Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2014 i Marie Claire Australia

“Picking pieces for my ultimate wish list this month was heaven. I can see myself wearing these exquisite Noor Fares earrings for years to come, so cost per wear, I think they’re my investment pick of the season.” Catlyn Mason fashion office manager “The gap between the Nigerian schoolgirls’ kidnap and the world’s outrage must have been torture for the victims’ families. We’ve seen Twitter at its worst, but #bringbackourgirls showed how powerful and positive social media can be.” Di Webster editor-at-large COVER Photographed by Nathaniel Goldberg/Trunkarchive.com/Snapper Media. Re-create Keira’s look with make-up by Chanel. On face: Perfection Lumière Velvet in 30 Beige; Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Innocence. On eyes: Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Pulsion and Exaltation; Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Iris; Le Volume de…

As work trips go it was a pretty glamorous one. When 24-year-old French photographer Brigitte Lacombe was sent by a fashion magazine to shoot actors at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival, she could hardly believe her luck. She was convinced she’d only been given the assignment because her family had a house near Cannes and the accommodation would be free. But she knew she had to grasp every opportunity that came her way, if she could only hold her nerve. A portrait session with Dustin Hoffman – then 37 and at the peak of his fame – by the pool of the Hôtel Majestic Barrière went smoothly. In fact, Hoffman was so impressed that he invited Lacombe to take pictures on the set of his next film, All The President’s…

The gravel drive is lined with Ferraris, Aston Martins and Jaguars. Inside the imposing early 20th-century mansion, men in sharp suits and women in expensive cocktail dresses sip champagne, eat oysters, and make polite conversation about work and the weather. Outside on the terrace, guests admire the hectare of formal gardens cascading below, as the sun sets on this perfect summer day on England’s south coast. At the centre of it all, our effusive hostess, Emma Sayle, is working the room. She’s statuesque and blonde in a lemon chiffon William Tempest floaty dress and the kind of nude, patent court shoes that have become synonymous with Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, who – as it happens – is an old friend of Sayle’s. High-society wedding reception? Not quite. This…

There aren’t many dresses that have an actual birthday. Most shapes morph into being slowly; they don’t burst onto the fashion landscape with opinions and a big personality practically sewn into their hemlines. But Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dress is different. Like its creator, it’s exceptional: a true fashion one-off. The DVF (as both the designer and the dress are better known) is a garment with a smouldering attitude. It has become a stretch jersey symbol of women’s liberation in the 1970s. A dress that’s sexy, womanly and way bigger than the sum of its simple parts. And this year it turns 40, with absolutely no apologies. To understand how the wrap dress came to represent much more than what it is – a slinky, flattering garment – you need…

He proposed a year after we started dating. I was 24, naive and ambitious. To be honest, I’d been plotting my career since I was 13, never giving much thought to marriage. Still, I knew he was The One, or at least I thought he was. He’d moved across America for me. He was funny and spontaneous. He wore his heart on his sleeve. If I ever were to marry, I imagined it would be to him. But I wasn’t the type of girl to fantasise about “happily-ever-after”. And then, on a trip to Seattle, where we’d met the year before, I got that thing every girl supposedly dreams of. He’d filled a fancy hotel room with roses and champagne. He’d asked my parents for their blessing. He’d even planned…

Leather jacket, $1250, by Dion Lee II; jacquard/lurex top, $1750, and wool/mohair skirt, $5000, both by Christian Dior; silk scarf by Emilio Pucci at Stylebop.com; earrings (worn throughout) and double ring on model’s left hand (worn throughout) both by Sarah & Sebastian; rings on model’s right hand (worn throughout) and knotted ring on model’s left hand (worn throughout) all model’s own. Opposite page: jacket, $390, by Bec & Bridge; raw-edged denim top, $239, by Georgia Alice; denim skirt, $459, by Carla Zampatti; shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti at Miss Louise; silk scarf by Saba. Coat, $995, by Bassike; shirt, $129, by Country Road; skirt, $899, by Camilla. Opposite page: coat, $10,620, top, $750, and skirt, $810, all by Miu Miu. Sweater, $2060, top, $950, skirt, $2290, and scarf all by Prada.…

