icon
Player help icon
Video settings
Video will begin in 5 seconds.

Return to video

Please Log into update your video settings

More video
Recommended Replay video

Return to video
Video settings

Please Log into update your video settings

Backstage with Victoria's Secret models

Victoria's Secret models Gigi Hadid and Adriana Lima chat backstage about preparing for the big fashion show.

PT1M19S 620 349

A former Victoria's Secret model has spoken out about being pressured to lose weight in order to model for the lingerie brand.

Erin Heatherton, who walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Showfrom 2008 to 2013, told Time 's Motto sectionshe stopped modelling for the company after they repeatedly told her she would need to be thinner to make it onto the catwalk.

"My last two Victoria's Secret shows, I was told I had to lose weight," the US model said. "I look back like, 'Really?'"

Erin Heatherton walks in the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Photo: Getty

Heatherton said that, although she ate healthily and exercised twice a day, she felt nothing she did would be enough for her to continue walking in the brand's prestigious, over-the-top annual runway shows.

Advertisement

"I was really depressed because I was working so hard and I felt like my body was resisting me," she told Motto . "And I got to a point where one night I got home from a workout and I remember staring at my food and thinking maybe I should just not eat."

While Heatherton attended the launch of Angels , a photography book featuring portraits of Victoria's Secrets "Angel" models in September 2014, she has since severed all ties with the brand.

The comments come after Heatherton, 27, posted a picture of herself to her Instagram account wearing a shirt bearing the slogan "empowered by failure" last month.

"I was struggling with my body image and the pressures to fulfill [sic] the demands of perfectionism upon me," she wrote in the picture's caption. "I am not perfect. Through this struggle, however, I found the strength to love myself."

A photo posted by Erin Heatherton (@erinheathertonlegit) on Mar 10, 2016 at 7:46pm PST

After Heatherton's admission, other models have come forward to say they felt significant pressure to remain unhealthily thin in order to book jobs.

In an essay for the Daily Dot , Polish-born Zuzanna Buchwald, who has modelled Victoria's Secret, Calvin Klein and Prada, wrote that she developed anorexia during her early years as a model.

"Up until now, I was silent," she wrote. "Silent about my illness, silent about being objectified, silent about being under tremendous pressure."

Buchwald, 28, explained that she had been subjected to a regime of agency measurings, due to agents' anxiety to have their clients fit designer's small sample sizes.

"You often get a deadline, a time of when the next measuring will be," she wrote. "The skinnier you get, the better. You begin to crash diet to meet the expectations of your agents and their clients. If you lose weight, you will be praised by all for how good you look and sent out to castings. If you don't, you will be sent away to continue dieting."

The model's statements come as a bill aiming the regulate the health of working models in the state of California passed its first vote on Wednesday afternoon.

If implemented, Assembly Bill 2539 would require all modelling agencies to be licensed with the state's Labor Commission, and specify that models signed to agencies work as employees not contractors, granting them additional rights under occupational health and safety standards/

Legislation explicitly regulating the BMI of working models has been introduced in France and Israel over the past five years.

While New York, where Victoria's Secret is based, has recently introduced laws to give underage models the same protections as other child performers (significantly disincentivising designers from hiring underage models by introducing additional registration requirements, including that every underage model must have a trust fund established in their name), it has no legislation regulating a fashion model's weight.

How Australian Autumn racing wins the style stakes

SPONSORED CONTENT
You'd think the United Kingdom with it's equine loving royals would easily trump our commonwealth when it comes to racing style.

Erin Molan, Erin Holland, Emma Freedman and Sally Obermeder at the The Star Marquee The Championships after party. Photo: BELINDA ROLLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

You'd think the United Kingdom with it's equine loving royals would easily trump our commonwealth when it comes to racing style. How wrong we were.

Take the recent Autumn racing meets in Australia and compare them to the prestigious Cheltenham Festival Racesand our stallions and fillies pip the Brits are the post of every fashion race.

Click for more photos

How Australian Autumn racing wins the style stakes

While Autumn Racing season and The Championships get underway Down Under, the UK is celebrating the annual Cheltenham Racing Festival. Photo: Fiora Sacco

While we were primping and priming ourselves for the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival and The Championships at Royal Randwick - the highlights of the Autumn racing calendar for the Australian Turf Club - The Cheltenham Festival Races were taking place in the UK.

Advertisement

The four day annual jump racing event sees entrants compete for a piece of the $7.6 million prize money pie. This year Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton swapped her clip ins for silks and rode as a jockey, while regulars like Zara Phillips and Anne, Princess Royal were spotted in the stables and royal enclosure.

While both Australian and British racing rounds adhere to strict dress code policies in certain areas, when it comes to sophistication and style Aussie revellers reign supreme.

Over the years the likes of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge together with her sister Pippa Middleton have descended on Cheltenham but not even their fashion clout could compete with the likes of Jennifer Hawkins, Myer racing ambassador Jodi Anasta, The Footy Show's Erin Molan and wife of Rabbitohs star Phoebe Burgess inside the enclosures at The Championships at Randwick.

Fading summer tans are still able to be showcased thanks to our balmy climate but demure hemlines and abstract necklines have been the hottest trends on the track this season thanks to Georgia Alice's monochrome and Victorian inspired ensembles, Aje's subtle embellishments and White Suede's corporate-meets-rock chick numbers seen swanning around the member's marquees.

The trademark look for A-listers and royalty at Cheltenham is layering due to the fresh weather conditions. Woollen coats over dresses in hardy fabrics are popular as are thick tights, felt hats and the occasional fur pelt. For the men, tweed is the best bet of the day.

While for the former Kate Middleton usually gets around Cheltenham in ushanka or pill box hats, for recent Autumn racing seasons our Aussie fashion princesses prefer to don intricate veils, dramatic wide brimmed fedoras and playful headbands.

Sponsored by Myer.

Fashion flippers: changing your look for your man

Hear that?

Gigi Hadid's look was more clueless-college-girl when she was dating Cody Simpson. Photo: Getty Images

Hear that? It's the sound of your style, whizzing right by you, like the new Tesla in a high-speed car race. It got swooped up and discarded in the whirlwind that is your new love and is now currently residing far, far away. In it's place is your partner's style. He might be a bad boy, like Zayn Malik, the outcast of One Direction who left the band to pursue his own music and is now dating the hottest model on the planet, Gigi Hadid.

Gigi has slowly but surely changed her sunny style from LA golden girl to hardcore biker chick, to go with her new boyfriend's darker reputation. Previously, she was dating Cody Simpson, a boy singer equally as fair as she is, and her wardrobe was more clueless-college-girl than Apollonia in Purple Rain .

Same with Jennifer Aniston, who went from girl-next-door sexy with Brad to amping up the black leather and studs, discovering her dark side with new husband Justin Theroux.

Model Gigi Hadid 's style has taken a new edge since she began dating bad boy Zayn Malik. Photo: Stefanie Keenan/ Getty Images

Do you change your style to suit your company? A lot of celebrities seem to. When They-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (OK, Kim and Kanye if I must mention them), first met, Kanye famously reworked his girlfriend's wardrobe. He got her out of the bandage dresses and into first class couture, trying to point her to the more fashionable end of the market.

Advertisement

A photo posted by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)on Mar 20, 2016 at 9:10am PDT

In a 2012 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians , he brings his personal stylist, Renelou Padora, over to Kim's, purely to cull her wardrobe.

"When we first started dating, he went through my closet, he put everything he thought wasn't cool enough in a pile," Kim said in an interview in 2015. She said she "started crying" when she saw the pile, which she said was as tall as "the ceiling".

Dramatic, no? My husband can barely tell me which outfit looks best if I'm trying to decide between the red or the black dress. He just knows his standard, "you look great in everything, I can't tell which is better," is probably the safest response and that's what he sticks with. Today I'm wearing a pair of gold platform brogues that he actually laughed at on first glance, but he chooses to love them just because they're on me.

Changing your look for your partner is an outdated notion. Most women I know dress for themselves. Whether that means wearing 11-centimetre heels to the office with a leather skirt and designer blouse, or whether it means sticking to your black denim skinny jeans wardrobe every single day, it's yourself that you're answering to. So why do celebrities still do it?

One thing about getting older is that you get more comfortable in your own style, and you discover that getting dressed needn't be such a team effort. All those phone calls and text messages to girlfriends about what to wear are abandoned, and in their place comes the calm realisation that ... you've got this. You know what you're doing.

You can get dressed comfortably and within your own set of fashion rules, without being inappropriate (because who cares) or second guessing every style choice just in case he doesn't like it. Because nobody wants to be dictated to by the other halves in our lives when it comes to fashion. That would just be k-razy. And we'll leave that to certain celebrities.

Rio Olympics 2016: 'Elements' of Sportcraft's Australian Olympic uniforms made in China

Don't Play
Replay Replay Video Icon
Player help icon
Video settings
Video will begin in 5 seconds.

Return to video

Please Log into update your video settings

More video
Recommended Replay video

Return to video
Video settings

Please Log into update your video settings

Australian Olympic uniforms fail TV test

The ceremony uniforms for the 2016 Australian Olympic team are revealed . . . but there's a problem.

PT0M40S 620 349

Are our new Olympic uniforms a sartorial symbol of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement?

For Rio, Sportscraft, an "iconic Australian lifestyle brand", partnered with the Australian Olympic Committee to create the new official threadsfor the seventh time in the label's 102-year history.

Sportscraft is owned by Australian apparel company APG & Co and according to chief executive Adrian Jones works with "a global network of suppliers to produce their collections".

Sportscraft unveiled the 2016 Australian Olympic team Opening Ceremony Uniform at Bondi Icebergs last week. Photo: Dallas Kilponen

The company is a signatory of the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, however, received a D-grading from the Ethical Consumer Group, a not-for-profit advocacy group for fair trade, for its efforts to address worker exploitation.

Advertisement

Fairfax confirmed with Jones that elements of the 14,000 Olympic uniforms and 411 different size patternshave been produced in Australia and China.

"They [Sportscraft] have suppliers globally who produce different aspects of the uniform, so there are elements that are produced on and offshore, depending on their global network of suppliers and in producing their finished product."

