It’s a challenge producing a spring newsletter in cold weather but this time round the unexpected flu and bed rest acted like a challenge I somehow accepted. I’d love to tell you this edition was inspired by Summer travels to Europe, creating a style magazine just in time for Spring here in Australia…But alas it’s my humble office here in Sydney where the creativity is at. 

With Spring comes a new beginning as we summon a shift in mindset, and look forward to a new direction in fashion. That time of year you feel the urge to spring clean and reflect on what’s in your wardrobe. What to keep, what to sell or donate and what to store for next year. 

We’ve embraced the new season with lots of vibrant colour to make you feel magnificent. All in preparation for the party season, racing, catch-ups with friends, weddings and warmer days ahead.

I truly believe this month’s style magazine is one of the best fashion spreads Style Culture has published this year and hope it inspires your Spring dressing also. 

Join me as we bid farewell to winter and say…Oh, hey there Spring and Welcome!

With Love & Style Always 

Kerry K xo

Sky-High – Platform anything and everything!

Platform anything is what Spring 2022 is all about! Just to make you feel that little extra powerful! Whether it’s a thick clog, boots or even sneakers, you’d be hard-pressed to find a retailer or high-end designer that hasn’t made a sky-high version of their usual shoes. The best part about the platform shoe trend is comfort and versatility. Just like the season of spring! 

Feathers and Fringe – because life is exciting

Not to burst anyone’s bubble but these details aren’t new and have been making a comeback for ages… You may be thinking, this style isn’t for everyone, I say give it a go anyway. Feathers are bound to add that touch of excitement to your usual clothes and accessories – a feathered detail shoe or trim on a tee-shirt will truly take your outfit from drab to fab.  

Both fast-fashion favourites and high-end designer labels are making a statement this season, with looks so outrageous they’ll ruffle people’s feathers 🙂 Bottega Veneta’s green soft denim pants are a prime example. 

If you’re not convinced of the hype, here a few a-listers spotted both court-side and run-way, donning their fabulous feathers. 

More is More

The number one rule for spring this year is that there aren’t any! No print is the blueprint and maximalist is definitely the move… the bolder, the better! Lowee’s blurred tie-dye and Proenza Schouler’s abstracted zebra patterns are not only taking high-fashion by storm but we’re sure you’ve seen them mimicked by some of your fast fashion faves – more on this to come! 

Dopamine dressing is here to stay

Now this is a throwback to our very first magazine issue of the year which delved right into dopamine dressing as a trend to watch… well, didn’t I tell you! From grass green, brilliant blues, to Barbie Pink, colour is defining this season once again. Grass green in particular has been having a moment for roughly the past 18th months, brought into the spotlight by Bottega Veneta. 

Also dominating the stores and pegged to reign supreme this Spring is the iconic Barbie pink. The Margot Robbie Barbie film (set to be released next July) is serving serious Barbie-core fitspo and considering the hyped aesthetics of the film, we don’t think this colour will be fading in popularity anytime soon. 

Buckets Bring the Heat

The bucket bag is back once again and better than ever! The bucket bag first gained popularity in the 1900s after Gaston-Louis Vuitton created the design to transport champagne. A perennial Spring favourite, these bags are loved for their wide cylindrical shape which can typically fit more than your regular go-to purse, or those Y2K micro bags which have been all the rage these past few years. 

This season, designers have all made their mark on this classic silhouette. Here are some of my favourite interpretations that bring the heat: 

High End Brands vs Fast Fashion 

Is it better to mix high end brands with fast fashion or mainstream?

Best dressed women are known for their ability to mix and match designer pieces with contemporary and fast fashion. When you invest in key wardrobe essentials that are quality made, you can afford to incorporate a couple of new season’s trends that don’t cost as much into your wardrobe to update your look every few seasons. 

This trend of fusing high-end brands with fast fashion has historically been explored by the brands themselves. A prime example is the recent The Gucci X The North Face Collection. Intersections such as these speak to a desire for brands to resonate with local cultures and niche aesthetics and media, as well as balancing exclusivity with desirability. Social media is arguably amplifying this with influencers notoriously walking the line between celebrity and normal people and defying previous conventions; encouraging other aspects of media and fashion to do the same. 

Here are some of the most recent and iconic high and low-end collaborations the fashion world has witnessed:

Sundays in Sydney – A curated Guide to The Best Places To Shop, Eat & Drink Right Now

1. Magnums and Movies 

If you’re a massive Messina fiend like I am… movie buff, wine lover, or French enthusiast – this is an exclusive collaboration that you won’t want to miss!

Restaurant Hubert is currently dedicating eight decadent evenings to cinema and super-sized vino, with curated one-off desserts from Gelato Messina. Taking place within Hubert’s Theatre Royale – yes, they have a theater – these wonderful evenings have been running since July 4 and will continue through to September 26! 

If you miss the events, try the restaurant any-way!

Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Restaurant Hubert is a must-try upscale destination for French cuisine, featuring a lively bar and vintage decor. The perfect, moody setting for a romantic date night. 

2. A.P Bakery – Move over Lune…

Having gained quite an impressive cult following, A.P. bakery is known for serving up some of Sydney’s finest baked goods with croissants that rival the iconic Lune in Melbourne. You can find them on the Paramount House from Thursdays to Sundays, or they also have a new location in Newtown!

3. Queen of Gems – Autore Moda flagship store

Every piece of jewellery has a story and in this case, the store does too! Autore Moda’s stunning new flagship store in Double Bay is inspired by the lustre and form of the South Sea Pearl. The South Sea Peal is the largest, finest and most coveted of all pearls, regarded as the Queen of Gems. With pretty pink hues and elegant, sweeping curves, a trip to this dreamy boutique is an outing itself! 

4. A classic – the QVB

Beyond being a beautiful building to admire, the Queen Victoria Building is an iconic shopping quarter where you’re bound to find a few things you love. It is filled with a number of high fashion brands including Camilla, Rodd & Gunn, Gorman, Bunda Boutique, MJ Bale, Coach and Fossil. Not to be missed is their cheeky Dior pop-up store which has been there the last few months and is rumored to be expanding! 

More affordable brands include Cue, Asics, Lush, Lorna Jane, Topshop, Kikki K, Country Road and Victoria’s Secret. 

Fancy authentic French hot-chocolate that went viral last month? Head to Manon Brasserie for a trip to Paris without leaving Sydney. 

5. HYDE – your new favourite city hide-away

Chic, airy with scenic harbour views, Hyde Hacienda is one of our city’s best hidden gems, pardon the pun. A luxury hybrid dinner, drinks and dancing venue, Hyde is inspired by a fusion of the grand plantation architecture of Cuba and vintage hotels of 1950s Miami. A botanical oasis with shareable plates, wines and cocktails and one of the best free views for Saturday night fireworks! 

Beyond being a stunning venue, Hyde is home to some of Sydney’s hottest DJs and is a popular choice for brand launches. Fittingly, last month they hosted Kate Spade’s cabana shop. 

KK’s Hit List