Top, approx $230, and skirt, approx $415, both by Gregory; jacket (in model’s hand), $68.47, by Asos; shoes, $129.95, by Windsor Smith; earring, $264, by MPNT. 1 Jacket, $275, by Saba; playsuit, $49.95, by H&M; collar, $130, by Rachael Ruddick; cuff, $89, by Peter Lang; bag, $599, by Mimco. 2 Top, $99.95, by Sussan; pants, $189.95, by SpencerLacy; shoes, $179, by Zara; ring, $62.50, by Peter Lang; Jaspar chair (used throughout), from $59, by Domayne. 3 Jacket, $169, by Black By Geng; top, $299, by Marimekko; pants, $59.95, by H&M Conscious; shoes, $179, by Zara; earrings, $225, by Dani M Designs. 4 Dress, $169.95, by Bebe Sydney; top, $69.95, by Zara; earring, $264, by MPNT; gold ring, $170, and silver ring, $150, both by Natalie Marie Jewellery. Tip: Choose cobalt…

INTO THE FRAY: “A new discovery! Georgia Alice is a young designer from New Zealand. I really like the frayed edges – it’s a theme that runs through this collection.” JANA POKORNY FASHION DIRECTOR BOY ZONE: “I love everything about this look: the long trench coat over the short skirt, the sweet brogues and shoulder bag. It’s confident, stylish and easy.” LAY IT ON: “The austerity and simplicity of this look is a heavenly combination. Layering a tunic over pants is something I’ve been noticing on the runways. It’s super sophisticated and a look I’m drawn to.” BUCKLE UP: “When I saw this ring in the Hermès showroom, I slipped it on my finger and bang – I was in love. What a beautiful ‘forever’ piece.” FORM FIT: “This tunic…

Thursday 9.35am And we’re off! My L’oréal Paris Australia hosts, Kate and Cameron, plus fellow guest Chloe Morello and I meet in Paris for a flight to Nice. Friday 1.09pm Lunch on the Hôtel Martinez terrace where Christophe and Tom keep our table entertained. Friday 6.20pm After hair and make-up in the hotel room, it’s off to the Palais des Festivals red carpet, where I spy Bianca Balti taking a selfie. Friday 2.45pm I head inside to interview model Bianca Balti. Within seconds, I’m charmed by her Italian accent (and those cheekbones). Thursday 1.32pm No time for lunch as I need to be ready for each interview 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. I chat with models Lara stone (left), who is shy, and Barbara Palvin (below left) who’s…

super skin Set the scene for your best beauty look with smooth, glowing skin that will carry you through any occasion HOW-TO: PHOTO FINISH Getting your complexion in its best shape will make all cosmetics look that much better. “Looking after your skin means the surface itself won’t have any patches that grab more pigment and lead to uneven colour, your base will blend more easily and you’ll need less coverage in the long run,” explains Elsa Morgan, L’Oréal Paris make-up director. “Even the most beautiful foundation will fall short of its promised result if skin is not in peak condition.” SCRUB A DUB Cleansing, toning and moisturising pre-make-up help foundation look its best, or go one better with a scrub, which refines the surface. MASK OFF “If I have…

WARM UP WINTER SKIN WITH A SWIPE OF LAURA MERCIER STICK FACE COLOUR*, $30 EACH, ACROSS LIPS AND CHEEKS. SHOWN HERE: PEACH GLOW (LEFT) AND PINK GLOW (RIGHT). PROVENCE PAMPERING To celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Shea collection, l’occitane has created ultra soft cream (which contains 10 per cent shea butter) in three variants: Zesty lime, Vanilla Bouquet and our favourite, Rose Heart (pictured), $34 each. STREET STYLE Hold the sea salt spray: spritz Bumble and bumble City Swept Finish, $42, onto sections of dry hair for textured, lived-in lengths that ooze effortless urban chic. BEAUTY EDITOR’S FAVOURITE “Pastel eyeshadow was a catwalk constant at the recent international shows, so I couldn’t wait to put chanel les 4 ombres in tissé cambon, $98, to the test. Blending the universally…

1 High brow “I was told not to pluck my eyebrows. In the ’90s, everyone was making them very thin and someone said to me on a photo shoot, ‘Don’t let them touch your eyebrows!’” 2 Carry on “I travel a lot so I always have a ‘survival kit’ with me. It includes Lucas’ Papaw Ointment (my best friend lives in Australia and sends it to me), Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara (because it doesn’t require a lash curler) and Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet.” 3 Bare minimum “I like being natural. It takes a lot of time to put make-up on and I’m not an expert, so I prefer to avoid complicated and risky looks. However, I do like makeup for special occasions when I want to feel that I’m…