The kit features white shorts and skorts as well as lightweight cotton seersucker blazers lined with the name of every Australian gold medallist. The jackets have also been embellished with our coat of arms and burnished gold and have Australian Olympic coat of arms buttons. The women will wear silk scarves printed with the Southern Cross motif and the gents will rock a gold tie ��� think John Burgess in Wheel of Fortune years.

Jones said the Rio 2016 uniforms took two years to create from inception to last week's launch and were manufactured offshore as "the customisation required to outfit so many athletes enabled them to meet the deadlines throughout the project".

It is not the first time fashion labels have outsourced production of official Olympic uniforms. In the United States, Ralph Lauren, a brand famous for championing Americana in its clothes, came under fire in 2012 when it was revealed the opening ceremony uniforms for Team USA were made in China.

Fashion blogger Rozalia Russian targeted in Instagram hacking and extortion

Fashion blogger Rozalia Russian has been forced to rethink the security of her social media platforms after a hacker staged a "takeover" of her Instagram account and extorted about $5000 for its return.

Blogger Rozalia Russian had her instagram account hacked for a ransom. Photo: Penny Stephens

Mrs Russian ��� a leading Melbourne blogger, "social ambassador" and "influencer" whose livelihood is based on her 167,000 followers on her @rozalia_russianaccount and another 14,700 for her online store @rozalia.com.au��� is not only attractive to the brands and companies with which she works. Hackers are now apparently targeting those with an affluent profile and Instagram celebrity.

Cyber security expert Ty Miller, of Threat Intelligence, said hackers were "very opportunistic" when it came to extortion.

A spam post on Rozalia Russia's Instagram from the ''FollowLift.us'' site for fake followers. Photo: Suzanne Carbone

"Social media account hacking, including Instagram, is big business these days, since hackers can make a lot of money through compromised accounts," Mr Miller said.

Advertisement

Mrs Russian discovered her account had been hacked when a "FollowLift.us" spam-style site that floods accounts with fake followers started posting ads on her page.

She tried to log in but the username and password had been changed, along with her phone number and email address. "There was no way of resetting the passwords," she said. "The situation was so stressful that my face broke out in a rash."

Rozalia Russian campaigned for the return of her hacked Instagram account. Photo: Facebook

Her angst was compounded when thousands of followers suddenly unfollowed her because of the spam from the hacker, prompting her to campaign on her online store and Facebook page with the #bringbackrozalia_russian hashtag.

Things took a nasty turn when derogative comments appeared on posts, saying that she would be exposed for "who you are" and claiming she had married nightclub identity Nick Russian for money.

Mr Russian was caught up in a bucks' night ordeal in Baliin June 2015 involving strippers and corrupt police, who extorted $25,000 from the group of men in exchange for their freedom.

An Instagram post about the hacking.

Mrs Russian said the best thing that happened during the 24-hour ordeal over her Instagram account was the hacker leaving a comment on her retail page saying "LMAO no I didn't" in response to whether he had made the derogatory comments. "That was his undoing," she said.

Via the comment and its cyber trail, her IT guru traced the hacker and discovered he was a teenage college student from the US. A phone number was found via the American White Pages and an email address was obtained.

Mr Russian phoned the hacker, who said: "It's not me, but I know who did it." Mr Russian pleaded for the account back, but the hacker said: "What's in it for me?"

Rozalia and Nick Russian are regulars at Melbourne's A-list functions. Photo: Shaney Balcombe

Some hackers stage a "takeover" for mischief, others for dollars. During negotiations with the hacker over the money being sent via PayPal, Mrs Russian discovered that two friends ��� a travel blogger with 1 million followers and a model ��� had been hacked by the same person.

The travel blogger decided to pay the ransom and with Mrs Russian, they paid a combined $5000 to regain control of the two accounts. Mrs Russian said neither of the other two victims wanted to comment.

Mrs Russian declined to comment on whether she had reported the hacking to the Victoria Police e-crime squad. Her lawyer has a firm in the US and it is believed she is investigating whether the hacker can be prosecuted or she can launch legal action against him, but she did not want to comment on her course of action.

The FBI investigates cybercrime when its Internet Crime Complaint Centre receives a complaint.

Mrs Russian reported the hacking to Instagram but did not hear back. An Instagram spokesperson said: "We work hard to provide the Instagram community with a safe and secure experience."

Instagram lists five security tipsand the first is "pick a strong password".

Mrs Russian said she had reported the hacking to the Australian government's Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network. From October 2015 to December 2015, 9291 people reported a crime to the network and the top three targets of cyber criminals were email, social networking and website advertising.

A spokesperson from the Attorney-General's Department said suitable reports were referred to law enforcement agencies for possible investigation depending on a number of factors, including the location of the suspect and whether there was sufficient information about the offender.

Nigel Phair���, the director of the Centre for Internet Safety at the University of Canberra, said the "takeover" of accounts occurred because of weak passwords and the same passwords being used for different accounts.

"Hacking of social media accounts is under-reported, mainly because if a compromise occurs, the victim sometimes does not know about it and when they do find out it is often embarrassing to inform anyone, particularly law enforcement," Mr Phair said.

Elite fashion house J'Aton Couture had its Instagram account hacked after its March 8 runway show at the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, but this was a mischief job, with the hacker posting spam about free mobile phones.

The 2015 Norton Cybersecurity Insights Report for Australia, shows consumers lost $1.2 billion to cybercrime in a year, and only 47 per cent of people "always" use a strong password.

In Mrs Russian's desperation to get her account back, she considered the alternative of not paying the hacker the ransom. "If you piss him off, who knows what he will do?" she said. This could include deleting her account, her social-media existence and her livelihood.

Five ways to prevent hacking Have a strong password Do not use the same password for different accounts Change passwords at least twice a year Don't reveal them to anyone Social media users should secure their accounts using the privacy settings and be careful of the identifiable information they post about themselves and their friends.

Source: Nigel Phair���, director of the Centre for Internet Safety at the University of Canberra

What to wear on your head this Autumn racing season

SPONSORED CONTENT
Melbourne may have their Spring Racing Carnival where colour, florals and hats made of straw shine, but Sydney's Autumn Racing events are shaping up to be some of the most stylish days out on the social calender in the cooler months.

Jodi Anasta wearing a playful crown at the Myer Autumn 2016 Racing Launch. Photo: Don Arnold

The northern racing calender this year features both the Longines Golden Slipper Carnival and The Championships at Royal Randwick. The events are spread over six weeks and showcase Australia's finest thoroughbred horse racing as well as some of the best fashions on the field (and marquees).

When dressing for the autumn races think romantic lace, shades of burgundy and off the shoulder dresses or blouses, however your headwear or hat can make or break an outfit.

"Leave the straw at home. Felt is what autumn racing is all about. Whether it be a hat or headband, felt is one element your ensemble must have," Myer milliner and Australian Turf Club ambassador Nerida Winter says.

Advertisement

"People think that autumn racing means you are more limited in your headpiece options and outfits due to the weather but that is not the case, it's a great time to embrace more dramatic shapes and bolder sizes."

The top headwear trends for autumn racing

Turbans and berets

A photo posted by MYER (@myer)on Mar 31, 2016 at 9:58pm PDT

Think Talitha Getty or Barbra Streisand. The winter turbans are all about the turbans from the 1960s and 1970s. These will be very popular for Fashions on the Field as they are versatile yet understated. They won't overpower a look but they make beautifully applied make-up and statement accessories and earrings sing. Meanwhile berets are the new slogan T-shirts. For the brave, go with a quirky saying or animal enblem.

Playful crowns

A photo posted by Jennifer Hawkins (@jenhawkins_) on Mar 14, 2016 at 10:35pm PDT

Hearts and stars are popular with the younger race goes but no shapes are safe this season. Some are going for smaller motifs, like delicate flowers, but the more fashion forward are keen to experiment with sizes.

Veils

A photo posted by MYER (@myer)on Mar 31, 2016 at 2:00am PDT

Not Grace Kelly's wedding, think chic '50s style netting that we usually see on pill box hats. Winter says veils with dots have proved popular with a variety of racing guests so far this season. "It's a fascinator but not as we know it," she offers.

Wide brimmed hats

A photo posted by MYER (@myer)on Mar 8, 2016 at 11:26pm PST

Channel your inner Amal Clooney on her wedding day. Go big or go home. Summer's boater trend is still here just in heavier fabrics and differing proportions. "The modern boater is a fail safe option as are the big hats which are simple yet sophisticated. Add some embellishments to your boater for a fresh look for autumn," Winter says.

Sponsored by Myer.

Get the look

Keep perfect time and style by capping off an outfit with a classic watch, writes ERIN MUNRO.

Alannah Hill Finding Love cardi, $169.

Viktoria + Woods Merrit open back shirt, $269

Mimco Round Glimmer watch, $199

Sportsgirl Knit culottes, $89.95.

Sportsgirl Knit culottes, $89.95

Advertisement

Alannah Hill Finding Love cardi, $169

STOCKISTS

Viktoria + Woods Merrit Open Back shirt, $269. Photo:

Viktoria+ Woods viktoriaandwoods.com.au

Mimco mimco.com.au

Sportsgirl sportsgirl.com.au

Mimco Round Glimmer watch, $199.

Alannah Hill alannahhill.com.au

Swedish chain H&M to launch wedding dress range - but would you buy one?

If they ever build time machines, there are several things I would like to tell 28-year-old me.

Melissa Singer (centre) spent $3000 on her wedding gown but would do things differently second time around. Photo: Supplied

Buy an apartment, even a shitty one bedroom. Your bank balance will thank you later.

Learn about art, and music, and other cultural stuff you can use at dinner parties.

Click for more photos

High street wedding dresses

High street retailers such as H&M and ASOS are trying to crack the lucrative bridal market by offering more affordable alternatives to custom-made gowns.  Photo: Supplied

And don't spend $3000 on that wedding dress.

Advertisement

Now don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful dress, from a boutique on THE bridal street in Melbourne. And I appreciate that mum thought me (and my then fiance) worth the money.

Italian lace, a shoulder train and metres and metres of butter cream silk. It had a '40s aesthetic and made me feel like Rita Hayworth on Oscars night ��� even though she never won��� when I put it on.

Melissa Singer in her wedding dress.

But it cost three-zero-zero-zero dollars. In 2008 money. That's $3500 today.

When I read this week that Swedish chain H&M is bringing out a range of wedding dressesas part of its "Conscious Exclusive" range, naturally it brought up memories of my own dress.

I would never choose the same dress today. For one thing, my taste has completely changed, as it does when you hit your 30s.

Rita Hayworth ... didn't win an Oscar but gave great gown.

And I realise now (with a mortgage and more expenses to my name) what that amount of money can actually do for a person. Not in a pay off the loan, get some new tiles kind of way (boring but worthy) but in a fashion investment piece or travel way.

In short, if I'm ever in a position again to marry someone, I will never spend that kind of money on a wedding dress, unless it's genuinely something I will wear again.

(Note to brides: you will almost never cut the top off, dye and make a cute clubbing dress from what you're probably planning to wear on your big day. It just doesn't happen.)

But I'm also not sure I can go down the chain store route, either. (E-tailers ASOS and J Crew also stock wedding dresses.)

The H&M range includes three wedding dresses, priced up to $599. Take it away, no more to pay.

One obvious advantage of buying a wedding dress off the rack is the finality of the transaction, unless of course it needs altering (which I would highly recommend).

Getting one made to order can be like working with a tradie. The price you get at the first fitting is just a guide, with every applique flower and lace adornment potentially adding hundreds of dollars to the final invoice.

But it's yours. It's one-of-a-kind. And no matter what you spend, there's a singular joy experienced from having a garment made just for your body.

When I was getting married, I must have visited at least half-a-dozen wedding dress shops - from ready-to-wear to luxury atelier.

While I had a tough time distinguishing between the $10,000 and the $5000 dresses in look and quality, the off-the-rack dresses just felt cheap and not at all special.

I realise not everyone can afford to splash on a custom-made wedding gown, and many more don't want to.

But would anyone really wear a wedding dress from H&M, the home of fast fashion, celebrity collaborations and sunnies you can step on and not care about?

I envy the bride who can rock a vintage gown she picked up on eBay or at the op shop for $100. And despite the H&M range being made from sustainably sourced material and having a good story of culture and art behind it, I just couldn't do it.

Equally though, I would never, ever spend $3000 again on a garment I only ever intended to wear once.

That sad looking dress now hangs in the walk-in wardrobe at my parents' house, still carrying a small stain from a rose petal trodden into its hem.

The other week, mum sent me a photo of my nieces, five and seven, playing dress ups in that expensive gown. At least it was being put to some use.

Next time, I'm going bride-ish but not bridal. More Maticevski than Monique Lhuillier, more modest than maniacal in the budget stakes. But still fabulous. Watch this space.

The H&M bridal range goes on sale in Australian stores on April 7.

Retailers engage and entertain future shoppers to move merchandise

To sell expensive fashion these days, shops have to offer more than clothes.

Consumers want "an experience", an audience at a Business of Fashion discussion at the Sydney Opera House heard. Photo: Getty Images

To sell expensive fashion these days, shops have to offer more than clothes. Consumers want "an experience", an audience at a Business of Fashion discussion at the Sydney Opera House heard on Wednesday night.

As new technologies sweep through the fashion industry, bricks and mortar stores are left to engineer their own attractions and customers are increasingly attracted to distinctive shopping experiences.

"You can't just make an impression with a device alone," said Kim Bui Kollar, director of special projects for Pedder Group, a subsidiary of the Lane Crawford Joyce Group. "We have been toying with the idea of a store not just selling things, but engaging with the public."

Eye-wear designer Karen Walker says there is "something slightly broken about fashion shows." Photo: Getty Images

The industry must slow down to establish brand loyalty and offer a distinctive experience in-store, decided two panels that included designers Karen Walker, Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, and Justin O'Shea, creative director of Brioni in Rome. The panels were chaired by the founder of the Business of Fashion website, Imran Amed, and fashion editor Tim Banks and supported by QIC Global Real Estate.

Advertisement

Physical and digital encounters

"In the past, retailers had it easy. They could live off product alone," said Michael O'Keefe, chief executive officer at Aesop, who believes physical and digital encounters can co-exist as an "interwoven mesh", rather than competing retail sources.

The global reach of the internet has seen the number of buyers dwindle at fashion shows, instead replaced by the Instagram glitterati. Photo: Getty Images

"There is now a pressure on retailers to offer a more service-driven experience. What are you going to add to the community where your store is? What is the point of being there?"

Pedder Group's Ms Kollar pointed to "emotion, creativity, authenticity and discovery" as drivers of retail success.

Using Lane Crawford's Canton Road shop in Hong Kong as an example, Ms Kollar outlined "store experience" strategies where customers were able to involve themselves in the space.

L'Eclaireur founder Armand Hadida speaks at VOICES at Sydney Opera House. Photo: Getty Images

Taiwanese-American artist James Jean spent three days painting a live art installation on the glass walls of the store. On another occasion, a partnership with Friends of the Earth saw hundreds of children and their parents plant trees and celebrate environmentalism in the store.

"People have a general curiosity about how things are made and we have an opportunity to involve them in art," said Ms Kollar. "We also have the privilege of going to fashion shows and we have to bring the magic to the stores so the customers can experience it too."

Whether or not fashion shows will stay relevant was a point of contention among the panelists. The global reach of the internet has seen the number of buyers dwindle at shows, instead replaced by the Instagram glitterati, who document shows so rapidly that images of the new garments are seen by millions before the models have even left the catwalk.

"There is something slightly broken about fashion shows," conceded eye-wear designer Karen Walker. "I remember being asked about what I was thinking for winter while I was taking questions at the end of my summer show."

That said, the spectacle and the excitement built by fashion shows is unlikely to be replaced by anything any time soon, given it is integral to the designer's process and also provides content opportunities for the ever-hungry social media diet.

Let's talk about the penis and the vagina

Why is it, that even as adults, we struggle so hard with these words?

Why don't you call your front bottom what it really is?

Why is it, that even as adults, we struggle so hard with these words? Too many parents don't teach their children the correct names for their genitals. The penis may be called a willie, weewee, doodle, little noodle, ding-a-ling etc. Believe it or not, there are more than 100 adult names for the penis.

For girls it's not much better: nooni, woo-woo, mini, muffin, kitty, little girl parts or worst of all the "front bottom". You'd be surprised how many adult women still refer to their private parts as "down there" when they come to see me.

It was only in 2012 when Naomi Wolf's book: Vagina: a New Biography , was listed as V****a on Apple iTunes and the word was replaced throughout the book's description. There was such an outcry that Apple relented and the full word was used again.

Advertisement

The word vagina first hit headlines in 1996, when Eve Ensler wrote and starred in a playcalled The Vagina Monologues , which was staged all over the world including a successful run in Australia. The play's recurring theme is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment.

But now, after all those years, just when people finally ��� very slowly ��� are getting used to the word vagina, there is another problem. Some academics, educators, feminists and politically correct women are lecturing us that we shouldn't use the word vagina but the word VULVA.  We have to be "vulva conscious"!

I admit it's confusing, if you take a mirror and look at your genitals, you will see the external organs, the pubic mound, the labia (inner and outer lips) the clitoris and the external openings of the urethra and vagina ��� and yes ��� these outer parts are called the vulva. The vagina is the canal behind the vaginal opening ��� is it too much of an assumption to think most people know or are aware, that the vagina is inside the body?

One of the reasons given for this latest lecture is the difficulty women may have when they seek medical help and don't know how to name the right body part to their GP. I can't think of many ailments women may suffer from, that have to do with the vulva. If they have a pap smear, they have an internal vaginal examination. If they suffer from discharge or vaginal infections or have STIs they are mostly present inside the vagina.

The only time patients would ask their doctor, these days, to check vulval parts is when they believe their labia are too big or too ugly and they want to have labiaplasty surgery.

When I talk to my clients I only use the words vagina and clitoris ��� most heterosexual intercourse is "penis-into-vagina" sex and there is sex with fingers or toys in the vagina etc. Most people know where the clitoris is situated. Tampons are put into vaginas ��� babies are pushed out of them, I could go on!

So why would we change our language?

Perhaps those concerned should lobby the government to have better sex education at our schools where children can be taught the anatomically correct names for their genitals. Then they can decide for themselves what to call their private parts and will be able to teach their children in the future.

Of course some people had never a problem using the correct terms. In 1998 Australians Simon Morley and David Friend started a performance showcalled Puppetry of the Penis . They still entertain crowds around the world by bending their private parts into shapes, which they call "the ancient Australian art of genital origami". They are hysterically funny.

Melbourne photographer Philip Werner published a coffee table book some years ago, called 101 Vagina . He is now taking photographs for his 101 Penis book. His projectis ongoing and participants are needed.

Then there are those who like to embellish these body parts. Swedish sex products company Lelo, has designed a little tuxedo to dress up the penis. The company believes there is a gap between the expectations for women to dress sexy and the expectations for men. It decided to create a kind of intimate apparel for men and called it the Tux. It's not designed to be worn during sex, it's about setting the mood for sex and have some fun.

Photographer Soraya Doolbaz, an Iranian Canadian living in New York, started a project called the Dicture Gallery. She designed clothes to put on penises and photographed them like a high fashion shoot. In this videoshe explains she wanted to make people laugh and create comfort and confidence around sexuality for men and women. She is hoping to bring back acceptance of our genitals but also shed light and humour on an otherwise taboo subject.

And now we have also cute, sex-positive penis and vagina emojis, so what's next?

Matty Silver is a Relationship Counsellor and Sex Therapist

Lululemon accuses Beyonce of copying their activewear, angers fans

Lululemon has learnt a very valuable lesson: if you poke the Beyhive, be prepared to be stung.

Beyonce wearing Ivy Park. Photo: WeAreIvyPark/YouTube

The Canadian women's activewear brand has become the eye of a social media storm after it angered Beyonce fans on Twitter by suggesting the singer's new activewear line was an imitation of its own.

In a series of (now deleted) tweets, Lululemon engaged with a few Beyonce fans, who suggested Beyonce's Ivy Park Activewear line, which was announced yesterday, would be competition for the established fitness brand.

The brand's first response was to Twitter user @amandaacastlee who had tweeted, "Lululemon about to go bankrupt cause Beyonce [sic] released an active wear line #gamechanger."

Advertisement

In a relatively tame reply, Lululemon said, "We don't plan to bow down to the Queen B when it comes to workout gear, but you know we're going to keep buying her albums."

However, it was the brand's next engagement ��� in response to Twitter user @GoodGuySly asking if "Ivy Park [is] supposed to be like Lululemon?" ��� which did the damage.