“DON’T BOAST ABOUT GETTING TO THE GYM IF YOU’RE NOT EATING RIGHT” “Don’t kid yourself: you can’t out-train a bad diet. Sure, you can get stronger, but your chances of losing weight and getting lean are minimal if your diet is bad. I see it all the time in my clients who want to lose weight – they’re getting to the gym but they have bad eating habits and are wondering why they’re not losing weight. In the short, middle and long term, it’s your diet that will get you results – think lots of vegies, plenty of water, the right portion sizes and less processed foods, sugar and alcohol. If you train hard and eat 100 per cent clean throughout the week, there’s a place for a treat on…

I got a FEELING Once seen as the kooky domain of psychics and charlatans, using your intuition in the workplace is now seen as a highly prized skill for the modern leader. Rock-star business gurus, from Bill Gates to Richard Branson, have all confessed that using their “gut instinct” has played an essential role in their success. Despite such confessions, the shift to embrace intuition when making decisions in the workplace is controversial. In the conservative hallways of corporate Australia, analytical thought, logical reasoning and detailed rationale have long been the preferred rules of engagement. But the latest research suggests that intuition is merely the brain calling on prior knowledge and making a filtered judgement based on experience. Dr Martin Robson, who has spent the past decade speaking to some…

caramelised apple sponge cake SERVES 6 – 8 3 apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1cm slices 150g golden syrup, plus extra for drizzling, if desired 195g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar 3 eggs, lightly beaten ¼ cup milk 1 orange, rind finely grated 1½ cups plain flour 1 tsp baking powder thick cream to serve Preheat oven to 180°C. Ensure apples are prepared before you start cooking. Grease base of a 23cm cake tin (not a loose-bottomed one). Place golden syrup, 75g of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into a small saucepan over a low-medium heat. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the ingredients are combined and the mixture starts to bubble. Pour into prepared…

THE LION leo JULY 23–AUGUST 22 Yours is a straight-down-the-line sign – you’re never afraid to tell it like it is. You want, and deserve, only the very best. And this year, you intend to get it. Your heart is pounding, your mind is racing, and you’re ready for change. From the start of your birthday month, you’re given planetary permission to take what’s yours. The cosmos also introduces much-needed playfulness, as well as the kind of good fortune that affords a few spoils. Even in your love-life, you dare to be sassier. When it comes to work and study, you also start to look at the bigger picture. Your dreams soar much higher. By year’s end, so do you. virgo AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22 You’ve been burning the…

On april 14, 276 innocent girls – all aged between 15 and 18 – were taken from their beds in their boarding school in north-eastern nigeria. Armed terrorists attacked their school, rounded up the girls (most of whom had chosen to stay on during the holidays to prepare for their final-year exams) from their dorm rooms and drove them into the deep forest. The kidnappers, Boko Haram – also known as nigeria’s Taliban – are known for their stance: anti-Western, anti-education, anti-women. Despite desperate pleas from the girls’ parents, the nigerian government failed to react. As we know, it took at least 10 days for the rest of the world to even hear of their plight when the hashtag #bringbackourgirls started to light up the Twittersphere. Led mainly by high-profile…

Standing under a fiery sun, sweat blending with the tears dripping down their heartbroken faces, a crowd masses around a government official in Chibok, a small town in northeastern Nigeria. It was here on April 14, among houses made of sheet metal and red dirt, that uniformed members of a hardline Islamist militia called Boko Haram burst into a boarding school just before midnight and kidnapped 276 schoolgirls (57 of the girls escaped, leaving 219 still missing). The victims were final-year students who had stayed on during the holidays to swot for their exams. “My daughter, Saratou, managed to phone us during the attack. She told us that the other girls were in a vehicle moving towards the forest. She was terrified and asked us to pray for her,” tells…

In an extract from her new book, Emma Sayle recalls how Kate Middleton joined her rowing crew. My phone rings. It’s an unknown number. “Hello?” “Hi – Emma?” It’s a familiar voice, but I can’t quite place it. “It’s Kate here. I’m calling about the Sisterhood. I want to take part, if you’ll have me.” Kate? I’m blank for a moment, then it floods in. Kate Middleton. My old mucker from our school days at Downe House. She’s recently split up from Prince William. “Of course! Let’s talk …” She wants to be part of the first all-woman crew to cross the Channel in a traditional Chinese dragon boat. I tell her I am delighted to have her onboard, but can’t help being concerned that the minute the press find…

On a scorching Tuesday afternoon in February this year, John and Wendy Thompson received a garbled phone call from their son. It was the type of call every parent dreads. The kind that leaves you faint. The kind that blocks out every noise except your own pounding heartbeat. The couple lives in rural NSW and John, 65, works on a sheep station. He and Wendy, 63, had been looking forward to John’s imminent retirement. Any peace they might have pictured in the future, however, was shattered that day. Their son, Patrick, lived not far from their daughter, Kelly, in Melbourne’s western suburbs. “He was really quite distressed and hysterical,” remembers Wendy, clearing her throat when the awfulness of that moment starts to rise again and threaten to overcome her. “I…

Few people who saw it can ever forget the infamous Grim Reaper TV advertisement, which ran for three weeks in 1987 and was designed to shock people into practising safe sex. For a while it worked, yet since 1999, rates of HIV and AIDS in Australia have steadily climbed back to peak 1987 levels; and today, around the world, 262 people contract the virus every hour. From July 20–25, scientists and activists will converge on Melbourne to try to answer one question: how can the epidemic be stopped? To mark AIDS 2014, we spoke to four women about what it’s like to live with the virus. Visit www.aids2014.org for more information. SARAH FEAGAN, 27, AUSTRALIA “The thing I find most difficult about being HIVpositive is that it’s difficult to meet…

Jacket, $289, by Cue; shirt, $450, by Weekend Max Mara; leather skirt, $195, and bow tie both by American Apparel; socks by Country Road. Opposite page: embroidered cream jacket, $349, by H&M Conscious; black skivvy, $36, and belt both by American Apparel; blue jeans, $250, by Zoe Karssen; black ballet flats by Bloch. Jacket, $1199, and trousers, $579, both by BOSS Woman; sheer silk-organdie shirt, $299, by Jac+Jack; bra and belt both by American Apparel; handmade flower corsage by Nerida Winter. Opposite page: white lace dress, $995, by Lover; black/white shoes by Saint Laurent at Miss Louise. Vest, $80, by H&M Conscious; bodysuit, $595, by WiLLOW; ballet flats by Chanel. Opposite page: white shirt with black bow, $1259, black trousers, $1009, and black belt all by Michael Kors; shoes by…

LEATHER GOODS Although it might sound complicated – an accessories label designed in Australia, crafted in Spain and using only imported Italian leathers – Edward Gilbert is anything but. With a focus on classic styling and practical needs, the new collection, Courtside, features an array of styles – from gold purses to take-anywhere totes – and is available in August at edwardgilbert.com.au. SPORTS GIRL Net-a-sporter.com, the athletic sister of online juggernaut Net-a-porter.com, will be live and online this month. As a dedicated activewear category, it will stock collections from the Emilio Pucci ski range to our very own Zimmermann, which releases its new range of sportswear (right) to coincide with the launch–it’s worth renewing the gym membership for. MELBOURNE LABEL VERNER HAS US WRAPPED UP IN ITS S/S 2014 COLLECTION…

For her debut appearance, Blake lively didn’t put a foot wrong. Her gucci première gown (opposite page) was a classic movie star moment. little EXTRAS from feathers to strategically placed embellishment, this decorative trend played well on the red carpet. Cate Blanchett has a knack for picking the perfect dress for every occasion, veering towards artistic ensembles that appeal to her intelligent and creative personality. smoke signals proving yet again its status as a beauty classic, the smoky eye was seen on a bevy of beauties, from 33-year-old adriana lima to 53-year-old Julianne Moore. print ESSENTIAL graphic details adorning simple silhouettes made for a refreshing and modern take on traditional red carpet dressing. day LIGHT nautical and ladylike pieces in pale shades were perfect choices under the french riviera sunshine.…