"They do say imitation is the best form of flattery. Maybe Beyonce is so Crazy In Love with our brand, she made her own," the brand replied to the question.

Needless to say, Beyonce's dedicated fans (known as the "Beyhive") were not super pleased about Lululemon suggesting Ivy Park was a copycat brand, and expressed their discontent on social media.

"Ugh lulu ... Don't talk about bey like that," one fan tweeted at the brand.

"[Lululemon] needs to stop tweeting about Beyonce, " another added. "The Hive is on another level today."

Incredibly, the activewear giant, who this week announced predicted revenue of more than $US2 billion this financial year, is so committed to being perceived as pro-Beyonce, they not only deleted the two offending tweets, but also appear to be replying with messages of apology to every Beyonce fan who is upset that the company manufacturing  their crop tops and leggings would so speak so lowly of the woman who sings their workout playlist.

@ashleyjb3_We hear you. We didn't mean any harm as we're big fans of hers.

��� lululemon athletica (@lululemon) March 31, 2016

@darlingnessa_Never the intent. Thanks for the call out.

��� lululemon athletica (@lululemon) March 31, 2016

@xoBeyHivexo @GoodGuySlyNo harm meant- we've got nothing but love.

��� lululemon athletica (@lululemon) March 31, 2016

@CorporateBarbieWe hear you and can fully say we didn't mean any harm. We're major fans of hers.

��� lululemon athletica (@lululemon) March 31, 2016

Beyonce launched Ivy Park activewear with a two-minute promotional video on Thursday.

The line features crop tops, leotards, leggings and tracksuits, and will be sold online at Net-a-Porter, as well as through Topshop.

The video shows Beyonce, 34, in a children's playground.

"I would wake up in the morning and my dad would come knocking on my door, tell me it's time to go running," she says. "I remember wanting to stop, but I would push myself to keep going. He taught me discipline and I would think about my dreams."

Her four-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, after whom the line is presumably named, appears towards the end of the video, being given a piggyback by her mother.

Sydney and Melbourne's party people

Sydney
SOPHIE FALKINER'S EIGHTIES PARTY
TV presenter Sophie Falkiner has always loved the eighties, and for her 41 st birthday she brought them to life in all their lurid, fluoro, stonewashed, lycra, permed glory.

Lucy Zelic poses for a photo during the Sydney FC 10 Year Anniversary Lunch at Allianz Stadium. Photo: Brett Hemmings

birthday she brought them to life in all their lurid, fluoro, stonewashed, lycra, permed glory. Her bash at eighties-themed Bondy's in the CBD was a joint affair with mate Damon Downey , and highlights included a muscleman in teeny pants on the bar, flexing in time to a non-stop soundtrack of eighties hits. Spotted were TV vet Katrina Warren as one of Robert Palmer's Irresistible guitar girls, Falkiner as Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman , two Tom Cruises from Risky Business in just their Y-fronts, a Charlene from Neighbours in full wedding garb and Fitzy and Wippa in pleather, gold and dodgy wigs.

Click for more photos

Party people

Here's a rundown of last week's events in and around Sydney and Melbourne. Photo: Kai Godeck

SPECTRUM NOW IN CONVERSATION WITH JEFFREY TAMBOR

Advertisement

When Golden Globe winning Arrested Development and Transparent actor Jeffrey Tambor joined Spectrum Now creative director Richard Roxburgh for a chat, it was bound to be fascinating. The accomplished pair came together for Spectrum Now's In Conversation With event presented by ANZ in partnership with Stan, at City Recital Hall, Angel Place, providing a rare opportunity to see two immense talents exchange views.

LITTLE JEAN OPENING

Double Bay just keeps getting better. The invigorated suburb's latest foodie gem is Little Jean, from the team behind the nearby Golden Sheaf's bistro: chef Christopher Stockdale and manager Jeanette Woerner . Guests included My Kitchen Rules' Manu Feildel , Good Chef, Bad Chef's Zoe Bingley-Pullin and Woollahra Mayor Toni Zeltzer .

SYDNEY FC TENTH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH

A party on a football pitch ��� why not? After all, this was a grand occasion: ten years of Sydney FC, Sydney's original A League team. Their home ground, Allianz Stadium, was transformed by a 50m blue carpet across the turf to a banquet table stretching from penalty box to penalty box. Guests included FFA Chairman Frank Lowy , Sydney FC owner David Traktovenko , chairman Scott Barlow and his wife Alina , Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase , Anthony Bell and Kelly Landry-Bell , plus Sydney FC head coach Graham Arnold and plenty of players old and new.

GANTRY BAR OPENING

This gorgeous new restaurant and bar at Pier One Sydney Harbour was filled with celebs for its opening night. Rachel Griffith was among more than 200 guests joining hotel owner Robert Magid for cocktails by bar manager Ben Taouss and sample dishes from executive chef Chris Irving .

Melbourne

TIFFANY & CO NATIONAL DESIGNER AWARD

What we fill our eyes with is what we fill our minds with; the images we allow to surround us reflecting both who we are and who we wish to become.  On Monday at the Tiffany & Co National Designer Award, part of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, we were intrigued to find out from finalists, from the women whose designs filled our eyes, Virginia Martin - bùl, Emma Mulholland , Beth and Tessa MacGraw ��� macgraw, Ingrid Verner - Verner, and the night's winners, Amanda Cumming and Kate Reynolds of PAGEANT, what pictures covered the walls of your bedroom growing up?

"Jonathan Taylor Thomas [ Home Improvement ] did star on my wall when I was a young teen," Cumming said.  "But then as I got older I had pages torn out of fashion magazines and artwork, things I had created myself, and song lyrics and CD covers. I loved Bjork so much."

And for Reynolds?  "A whole lot of hip-hop and rap lyrics from TV Hits magazine.  I would cut out the lyrics from all the girl bands, TLC, Destiny's Child . . ."  Salt-N-Pepa?  "Yeah!  I went to their concert when I was in grade four, my mum took me.  There were these strippers on stage with elephant jocks.  I was just like, this is amazing!  That was my whole sex education - Salt-N-Pepa and 90s R&B music."

THE GRAND SHOWCASE FEATURING JOSH GOOT

On Thursday night at Central Pier at Docklands, part of VAMFF, it wasn't just any showcase it was The Grand Showcase featuring Josh Goot .  As guests arrived we wanted to know, what did you think was impossibly grand when you were young?

"A dress that my mother had," Sevan Manjikian said.  "It was puffy and bright pink and I thought it was so fancy and grand because it was so big.  She got it made; I think it was her engagement dress."

Estelle Michaelides , too, needed to look no further than her mum: "My mother's wardrobe.  I was so overwhelmed by all the colour and the sequins it just seemed so grand."  Did you have a favourite piece?  "Her fur coat, fox, I think, in a tan, full length.  I would wear it and I would waltz around."

"My grandmother's satin duvet," said the festival's CEO Graeme Lewsey .  "It was really pillowy and comfy and it was massive and it was very shiny and I just wanted to lie on it."  What colour was it?  "Maroon.  Colour of the season!"

NATIONAL GRADUATE SHOWCASE REHEARSAL

In the beginning, in the middle and still at the end there is the way you see yourself and the way others perceive you . . . but it is perhaps most marked at the start.  On Thursday at Central Pier we were privy to beginnings ��� the National Graduate Showcase rehearsal featuring the work of 12 gifted fashion graduates ��� and we wondered, how have other people described your work?

"That it's really bonkers and maybe too much," Sofie Teh said.  How would you describe it?  "Probably the same but I wouldn't say it that way.  It's fun, over-the-top, a bit spontaneous, quirky.  It's fun to wear."

"The weirdest thing someone said to me was that it was all about sex, which I don't get at all, but that was fine," said Megan McGrath .  "To me it's really over-the-top and intense but it's also masculine and intimidating."

"Someone said mine was like giant mushrooms or toadstools, fantasy, and I was, like, 'Awesome!'" Vanessa Emirian replied.  What is it to you?  "Just, yeah, big balls of puffy pink; I think they kind of look like marshmallows."

A kid's birthday party for just $40? Tell us how!

Can you host a children's birthday party for just $40?

Sometimes, kids want the simple things.

Want to know what other parents really think about birthday parties? Come peer into the results of the survey accompanying our story on outsourcing birthday parties.

Can you host a children's birthday party for just $40? One Melbourne parent claims they've done just that.

Fairfax Media reported on the growing trend of parent's outsourcing their children's birthday parties on Wednesday, and we asked readers for their feedback on how much they spent, whether they outsourced to venues and professionals, the number of guests and possibly the most controversial of all, whether they would ever consider a gift-free party.

We received dozens of responses, with the cost of $330 being average but others splashed out $1000 on their child's event At the other end of the scale, some parents spent just $80. Two responders claim to have forked out $40 to celebrate their little one's birthday - we definitely need to know what their secret is, unless they actually meant to write $400.

Advertisement

For some parents, they initiate a $10 per guest limit for children aged up to 13 years and work by the very sensible rule of "the age of the child approximately equals the guests". So if your child is five years old, that's five guests for a rather nifty $50.

There was widespread agreement that outsourcing a party was not much more expensive than hosting one at home, but on the plus side, it allowed parents to avoid the hassles of cleaning. As one parent noted, the cost of taking everyone out was about same as hiring a superhero at home.

One parent said: "I could outsource most of the party for a similar cost but I'd still need to make a cake, organise party bags, etc. So the home option comes in a shade cheaper."

The respondent who spent the most - $1000 ��� said hosting a party at home was more expensive than outsourcing. However, they had the highest number of guests, with up to 60 attending.

Parents also discussed whether they felt pressured to invite their child's entire class. Guest limits ranged from five up to 20, although if you want an outsourced parties, the minimum guests is often 12. All preferred smaller parties and several cited the age-equals-guests rule.

But if you think kids want the flashiest celebration possible, you'd be wrong. It turns out that children really do like the simple things in life. When asked what their child's favourite party activity has been, the responses included charades, soccer, sack races, eating donuts off a string, and the classic  "running around the park hitting each other with foam rollers". Also popular were adventure games, such as "Minecraft" and adapting "The Great Race" in their home. No passports required.

The favourite outsourced options include trampoline parties, the movies, cooking parties, paint ball and laser parties.

But what about the gifts?

"I'd love it! But he wouldn't," said one parent.

"Obviously they would prefer [gifts]. I, on the hand, love the idea of not getting ten bits of Chinese plastic," said another.

���Top tips for hosting a thrifty party

Initiate a $10 per guest rule Parks, playgrounds and the beach are cost-free and popular party locations Only invite as many guests as the birthday girl or boy is turning, ie 10 guests for the 10-year-old's party Foam rollers are highly entertaining for young kids Old fashioned games like egg-and-spoon and sack-races are cheap and popular

With Alana Schetzer

Party people

Sydney
So Sydney
At last week's Silver Party, buggies were provided to transport guests the few metres from drop off to entrance.

Maz Compton, BooHoo The Edit VIP launch. Photo: Supplied

At last week's Silver Party, buggies were provided to transport guests the few metres from drop off to entrance. We're seeing this happen at several large scale bashes. We love that organisers recognise some boots just ain't made for walking.

SPECTRUM NOW LAUNCH

Advertisement

The inaugural Spectrum Now festival, presented by the Sydney Morning Herald , launched with a large, exuberant party at Carriageworks with the festival's creative director, Richard Roxburgh, at the centre of celebrations. Roxburgh treated the crowd to a hilarious soliloquy on the evils of bureaucracy and the triumph of art before the inspired crowd launched into some frenetic dancing to a surprise performance from a singer and musicians from VulgarGrad. Guests included artists Joshua Yeldham and Reg Mombassa, actors Sylvia Colloca and Dan Wylie and funnyman Tim Ross.

ISOWHEY SPORTS FIGHT YOUR LIMITS EVENT

No heels required for this sweaty morning session at Darlinghurst fitness centre Flow Athletic. Instead, a game group of celebrity personal trainers, athletes and identities donned their gym gear and subjected themselves to a fierce workout with ESPN Search4Hurt star Andrew Pap. He showed no mercy to victim including Miss Universe graduates Erin Holland and Tegan Martin and athletes Edwin Asotasi and Lauren Hannaford ��� but brunch from Bondi Harvest refuelled everyone enough to stay on their feet. At least until after they'd left.

HOLDEN CRUZ: NEW LOOK, NEW LOVE

We enjoy a social experiment ��� especially when it's held in a great bar with an abundant supply of cocktails. To launch the new-look MY15 Holden Cruz, Nine's Shopping For Love host Pete Lazer presided over a series of live blind dates inside a Cruz parked at The Bourbon in Kings Cross. The dates were analysed by expert judges including relationships expert and psychologist Dr Peter Jonason and former Miss Universe Australia, Laura Dundovic.  The winning couple, Loretta Jacob and Aashish Chopra, were chosen for their sizzling chemistry and won a trip to the Hunter Valley in the new car.

LADURÉE WOOLLAHRA OFFICIAL OPENING

Laduree, the elegant French purveyor of macarons, teas and other gorgeousness, has opened its first Australian standalone shop, in Woollahra, and invited a beautifully groomed French contingent and well-known sweet tooths to sample the decadent space.

John Symond and partner Amber Keating were there to support Laduree's Australia director, Jonathan Alphandery, who's the partner of Symond's daughter, Deborah. A visibly delighted Alphandery toasted the new store and welcomed this little piece of Paris to Queen Street.

GAIA TENTH BIRTHDAY

Australian music legend Olivia Newton-John invited a select group of friends to celebrate a decade of her Byron Bay retreat, Gaia. She treated the gathering to a private serenade of her classics Magic and Have You Never been Mellow , both written by John Farrar, the composer behind much of the Grease soundtrack. Farrar and his singer wife, Pat, were in the audience alongside stars including actresses Kerry Armstrong and Kaarin Fairfax and singer Venetta Fields.

BOOHOO THE EDIT VIP LUNCH

Online fashion retailer Boohoo launched its Autumn/Winter campaign, The Edit, starring TV Personality Aisha Jade and Australia's number one beauty "vlogger", Lauren Curtis. Curtis modelled the Australian curated capsule collection of ten key wardrobe essentials while fashionistas including Jules Sebastian and Donny Galella joined Boohoo CEO Carol Kane for a delicious lunch at Potts Point restaurant The Apollo. We spotted a goody bag first: a Boohoo selfie stick.

INSTYLE WOMEN OF STYLE NOMINATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

The latest round of smart women to be recognised in these annual awards was announced at a cocktail party at the jeweller Georg Jenson's flagship CBD store. The nominees were a roll call of female talent across eight categories from business to entertainment, and included Gillian Armstrong, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, Camilla Freeman Topper, Susie Porter, Jennifer Byrne and Pip Marlow.

Melbourne

THE HAPPY COOKBOOK LAUNCH, Glovers Station

Albert Schweitzer, the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952, said: "Happiness?  That's nothing more than good health and a poor memory."  At the launch of nutritionist Lola Berry 's The Happy Cookbook at Glovers Station in Elsternwick on Wednesday the good health part was taken care of ��� Berry's recipes are based around nutritionally dense wholefoods, are gluten- and wheat-free and feature very little dairy and no refined sugar.  But a bad memory ��� that's boring ��� so we asked guests to recall the specific surprising thing that makes them happy.

"Lola!" Matthew Butcher said, but we decided that wasn't surprising ... Lola's was though: "I love getting into bed at night ��� there's this website called rainymood.com and it's the sound of rain ��� I listen to rainymood and put my favourite tunes, a bit of Angus and Julia Stone or Chet Faker or Oliver Tank, over the top and fall asleep to that.  It's weird but it makes me happy."

"Hers is food in general," Nic Davidson said of Sarah Holloway .  "It is," Holloway nodded, "but my big disgusting thing is almond and chia butter with a spoon, with nothing else, just a whole jar and a spoon by myself and that's my happy place."  Do you do anything else while you're eating?  "I smile and I make weird breathing noises.  I have to remember to breathe between the biting."

KOOKAI AW15 RUNWAY, Royal Exhibition Building

Luck was a lady on Wednesday night as Kookai presented its autumn winter collection ��� Viva Las Vegas ��� at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.  It got us thinking ... away from bright lights and flashing signs, just day-to-day, what makes you feel the luckiest?

"When I won money on the pokies," Sarah Burns said.  "I won, like, $300!  I was pressing buttons ten minutes."

"This is kind of cheesy ..." Shanali Martin hesitated, "but last year when I got to go to Europe after school, that's pretty lucky."  Were you well-behaved or were you scandalous while you were away?  "I was with my mum and dad so I was very well-behaved thank you very much."

"If we're not going all lovey-dovey and serious it's when you see something sold out online and you've missed out and then you go back to check a couple of days later ��� I'll just double-check ��� and it's back online!" Barbara Licuria said.  "I literally do a happy dance for that."  What's your happy dance?  "I do body-pop and a bit of the robot."

FUSION BOOK PREVIEW, Tonka

Fusion is a book that captures the coming together of Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo , Infiniti cars and chef Adam D'Sylva and on Thursday, at D'Sylva's Tonka restaurant, we were offered a preview.  D'Sylva explained: "It's about design and art and food and culture and about what Daniel is and what I am and what I cook.  I based the recipes in the book on what Daniel likes to eat ��� he likes his pasta, his fish, his chicken ��� and all healthy because he has to stay light and trim."  Signed by both Ricciardo and D'Sylva, Fusion will be given away at the Infiniti Live Site across all four days of next week's Formula One Grand Prix.

We wondered, what does home taste like to you?  Ricciardo answered by email far from home after car testing in Barcelona: "Barbecued Australian sausages, because it reminds me of being outside in the sun with friends back in Australia."  And D'Sylva?  "It's more like what home smells like.  For me it was the smell of onions cooking, spices in the air, cumin and cardamom and garlic, and tomato sauce simmering away."

Party people

Melbourne
MAZDA2 LAUNCH, NORTH MELBOURNE
The Mazda2 is all new; that's what we found out at the exclusive launch in North Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Star turnout: Katy Perry at the 2014 Aria Awards. Photo: Belinda Rolland

The Mazda2 is all new; that's what we found out at the exclusive launch in North Melbourne on Tuesday night.  So with the New Year approaching ��� it's December tomorrow ��� we wondered, what's going to be all new about you next year?

Click for more photos

Party people

Here's a rundown of last week's events in and around Sydney and Melbourne. Photo: Shaney Balcombe

"I'm not going to be a JAFFY anymore," Liv Wells said.  A what?  "Just Another (pointed silence) First Year.  I'm going into second-year medicine."

Advertisement

"I am not going to write off a car," Clint Stanaway promised.  "I flipped Rachael Finch in the Celebrity Grand Prix this year . . . I'm surprised that Mazda let me come."

"Hopefully I'll go on tour, and also go to LA again and finish my album," The Voice victor Anja Nissen said.  So all work, all the time?  "It's not work when you love it as much as I do."

"A Master's degree," Phil Gruszka said, there with Natalia Kalinowski , "in Occupational Health and Safety."  Then what happens?  "I'll have Master's written on my business card and people will look at me better," he said, laughing.  Is he very safety conscious at home? we asked Kalinowski.  "Too, too safety," she said.  "We had our engagement party and we made our own scaffold and everything.  I thought I was going to pin him to the wall because he's, like, 'You're breaching rule 1.3.6.2,' or whatever, and I'm like, 'I'll be breaching you'."

KOOKAI CHAPEL STREET X DAVID BROMLEY LAUNCH, SOUTH YARRA

The artistic fruits of working well with others were revealed on Thursday night at the new Kookai concept boutique in Chapel Street. The artworks unveiled, of Kookai ambassadors Alexandra Agoston and Ilona Novacek, were the result of a happy collaboration with artist David Bromley .  Amid the admiration, congratulations and selfie-taking we wanted to know about other work wishes, partnership preferences; who would you love to collaborate with and what would you create?

"Zaha Hadid, the architect, perhaps a fashion collaboration," Cailin Moore said. "She does really structured but organic architecture, so maybe we could do something similar to flatter the female form."

"I would find someone who could invent a nice tan that isn't a fake tan and that doesn't give you cancer," Ruby McCoach said.  "Just a nice tan that works all year round."

"Britney Spears!" Nina Deban exclaimed.  "We're going to do an awesome concert and I'm going to be the main dancer."  Of the big finale Deban was certain: "The final song, me and Britney Spears are going to perform Hit Me Baby One More Time ."