Jane Fonda The legendary actress and activist shares her views on ageing – gracefully, of course You were recently in Australia … Yes, in Sydney. I’ve been to Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest, and I’ve scuba dived in the Great Barrier Reef. I love Australia. Is it still thrilling walking the red carpet at an event like Cannes? It is! To be 76 years old and have a company like L’Oréal Paris hire me? I can’t believe it! And to be dressed and made up by these great artists and given beautiful dresses. Oh my God ... Donatella Versace made a dress for me to wear to the amfAR gala, and it’s a work of art. It has three-dimensional beads, I mean, I cannot tell you about this dress! How do…

CHINA DOLL LASHES SEEN AT: Gucci, Rochas and Versace. THE LOOK: Models sported a Twiggy-inspired false flutter at Gucci and Versace, while clumpy mascara reigned at Prada. Nigel Stanislaus, Maybelline New York make-up director, recommends applying short flares close to your lash line before adding volumising mascara for a defined look. THE KIT: Bobbi Brown Eyelash Curler (1), $32; Ardell DuraLash Starter Kit (2), $12.99 (includes Short Flares); Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara in Black (3), $25.95. THE NEW WAVE SEEN AT: Emilio Pucci and Isabel Marant. THE LOOK: Delinquent, dishevelled strands, casual and mussed-up with a hint of movement, were de rigueur on the catwalks. “This style doesn’t have to be perfect,” notes Joh Bailey, TRESemmé celebrity stylist. “Blow-dry hair before working an oil or texturising cream…

1 For a full-circle effect, the dual-ended Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara, $19.95, has a micro-brush for the lower lash line. 2 Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, $52, curls, lengthens, volumises and defines lashes, while withstanding heat, humidity and tears. 3 The smudgeresistant Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara, $38, features a honeyinspired stretching formula, plus a soft brush with densely packed bristles to fluff and separate each lash. 4 Dior Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara, $52, boasts a flexible brush with a rounded, spiky end for those hard-toreach inner lashes. 5 Rimmel ScandalEyes Rockin’ Curves Mascara, $16.95, has a wavy brush that hugs the lash line for amped-up volume and curl. 6 Estée Lauder Sumptuous Infinite Daring Length + Volume Mascara, $48, has short bristles to boost…

BEST FEMALE PERFUME: hermès jour d’hermès EDP 85ml, $170 The luminous floral scent was inspired by the perfumer’s desire to assemble an abundance of flowers so every woman would find her favourite, while the bottle’s sleek lines and soft shoulders suspend the fragrance like a hanging drop. BEST PERFUME BOTTLE: marc jacobs honey EDP 50ml, $120 Polka dots, graphic black and yellow, beaded bees and gold rings come together to make this flacon charming, cheerful and chic. MOST CREATIVE PERFUME: giorgio armani sì EDP 50ml, $110 A fresh take on classic chypre fragrances, this cleverly blends sweetness with intensity for a scent that embodies Giorgio Armani’s wish to pay tribute to the modern femininity code of grace, strength and independence.…

HOW TO: EAT BYE-BYE FETTUCINE You don’t need to save spaghetti for special treats – simply swap the wheat strands for strips of vitamin C-rich zucchini. Create your “pasta” with a vegetable peeler, sprinkle with salt, place it in a colander for 10 minutes to drain excess water, then cook for three to five minutes. SWAP SAVE: 895 kilojoules per serve* HELLO ZUCCHINI PASTA BYE-BYE ICE-CREAM HELLO BANANA SOFT SERVE A bowl of sweet creaminess doesn’t have to be a fat bomb. Try blitzing two frozen bananas in a food processor until they turn into fluffy, fat-free “ice-cream”. Then, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a dollop of peanut butter to the heart-healthy fruit. SWAP SAVE: 400 kilojoules per serve* BYE-BYE MASHED POTATO HELLO MASHED PUMPKIN Nutrient-packed pumpkins are…

skills r us CODING + NETWORKING In a bid to get beyond the stereotypical male programmer (yep, that’s “brogrammer” to you), the tech industry is falling over itself to get more women into coding. Heed the call. How to do it: With some saying programming is now considered the key skill of the 21st century, coding courses are everywhere. Some awesome, some not so. Some free, some super-exy. The global non-profit Women Who Code has established a local meet-up (www.meetup.com/Women-Who-Code-Sydney) to offer a happy space for testosterone-free coding, and may be useful in separating the good from the bad. Listen up: If you’re female and you can code, the world is yours. In short, ladies, get your code on. ONLINE STUDY + ELITE pEDIGREE Deemed the latest and greatest thing…