THE CAPI PARTY, SOUTH MELBOURNE

With an abundance of muscles and sequins and bikinis and bubbles . . . and Barry Humphries , the company was sparkling on Thursday night, as befits a brand born from a simple idea to produce the best of bubbles, clean, natural carbonated refreshments.  So at the CAPI party in South Melbourne we asked: In what situation are you your very best, your most sparkling?

"When I'm skiing down a slope," Sophie Gunnersen said.  How long have you been skiing?  "Forever, since I was, like, two.  It's exhilarating, you feel fresh, and I like the speed."

"I've just started playing polo," Arabella Ramsay said.  "It's so hard-core, but there are no thoughts of children or work or stuff."

Covered completely from neck to ankle in gold sequins, could there really be a moment in which Will Huxley felt more sparkling?  "On the dance floor," he said.  What's your song?  " I Feel Love , by Donna Summer."  What advice do you have for people who perhaps struggle to feel sparkling?  "Have a sense of humour about it, and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself."

Sydney

ARIA AWARDS

It was the most glam ARIAs in a while, with Katy Perry overcoming her photographer phobia to please  fans on the red carpet and One Direction and 5  Seconds of Summer nearly bringing down the neighbouring buildings with  fans' decibel levels. Others rocking the rug at The Star included an elegant Delta Goodrem, best country album winner Kasey Chambers, the Veronicas and Hilltop Hoods ��� although multi award-winner Sia was a no-show.

TOURISM FIJI PARTY

Seven Network presenter Kris Smith fell in love with Fiji  while modelling there for Myer so jumped at the chance to be the first Tourism Fiji Celebrity Ambassador. To celebrate, he partied with Fijian warriors and a glam crowd at the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay's fabulous rooftop pool bar.

AN APERITIVO WITH MASSIMO BOTTURA

A forest of foodies filled Osteria Balla at The Star for an evening with Italian chef Massimo Bottura, hosted by The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Month. Local top chefs including Alessandro Pavoni, Ben Greeno, Giovanni Pilu and Jason Saxby also toasted Bottura's book, Never Trust a Skinny Italian Chef .

MTV STYLE ARRIVES

Lunch was light and fashion-friendly at Woollahra's Chiswick for the launch of fashion website MTV Style. Model/blogger Mimi Elashiry was announced as ambassador and joined by Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison and MTV VJ Kate Peck.

PANAMA IN THE SWIM

Hot band Panama recorded a new version of their single Stay Forever live in a private Milsons Point penthouse to celebrate their music video collaboration with swimwear label Seafolly. The audience included TV's Tom Steinfort and James Kerley, DJ Hayden James and model Zoe Cross.

CLEAN, CLEAR AND CORRECT SALON OPENS

Glossy manes, gleaming teeth and glowing skin are the high-tech speciality of this new beauty spot in Mosman and a gal-heavy crowd wanting to know more included Sophie Faulkner, Laura Csortan, Terry Biviano (with  grooming-conscious hubby Anthony Minichiello) and Dr Katrina Warren.

THE MULE  PREVIEW PARTY

Hit low-budget flick The Mule 's star, writer and co-director Angus Sampson hosted a preview at Collaroy Cinema with a party at the Collaroy Hotel. Some of the backing for the comedy-drama, also starring Hugo Weaving, came from the family of Collaroy Hotel boss Alistair Flower, who served up the celebratory cocktails.

(BELVEDERE) RED VIP BASH

To celebrate a partnership with HIV and AIDS awareness organisation RED, Belvedere Vodka hosted a ruby-hued bash at Darlinghurst private members' club Magazin. Designer Kym Ellery took to the decks in a crowd including Alice McCall and Kit Willow and Katy Perry's support act Betty Who.

HAPPY SOCKS JOINS KAREN WALKER

Cult Swedish sock brand Happy Socks and NZ designer Karen Walker celebrated their debut joint collection at Mrs Sippy in Double Bay with a kooky bunny-themed party with manicures for guests from  nail artist Miss Betty Rose.

Party people

Melbourne
WATERFORD CRYSTAL POLO IN THE CITY PREVIEW, ALBERT PARK
On Tuesday we time travelled.

Dami Im receiving her award at the Cosmo Fun Fearless Female Awards at Otto.

On Tuesday we time travelled. Not far, just a couple of weeks, to Saturday, November 29, that's the date of the Waterford Crystal Polo in the City. We were in Albert Park for the event preview and it made us wonder about futures unknown; what do you want to know the outcome of ... right now?

"Nothing! I don't want to spoil the mystery," event founder Janek Gazecki said.  Really?  "Absolutely, it's all about a little bit of mystery. You work towards certain goals but I think if we knew the outcome it would spoil the fun."

Advertisement

"I actually wouldn't mind knowing what I'm having for dinner tonight," Natalie Decorte said. "Who's in charge of that?  "I don't know." Gazecki, explained: "It's a subtle hint to me that I need to take her out to dinner. She's an amazing cook, she cooks all the time."  "But I'm not cooking tonight," Decorte said, laughing.

"I want to know what the hell is going to happen in the new Star Wars film and I'm struggling to wait until the end of 2015," Mike Christian said. "I just hope they don't break it and that it's really good, otherwise my heart will be broken.  I hope the force is strong with this one."

In the end Nick Myer brought us back to the beginning: "I think it's best not knowing."

DISARONNO TERRACE LAUNCH, THE EMERSON

They're hosting a series of events around the world; Italy, the UK, Germany, Spain, and the US, and on Wednesday night it was Melbourne's turn for the launch of the Disaronno Terrace. The Emerson Rooftop will be its home for the next month of Sundays, and home to the have-to-sip summer cocktail the Disaronno Sour, too, so we wanted to know, how (else) would you love to spend a month of Sundays?

"A month of Sundays is best spent with family, friends, relatives and fun," Andrew Ranger said. We raised an eyebrow.  "OK, and whichever Victoria's Secret model wishes to come."

"Closed-eye drawing," Claire Story said. "You close your eyes and somebody tells you what to draw and it always ends up being a hilarious incarnation of what you're trying to draw."  And that would occupy you for a month of Sundays?  "Yeah, something different, you've got to try it."

"For me it is from dawn 'til dusk in bed," Susie Robinson said. "Pancakes, the smell of maple syrup, dozing, which may turn into narcolepsy if left unchecked."

INHABIT LAUNCH, WESTFIELD DONCASTER

If you could inhabit any era, anywhere, when and where would it be? On Wednesday night some of Australia's best designers including Dion Lee , Anna Plunkett (Romance Was Born) and Peter Strateas and Mario-Luca Carlucci (STRATEAS.CARLUCCI) inhabited INHABIT, Westfield's new designer in residence concept.  The first INHABIT designer in residence is ELLERY, so before everyone sat down to an intimate dinner to celebrate we put the question to the designer herself.

"I'd have to say Paris," Kym Ellery said. "I've been watching that film, Midnight in Paris , on repeat so why not; I'll go and hang out with Owen Wilson in the '20s, and Ernest Hemingway and Zelda Fitzgerald."

"1960s New York city," Dion Lee said.  What kind of guy would you be?  "I don't know."  "Ziggy Stardust," Plunkett suggested.  "Totally," Lee nodded.

"The seventies," Carlucci said.  "It seemed like a fun time to be around; the parties, the music.  I'd be in the States hanging out with Jimi Hendrix and his crew, I think, like a groupie; leather pants and an open shirt unbuttoned all the way down to the navel."

Sydney

UNIQLO STORE LAUNCH

It seems that stores were the place to party this week with a batch of glam shop floor bashes headed up by this big entrée to Sydney from cult Japanese retailer UNIQLO. The VIP launch for MidCity shopping complex store was a mix of serious business (Mr Shoichi Miyasaka, chief executive of UNIQLO Australia) and pretty people, including the Stenmark Twins and Gracie Otto. UNIQLO's Sydney ambassadors Claudia Karvan, Bruce "Hoppo" Hopkins and Donato Toce paraded the gear and the Bag Raiders followed a traditional Japanese drumming display and Kagami Biraki (barrel breaking) ceremony and Kanpai toast.

BILLABONG SYDNEY FLAGSHIP STORE LAUNCH

Billabong has injected a dose of full-on surf culture to Pitt Street Mall with a new flagship store, which it launched with mates including Joel "Parko" Parkinson and Mark "Occy" Occhilupo (you're not really a Billabong mate without a nickname). With tunes from Palms and DJ Marlin Zando and catering by Masterchef Dan Churchill ��� in town to launch his book The Healthy Cook ��� this one blossomed into a raging beach party in the city.

JASN ALTN DIAMOND BOUTIQUE LAUNCH

Somewhere along the way, ex Nudie jeans designer Jason Alton lost the "o's" from his name but instead acquired a heap of celebrity fans and acclaim for his outrageously original diamond jewellery designs. The black carpet launch for his new Bondi store was soaked in stylish faces: Kate Peck, Pip Edwards, Erin Holland, hot young DJ GG Magree, masterchef winner Brent Owens. Waitresses wore balaclavas to evoke a jewellery heist, but nothing was nicked and everyone played nicely among the gorgeous designs.

BOLS GENEVER LAUNCH

The city's original bar and barbershop combined, The Barber Shop, transformed into an Amsterdam Haus (not the kind with nude ladies in the windows, mind) for the launch of Dutch tipple Bols Genever. Cocktails were cranked by the bar's new Crawley's Imperial Shaker machine ��� a giant contraption that turns drink making into a Wonka-style spectacle.

CHAMPAGNE TAITTINGER CELEBRATES WITH CLOVIS TAITTINGER

When the Taittingers come to town, they like to party and the dynasty's fourth-generation scion Clovis hosted a sumptuous soiree at the Park Hyatt's The Guesthouse, featuring four of his finest drops including the 2004 Comtes de Champagne ($350 per bottle). Matt Doran and Justine Schofield, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Casey Burgess were among the lucky guests, who all voted Clovis a hit host as he worked the room. Although we suspect even if he'd been boring, everyone would have liked him - just for his bubbles.

OZHARVEST 10TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

OzHarvest christened their new Alexandria headquarters with a celebration of a decade delivering "rescued" food from the hospitality industry to people in need. Foodie names including Matt Moran and Maeve O'Meara, actor Firass Dirani and federal MP for Sydney Tanya Plibersek all applauded OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn and her incredible 30 million rescued meals delivered. Over 20 suppliers donated food and drink and the gin cocktails from mobile bartenders Trolley'd were made from "rescued fruit" (lesson: be kind to fruit and it will transform into a delicious aperitif).

COSMOPOLITAN FUN FEARLESS FEMALE AWARDS

Ninety of Australia's most glamorous women celebrated the 2014 Cosmopolitan Fun, Fearless Female awards at Otto Ristorante, adorned for the occasion with a pink carpet and a topless waiter. Star guest and notorious party girl Tara Reid remained remarkably restrained, while those receiving awards included Today host Lisa Wilkinson.

JAN LOGAN CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Australian jeweller Jan Logan marked a quarter of a century in the industry with a lavish party at the new InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, where guests previewed a special short movie collaboration by actress Rachael Taylor, a former Logan ambassador. Sunrise to Sunset ... Blvd features past ambassadors and fellow Australian actresses including Phoebe Tonkin, Caitlin Stacey, Maeve Dermody, Kate Beehan and the latest Logan face, Courtney Eaton.

Party people

Melbourne
TARGET DECK YOUR TREE CELEBRATION, PATCH CAFE
Are you up, are you dressed?

Licensed to thrill: Samantha Harris at the Flickerfest launch. Photo: Peter Czeczon

Are you up, are you dressed?  More importantly, is your Christmas tree up, is it dressed, beautifully decorated, twinkling and sparkling?  On Wednesday, Target was determined to help get us started and hosted a Deck Your Tree celebration at Patch Cafe in Richmond.  Against the background of four Christmas scene themes ��� vintage luxe, timeless, dazzling brights and modern monochrome ��� we wondered, what is your most special, unique Christmas tradition?

Click for more photos

Party people

From tree celebrations to Flickerfest, here's a rundown of last week's events in and around Sydney and Melbourne. Photo: Shaney Balcombe

"The most unique is that it always ends up in a fight," Chrisanthi Kaliviotis said.  I'm not sure that is unique ��� "Well, we're Greek, so there's always a lot of noise and a lot of shouting, and Dad always does prawns and lamb.  I've never, ever had a Christmas with turkey."

Advertisement

"Me and my sisters all get a new set of pyjamas on Christmas Eve and then we wear them together and have a slumber party," Jess Dupe said.  "I have three sisters, and my older sister is nearly 30, and I'm, like, 'When will this end?'"

"It's not necessarily unusual but it may be a little bit strange; I'm 24 and my sister is 27 and we still get our presents in sacks," Bree Hodder said.  "The presents are still wrapped individually and shoved in there and Mum does it through the night.  I'm like, 'Mum, I'm 24 now, come on! ... But seriously, keep doing it'."

THE WATER DIVINER PREMIERE, RIVOLI CINEMAS

"It goes everywhere this story, it's pretty big," Russell Crowe , the director and star of The Water Diviner said at the movie's Melbourne premiere on Wednesday.  "It's exciting to show Australia in its glory, but also to show Istanbul of that time period."

The first-time director was easygoing on the red carpet but quick to acknowledge the sometimes heavy going of filmmaking.  "It's an art form first, but I do respect the fact that it's the most expensive commercial art form that exists.  I love having that pressure ��� here's your budget, here's your available assets, here's the time frame you have to work in.  It's a relentless pursuit making a feature film."

What advice do you have for aspiring Australian storytellers?  "To be exactly that, be a storyteller, don't get caught up in the ease of how you can finance a genre-based movie.  In every person here there would be a feature film ... a story of loss and grief and love and adventure and that's what you have to focus on, that kind of human engagement."

VAMFF CAMPAIGN LAUNCH, CREMORNE

On Thursday in Cremorne we were encouraged to get close.  It was the launch of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival campaign, designed to encourage all of us to come out from behind our screens and get close, up close, to all things fashion.

Next year's festival (14-22 March) will close with a one-off presentation at NGV International featuring Romance Was Born, so we asked half of the National Designer Award-winning team, Luke Sales , what he would like to get close to.  "I'd like to get closer to more contemporary art," he said.  "We've collaborated with a lot of contemporary Australian artists but I'd like to work on my personal collection a bit more, artists like Sarah Contos, Kate Rohde and Rebecca Baumann."

Josh Goot , who will be featured in the festival's Grand Showcase, a celebration of his label's 10 thanniversary, would like to get closer to himself: "I feel like we all have various versions of ourselves and sometimes we realise some areas of ourself and we don't realise others.  We can all be more true."

Sydney

FLICKERFEST STARTS ROLLING

The Flickerfest International Short Film Festival launch, at Bondi Icebergs Dining Room, followed a James Bond theme, echoing the festival's trailer starring Samantha Harris and Rodger Corser.  Guests were treated to the unveiling of the 2015 Flickerfest program, as well as a world-first screening of Florence Has Left the Building , starring Jacki Weaver and directed by Mirrah Foulkes (Flickerfest best director 2013).

DIRTY DANCING OPENING NIGHT

The classic movie came alive on stage for its Sydney run, with an enthusiastic audience including the cast of Wonderland: Laura Dundovic,  Dr Katrina Warren and Timomatic. Stars Kirby Burgess and Kurt Phelan sizzled, and every  line was cheered all the way to the standing ovation.

PIZZAPERTA  LAUNCH PARTY

The aromas of pizzas from Australia's godfather of Italian cooking, Stefano Manfredi, wafted over Pyrmont from this new eatery at The Star, while celebrities crowded in to sample the artisan flours and fresh produce used at Pizzaperta. Tucking in were Richard Wilkins, Fitzy and Wippa, Stefano's daughter Isabella Manfredi and her band the Preatures, Laura Csortan and chef Luke Mangan.

CHARING CROSS HOTEL'S FRESH LOOK

Eastern suburbs landmark venue The Charing Cross Hotel (aka "The Charo") opened its Waverly doors after a transformative renovation that's filled the old pub with light, beautiful colour and delightful detail. Chef Matt Kemp proved the food tastes as good as the Charo looks, and proud owner Warren Livingstone gave guests a sneak-peek at the new boutique-style rooms and party suite upstairs.

THE BUTLER VIP LAUNCH

Potts Point's newest star showed off its stunning location and French menu to more than 100 guests, including Zoe Marshall, Justine Schofield and Matt Doran, Joe Snell and Anna Bamford. Many hovered by the staircase, taking in the panoramic view of the city made famous  during the restaurant's former incarnation as Mezzaluna.

ADAM DIXON STORE'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

Gown guru Adam Dixon celebrated the first birthday of his flagship Woollahra store with champagne and guests including Catriona Rowntree and Dixon's fellow designer Sonya Hopkins.

CHRISTMAS AT THE MORRISON

The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room kicked off Christmas early and emphatically with 800 close friends and a deluge of cocktails and canapes from its culinary director, Sean Connolly. Santa even turned up with gifts for guests, who included Nicola Atherton from Bondi Rescue, model-actress Erin Holland and actress Mary O'Neill.

LOYAL FOUNDATION SAIL WITH THE STARS

Theirs is the glamour vessel of the Sydney to Hobart, and Perpetual Loyal's crew put the glitz factor to good use at a gala dinner, raising $500,000 for sick children at this annual fundraiser. Karl Stefanovic hosted the gathering for 450 at Doltone House.  Tables were filled with Loyal connections, including the supermaxi's skipper, Anthony Bell, wife Kelly, and the latest celeb face to jump aboard, boxer Danny Green.

Party people

Melbourne
DESIGUAL STORE LAUNCH, THE STRAND MELBOURNE
Would we go to the DESIGUAL launch?

Vincent Fantauzzo and a pregnant Asher Keddie at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Would we go to the DESIGUAL launch? Si. The launch of the Barcelona-based brand's first Australian flagship store? Si. With stores all around the world, and known for its optimistic, colourful clothing, its enthusiastic, open-minded ethos ... Si!  On Wednesday night at the store's launch at The Strand Melbourne we wondered, to what question in your life are you dying to say, "Si! Yes!"

Click for more photos

Party people

Here's a rundown of last week's events in and around Sydney and Melbourne. Photo: Shaney Balcombe

"Marriage," Tim O'Rourke said.  O'Rourke has been with his partner, Mark Coombes, for eight years.  Who's going to ask?  "Maybe me."  When?  "When it's legal."

Advertisement

"If Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs asked me to move in with her, I would say, 'Yes'," Josh Cordwell said.  "Even though I'm gay, if she was to ask me to marry her I would.  Most definitely.  I love her attitude, her style, everything she stands for."

Taylor Hunter would say "Si!" to paragliding in Turkey. "My friends did it on their trip to Europe this year and I saw photos, they had a GoPro up there, it looked incredible.  They jumped off a cliff!"

Kathleen McMahon , too, was ready to jump.  "I'd say 'Yes' if someone told me they would train me to be in the circus as a trapeze artist, as a duo, so as I was swinging through and let go somebody else would catch me."  What would your performance name be?  "Kathleen the Courageous."

MISS FITZY'S LAUNCH, ST KILDA

There's someone new you need to know; a new woman, a new Miss ��� Miss Fitzy's. The restaurant, at the beach end of Fitzroy Street, wants to be your favourite. At the Miss Fitzy's launch on Thursday night we asked after other favourites ��� who is your favourite Miss?

"Missy Higgins," Sam Bramham said. "She and I featured in a book, an anti-bullying book [ Bully for Them ], a couple of years ago and she's just real. She speaks in a very raw way about growing up, about being a lesbian; she's a cool chick."

"Miss Universe?" Dan Anstey said.

"Miss Nigro," Cam Stockdale said.  "She was an absolute belter; she was my maths teacher and everyone had a crush on her. Smart and hot."

"At school I had a really amazing drama teacher ��� Miss Moore-Carter," Jazz Bell said. "She was just a real fun teacher, outside of the box.  We did Footloose: The Musical ; I sang Let's Hear it For the Boy . Did you have a tractor fight on stage?  "There was no tractor fight, but a lot of crazy eye makeup and big hair."

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC STORES PREVIEW, CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE

On Tuesday Christmas came to Chadstone.  Not in its expected form, that was already there, but in the form of Williams-Sonoma, Inc stores ��� Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm. For Melbournians who have been waiting for these iconic American kitchen and home furnishings brands it was as if all their Christmases had come at once.