When you say you’re going to Hawai‘i almost everyone thinks of famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu in the American state of Hawaii – tourists, shopping malls and busy beaches. But if you make the effort to scratch beneath the bustling surface, an entirely different scene awaits and it’s well worth it. Hawai‘i, the largest island in the Hawaiian island group (known affectionately as the Big Island), is a short domestic flight from Honolulu airport, but it feels a million miles away in both its startling landscape and tourism. Kona International Airport is built on a black lava field, which was created in 1801 by an eruption of one of the five volcanoes that dominate the island. It’s an amazingly dramatic welcome. And the awe-inspiring adventure just keeps on coming from…

Winter music festival par excellence Splendour in the Grass may have long sold out, but there’s no reason you should miss out on all the fun. Sure, you won’t be able to see festival-only stars, such as Outkast and Chvrches, but plenty more of its artists are playing sideshows, including several you’ve already read about in these very pages (Lily Allen, Kelis) and some you surely will in future issues, like Sky Ferreira (pictured). Visit secret-sounds.com.au for more. THE PINK SUIT BY NICOLE MARY KELBY (Hachette, $26.99) President John F Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963 is a tragic moment in history. On that fateful day, his wife, Jacqueline, wore a stunning double-breasted tweed suit and matching pillbox hat known as “the pink suit”. Jacqueline Kennedy is brought to life…

Ask legendary US designer Michael Kors about his influences and one name inevitably comes up: Jackie Kennedy. In his opinion, it was Kennedy who inspired the rich in the 1960s to ditch their travelling trunks and learn to pack light but still look good. It was Kennedy who encouraged women to think about practicality and glamour, and she who epitomised the new “jet set” – an aesthetic that Kors still keeps fresh more than 30 years after launching his eponymous label. It’s an ethos that has won him legions of fans and transcends age, gender and wallet size. Blake Lively and Michael Douglas were just two of the glittering stars seated front row at Kors’s autumn/winter 2014 showing – an unlikely pairing that only helps emphasise the designer’s broad appeal.…

It’s day five and I have scurvy. I’m quite sure of it. There are three small ulcers on my tongue and I’m sure they’re the result of not having eaten a skerrick of fresh fruit for a week. It’s all Nan’s fault. All week, I’ve been following Nan’s diet – or at least the diet she ate at my age. Before I started, I’d worried about what I’d let myself in for. Would I have to eat offal and, if so, did osso buco count? When Nan emails me her diet, my anxiety quickly turns to amazement. Eggs and bacon for breakfast most days? Pudding and cream after nearly ever dinner? How did she do it? How is she still in possession of her original heart? Our diets couldn’t be…

WHAT IS IT AND WHY WE NEED TO LOVE IT When I was hired as assistant editor at a magazine at the age of 23, I was grateful and astonished. I then dutifully spent my first year waiting to be unmasked as an imposter: how long before they would realise I was inadequate before they’d give me the sack? I strategically slipped in late to weekly story meetings with the other editors – who seemed infinitely more competent – so that I could score a coveted seat hidden neatly behind somebody else. While my colleagues would hold forth authoritatively about which writers “delivered” and why zucchini blossoms were zeitgeisty, I sat, carefully concealed, lips zipped. Not that I didn’t have any thoughts on whether the aforementioned courgette deserved acclaim or…

If you could have any dream come true, what would it be?” asks the pageant host, as the hushed audience takes in every detail of the captivating young woman sitting with her onstage. Blonde hair swept to one side in elegant curls, her diamanté-strewn dress shining against a glowing tan, in many ways, Victoria Gerstung is the epitome of the glamorous beauty queen. Yet her answer is anything but typical. This 20 year old from small-town Pennsylvania doesn’t cite world peace, fame or fortune; her longcherished dream, she confesses, is simply to attend college “like all my other friends”. Rolling offstage in her wheelchair, Victoria smiles and waves while the room erupts in whoops and cheers. As everyone here knows, even ordinary dreams can take the most extraordinary courage to…

Oh my, that’s quite sexual.” Keira Knightley is studying a ... what exactly is that? She bends toward a bulbous, aquamarine glass flute with a sinewy neck and squints to read the placard. “Of course, it’s a rosewater sprinkler!” she laughs. “And to think, until now I’ve been just spraying my rosewater about carelessly.” We’re at an exhibition of Islamic art at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. The treasures are from the fabled Honolulu estate Shangri La of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, who spent her life collecting art and men in equal measure. The curious nature of some of the objects has Knightley resorting to reading the placards, although “I get quite pissed off at being told what to think”. As Knightley wanders through the show,…

White dress, $980, by Ellery; pink slip dress (worn underneath), $559, by Michael Lo Sordo; shoes by Senso; hat by Ace of Something; scarf by Steffen Schraut at Stylebop.com. Opposite page: beige/white coat, $1650, by Maticevski; grey wrap vest, $135, by Daniel K; navy/white top, $260, navy/white pants, $300, and belt all by Bec & Bridge; blue/white shoes by Tabitha Simmons at Net-a-porter.com; silver necklace by Sarah & Sebastian. $390, by sass & bide; white skirt, $449, by Michael Lo Sordo; pants, $360, by Bianca Spender; ear cuff by Zhivago for Atlas Pearls and Perfumes. Opposite page: jacket, $770, by Strateas Carlucci; dress, $590, by Christopher Esber; sheer top, $24.95, by H&M; trench coat (worn around waist), $599, by Michael Lo Sordo; skirt, $395, by Bassike; shoes by Robert Clergerie…

Femininely filigreed, doused in diamantés or bound by brocade, it’s obvious that sexy shoes no longer need to be sky high. It’s all about elongating the silhouette with ease and a flat, pointed style will do just that. So, this season, embrace elegance and step out in style as fashion serves up an abundance of chic shoes with a side of comfort. Every page is now interactive, shareable and social using the app. It’s free from the App Store or Google Play. 1 Christian Louboutin, $1295. 2 Nicholas Kirkwood, $760, at Matchesfashion.com. 3 Dolce & Gabbana, $1020. 4 Zara, $99. 5 Jimmy Choo, $725.…

AUSTRALIAN STORY ... THE ROVER After 2010’s smash-hit Animal Kingdom, director David Michôd’s long-awaited second film reunites him with Guy Pearce. This time, the Australian actor is the loner Eric, crossing the Outback to find the gang who stole his most prized possession: his car. He takes with him an unlikely accomplice, an abandoned gang member Rey – played by Robert Pattinson, as you’ve never seen him. This is gruesome filmmaking – a Mad Max vision of Australia, set in a dystopian future 10 years after the collapse of society. FESTIVAL DARLING ... TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT She once played alcoholic songstress Édith Piaf (in 2007’s La Vie En Rose) and a double amputee (in 2012’s Rust And Bone). And in Two Days, One Night actress Marion Cotillard once again…

restaurants “For picture-postcard views of the Côte d’Azur, book a table at Le 360 [left]. If you like a little entertainment with your dining, Le Tube is where Robert Pattinson was spotted in the wee hours of the morning. Otherwise, for an authentically French experience, head to the labyrinthine Le Suquet quarter.” – Anna Saunders, marie claire associate editor starspotting “See celebs arrive for screenings at the Palais des Festivals cinema. During the day, park yourself in the lobby of the Carlton hotel [below] to watch A-listers wander by.” – Sherine Youssef, marie claire acting beauty director nightlife “After-hours hotspots this year included pop-up La Boulangerie Bleue and club Gotha [above], which played host to Leonardo DiCaprio and Cara Delevingne.” – Anne-Marie Clarke, marie claire national advertising manager unwind “I…

11 CUT THE CLING Objects with the same charge repel each other, and less moisture in the air causes hair to lose negative charges and build positive charges, resulting in static strands. THE FIX: Hydrating shampoos and conditioners help replace some of the lost moisture, as do weekly masks and treatments. “Carbon combs can significantly reduce static and hair oil can help tame fly-aways,” says Sam Overton, creative director at Unilever Haircare. Try ghd Detangling Comb (1), $12, and Dove Pure Care Dry Oil (2), $19.99. If you’re on the 1go, a mist of hairspray, like TRESemmé TRES Two Spray (3), $7.99, on a natural bristle brush will help smooth strands. 2 LAY THE GROUNDWORK Making a dramatic colour change every season can leave hair feeling like straw – and…