So we wanted to know, what (else) do you want for Christmas?  "I'm liking all of these cushions," Rebecca Hunt said.  "I love cushions; I just moved out of home so I'm about making my house look like it's not just full of mum's leftovers."

Cindy Sargon didn't want for anything. "I've been spoilt all year. I just want to have a nice time with my family and friends. I know it sounds cliched, but I couldn't ask for more." Are you cooking? "I've got the day off on Christmas Day but I'm cooking Boxing Day. Simplicity and elegance; the ham, the cooked prawns, terrine, everything sort of done, it's all about not having to slave on the day and making life easy."

Sydney

THE GREENS NORTH SYDNEY NEW LOOK

Summer's hottest Sydney hang-outs appear to be bowling clubs and, to prove it, two launched this week on opposite sides of the harbour. At the Greens North Sydney (known by locals as Norths Bowlo), husband-and-wife kitchen team Lilly and Nathan Fasan showed off skills honed at the Grounds of Alexandria to a glam crowd including Casey Burgess, Tara Rushton (Fox Sports), Scott Tweedie and Georgia Berg. The club has blossomed into a restaurant, bar, cafe and garden oasis around the three bowling greens ��� all with  harbour views. We're bowled over.

BONDI BOWLING CLUB'S WHALE OF A TIME

The week's second bowling club rebirth had a healthy dose of Bondi hipster, with cocktails and a DJ set from Peking Duk, while an artist put the finishing touches on the venue's fabulous whale mural. The makeover comes courtesy of the guys behind Bondi's Panama House. Tradition and new cool mixed, with longtime members teaching newcomers how to bowl. Guests included club president John Wright, Brenna Harding, Oscar Done, Andrew Hawkins and Chris "Becko" Beckhouse.

S PELLEGRINO MAGNUM LAUNCH

It may not be champagne, but the fine fizzy water from San Pellegrino certainly dresses as if it is, in a posh new magnum bottle complete with wine-style capsule, label and silhouette. The magnum was launched with an elegant dinner at Otto, attended by restaurant bosses including John Szangolies (Sake, Ananas), Sam Christie (Longrain, the Apollo) and Otto's  John Fink. With gorgeous green floral displays from interiors wizard Alex Zabotto-Bentley and plenty of fine food and wine to allay fears of a water-only evening, this was a little slice of Monday magic.

THE BUZZ FROM SYDNEY IS BACK

The Museum of Contemporary Art provided a suitable backdrop for a creative crowd celebrating the re-launch of art website The Buzz From Sydney. The party  also featured the launch of the Silver Gull Play Award, Sydney's newest literary award. The Silver Gull will highlight new work that is brash, bold and cheeky. Bravo to that.

ASPHYXIATE EXHIBITION OPENING

Paddington's Comber Street Gallery filled with cool kids supporting artist couple Ted O'Donnell and Vicki Lee as they unveiled their new exhibition. Laura Csortan, Lara Bingle, Marc Freeman and Leah Simmons were among the admirers of the sexy, floral images themed around lust.

GQ MEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Every year the blokes have their night at these awards, and recipients of the gongs at Ivy Ballroom included Ian Thorpe (Man of Influence), David Franco (International Man of the Year) and Jason Clarke (actor of the year). An impeccably mannered Hugh Evans demonstrated why he scored Man of Chivalry, and athletes such as Thorpe and Michael Klim mixed it with models including Jessica Gomes and Jarrod Scott, and designers Kym Ellery and Christopher Esber. Model Nicole Trunfio and actor Asher Keddie were both rocking pregnancy, while musicians INXS and the Preatures added rock 'n' roll to the potent party mix.

Party people

Party people: November 9
The best parties from Sydney and Melbourne this week.

Click for more photos

Photo: Shaney Balcombe

Melbourne

CUP DAY, OAKS DAY AND STAKES DAY

BEST MARQUEE: Emirates

Advertisement

Like most things it wasn't just one thing.  And it certainly wasn't the desperate spectacle of a proposal on its doorstep.  What was it that Nietzsche wrote?  "Without art we would be nothing but foreground and live entirely in the spell of that perspective which makes what is closest at hand and most vulgar appear as if it were vast, and reality itself."  Who's to say what the German philosopher would have made of the German-themed Emirates marquee, but for those lucky enough to be inside its fairytale facade, modelled on Neuschwanstein Castle, there was art.

The art of mixed and unexpected company; Gigi Hadid , Spandau Ballet , The Blacklist 's Ryan Eggold , Ronn Moss and Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop .  The art of entertainment, of dance, the Schuhplattler or "slap dance", the delights of bites, of kartoffelpuffer, of sauerbraten, of strudel, and the art, the unparalleled spectacle of the Flemington straight.

BEST MAN: Rich Sommer

He was loving it; "I think I secretly might be Australian, this is very much my speed," Sommer said.  A guest of Bar Schweppes, and known for his role as Harry Crane on Mad Men , we wondered, as Mad Men approaches its denouement, what has it taught you about masculinity?  "You come up learning that masculinity is sort of about being brash and drinking a lot and, you know, looking at women, and I think it has taught me that masculinity is more about an inner confidence, and that can express itself in the way you dress, in the way you speak, but just a quiet confidence."  Did everyone else learn that?  "Nope, they didn't," he said laughing, "the rest are idiots."

BEST CRIMINAL MIND: Gigi Hadid

She's an It girl, a model who has walked for Chanel, shot for Sports Illustrated , she is the face (and body) of Tom Ford's Velvet Orchid fragrance, not to mention an accomplished equestrian but, in the Emirates marquee on Cup Day, we were intrigued by Hadid's darker corners. You're studying criminal psychology at The New School in New York? "Yes! As a kid, instead of watching the Disney channel I'd be watching Forensic Files ; that's not the CSI -fake one, that's the real, full-on one; I was always really interested in it. Everyone in fashion jokes, when I tell them I'm studying criminal psychology, 'Yeah, you're in the right business'." Which way are you going to go? "I think I'll definitely go the fashion way. It's great because fashion opens so many doors, whether that's me having a cooking show one day, I love to cook, I'm a big foodie, or acting, or whatever that is. Psychology is, I guess, my Plan B, something that's there that keeps my mind going."

BEST TASTE: Lexus Design Pavilion

It's only one of the best restaurants in the world and the second floor of the Lexus Design Pavilion was its second home, home to chef Ben Shewry and his Attica pop-up concept.  Shewry treated guests to a sit down menu that included Walnut in its shell, Salted Red Kangaroo and Bunya Bunya, and Pukeko's Eggs.  Pukeko's Eggs, a dessert, was inspired by a painting Shewry's father did of the native New Zealand birds. "He's a naturalist painter, it's such a beautiful painting, I wanted to create a dish inspired by it," Shewry said. "The dish looks kind of intimidating, a little scary, it's eggs in a nest, but when you eat it it's just like a super simple pleasure of white chocolate and salted caramel. It's nice to scare people a little bit, visually, but when they eat it they're so happy."

BEST TRUTH: Erykah Badu

Already a multi Grammy award winner, she is now the face of Givenchy, praised by the house's artistic director, Riccardo Tisci, for her elegant and urban style: "Her look can be quite feminine with the turban and a dress but also masculine with flat shoes or trainers. It all works." So when Badu arrived at Caffe Lavazza on Cup Day we wondered if style is something born or made. "Style is something you're born with, like taste, it came to my head."

Sydney

MELBOURNE CUP PARTIES

The race itself is, of course, in Melbourne, but Sydney partied with all its might and seized the year's biggest racing day in style.

IN THE CBD

At the Argyle, in the Rocks, more than 3000 partygoers galloped through the gates from 11am for the Get Racy party. With Rabbit, from Nova, on MC duties, the bash spread out over five bars and the courtyard. Entertainment behemoth Ivy had parties in every space while highlights at nearby Establishment included Mr Wong's 10-dish banquet by Dan Hong and an elegant little bash in the Garden that channelled a bit of Birdcage with a floral, leafy look.  More than 30,000 revellers passed through the doors of The Star and consumed  almost 1500 kilograms of prawns, 22,800 oysters, 2000 duck pancakes and 300 litres of ice-cream. Richard Wilkins and Sally Obermeder made special appearances around the various restaurants including Black by Ezard and Balla, judging best dressed. Timomatic performed live at Rock Lily, and Marquee Sydney hosted the Moet & Chandon Melbourne Cup after party.

AT THE TRACK

Royal Randwick's Cup Day attracted racing enthusiasts eager for an authentic atmosphere and real-life horse racing ��� there were nine local races plus the Flemington action on a giant screen. Many pointed out that racewear only feels right at the track, and dressed up to prove it.

IN THE EAST

Double Bay's hot new Vine Bar led the eastern action with a luncheon where Tom Williams kicked up his heels with Josh Flinn, Brett Finch and a well-groomed crowd. Nearby, Mrs Sippy guests tucked in to a three-course lunch hosted by Laura Csortan, which blossomed into a high-spirited after-party with tunes from DJs Murray Lake and Alice Q. The Yellowglen Pop-up Cup transformed the Paddington Markets site into a bustling laneway festival with wine and beer bar, Yellowglen cocktails, street-style food and tunes by Berlin-based DJ Alley Oop, hosted by jewellery designer Samantha Wills. Actors Gracie Gilbert and Sophie Hensser mingled with singer Joelle  Hadjia and The Bachelor "date crasher" Mary O'Neill. Kerri-Anne Kennerley hosted Melbourne Cup at Chiswick in Woollahra, where owner Matt Moran welcomed guests including Alison Langdon and Geoff and Sara Huegill.

BY THE BEACH

Watching the race by a glorious beach is the quintessential Sydney Melbourne Cup experience. Coastal spots to luxuriate included Whale Beach boutique hotel Jonah's, which laid on a decadent luncheon and two glam fashion shows washed down with Taittinger; Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, where a beach club party put an equine slant on the venue's Miami-meets-Ibiza vibe, and North Bondi Fish, where celebrations hosted by Magdalena Roze spilled onto the beach.

GREG NATALE  BOOK LAUNCH

Yes, there was life outside the Cup this week. Interior designer Greg Natale launched his first book, The Tailored Interior , at Coco Republic, in Alexandria. More than 250 guests from the design world included Steve Cordony, who created themed areas based on looks from the book, and jewellery designer Emma Swan.