It’s the skincare step that’s worth the extra time in the morning. Smoothing on a treatment lotion is an Asian beauty ritual that’s gaining traction in Australia, and it has a host of complexionboosting benefits – from restoring clarity to treating the signs of ageing. “This is typically a ‘watery’ lotion used after cleansing,” explains Dr Nadine Pernodet, executive director of Skin Biology, Research and Development at Estée Lauder. “They’re lightweight, concentrated formulas that penetrate quickly into skin to address various concerns.” But don’t shelve your serum just yet – these lotions or essences are designed to “prepare your complexion for your repair serum”, says Dr Pernodet. “When combined, these formulas will penetrate skin faster and deeper for even more moisture benefits.” Here are our picks of the best bottled…

1 glass of wine a day can reduce your risk of heart disease, lower depression, and improve your memory.** 20 seconds The amount of time you should be washing your hands to kill bugs.* An easy way to clock it? Sing “Happy Birthday” twice over. Aloud? Optional. 16% THE DECREASE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES RISK BY SWITCHING FROM WHITE RICE TO BROWN.† 30 number of seconds to chew each bite of your lunch – a Uk study in 2012 showed that people who munched for this long ate half as many snacks later in the day as those who ate at their usual pace. 20 The number of almonds to eat every day for healthy skin. they’re packed with sun-blocking vitamin e. 70 Percentage of increased risk of cardiovascular disease…

TURN BACK TIME Need motivation to move? Canadian research* has shown that consistent exercise slows down skin ageing and, in some cases, reverses the signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. When active, muscles produce a substance that causes cellular changes in skin which contributes to a more youthful appearance. Anyone for the gym? BREW WITH BENEFITS Swap your afternoon sweet treat for a Pukka Winter Wellness tea, $7.95 for 20 sachets. Each delicious variety is organic, caffeinefree and provides wellbeing benefits. Soothe a sore throat with Lemon, Ginger and Manuka Honey, aid digestion with Three Cinnamon, and fight flu with Elderberry & Echinacea with Elderflower. STAY COOL Prepping for a fitness event? The latest range from Adidas will have you training harder and longer. The Climachill collection contains titanium and…

Brighten your wardrobe with an LRD (little red dress) paired with a wide leather belt to accentuate your waist. Hermès, $595 Sylvester, $225 Ben Sherman, $99.95 Next, $44 Calvin Klein, $380 Jil Sander, approx $715, at Theoutnet.com BOSS Woman, $999 Peter Lang belt, $159 Samsung Galaxy S5 phone, $929 kikki.K A5 compendium, $175 Parker pen, $24.95, at Officeworks River Island, $54 Sportscraft, $299 Florsheim, $169.95 MODERN MUSES Take your cue from these street style stars who embody easy elegance and refned chic…

YOU MAY HAVE WRITTEN A MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, BUT HAVE YOU WRITTEN A MESSAGE ON ONE? THESE CHALKBOARD BEAUTIES, FROM $13 EACH, LOOK GREAT AS IS, BUT WITH A BIT OF CHALK YOU CAN CUSTOMISE THEM JUST THE WAY YOU LIKE. VISIT WWW.TABLETONIC.COM.AU PUT YOUR STAMP ON IT Linen House can be relied on to produce affordable bedding that’s always on trend. Its winter 2014 range is full of designs from the decadent to the everyday. This marie claire Marla quilt cover set, from $199.95, has a delicate handcrafted stamped pattern. Visit www.linenhouse.com.au. STAR PERFORMER With stylish, slim design still the trend in kitchen appliances, LG’s range of bottommount fridges are hard to beat. The fact they have also been awarded a 4-star energy rating takes them to the…

The fierce Peruvian sun is blazing over the lawns of Lima’s Country Club. Out from the club’s shady interior steps a beautiful 19-yearold Pan Am flight stewardess. As she raises a hand to shield her eyes from the glare, a young man appears on the path ahead … he is studying her intently, oblivious to everything else around him. Such is his preoccupation that he walks straight into a tree. That evening, the girl is having dinner with a friend when the handsome young man reappears. By now she knows his name is Luis Miguel Dominguín and that he is the world’s most celebrated matador. His good friend Pablo Picasso designs his costumes and famous women regularly throw themselves at him. Later that night, the girl receives a phone call…