THOUGH THE LATEST catwalk season only wrapped up a month ago, you could easily be forgiven for assuming we were seeing snapshots from two decades prior. Scroll through the runway imagery, and a powerful sense of déjà vu washes over, with many collections evoking a familiar nostalgia.
Chloé’s popular Paddington bag, which was originally released by Phoebe Philo in 2005, was spotted in the crook of the arm of many of the models. John Galliano’s much-loved 2000 ‘J’adore Dior’ T-shirt made a triumphant return to the runway, while Miu Miu revived the bullet bra — a 1940s and Fifties favourite that was made famous again by Madonna and Jean Paul Gaultier in the Nineties.
Yet, as Amy Bannerman, eBay’s pre-loved style director, points out, while these re-editions are guaranteed to be popular, it’s the originals that are even more enticing. Case in point: since February’s shows, eBay reports searches for ‘Chloe Paddington’ increased by 63 per cent, ‘Dior T-shirt’ searches are up by 60 per cent, and interest in ‘bullet bras’ has jumped 57 per cent.
WWDChloe SS05 | Getty Images
Evidently, old classics are back, and the allure of vintage pieces has become even more popular. Although, actually getting your hands on these pieces is no longer all that easy. “There’s just a lot more competition now than there used to be,” shares stylist and vintage curator Gabriel Held, whose clients include Bella Hadid, Keke Palmer, Azealia Banks, and Paris Hilton, to name only a handful of famous faces.
The runway’s revival of vintage staples is sure to only exacerbate this frenzied demand. So, what should savvy shoppers actually be snapping up? We turned to three vintage sourcing experts for their insights into the pieces that are best to invest in now. The most prominent piece of advice: “If you’re looking to invest in vintage versions of some of these revived styles, your best bet is to spot the trend early,” says Hanushka Toni, founder of Sellier. “Resale value for the Chloé Paddington is still fairly low, for example, but it has started to rise and will likely skyrocket in the wake of the return to the runway.”
Dior SS01 | Getty Images
“We’re also sure to see classic Saint Laurent men’s suits and blousy Eighties-style leather jackets be popular too, as prices for these brand-new are increasing, while the pre-loved equivalents are a fraction of the price on the marketplace,” says Bannerman.
Held, meanwhile, developed a strategy of his own when first starting his personal vintage curation: investing in collections of recently departed creative directors, of which there are plenty right now: Johnathon Anderson’s Loewe, Donatella’s Versace, and Matthieu Blazy’s Bottega Veneta, to name only a few. Although, of course, iconic pieces will always prove particularly popular. “To this day, the Dior Trotter monogram logo pieces and similar items are the most requested,” he shares.
For those looking to make a wise investment, Held notes that now is a good time to purchase Phoebe Philo’s Chloé — not solely the Paddington bag — as the boho trend continues to rise on the current catwalks. He also highlights Eighties and Nineties Giorgio Armani as we witness a power suit boom, alongside many of the pieces worn by stylist Rachel Zoe’s clients in around 2007 — Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz, and Mary-Kate and Ashely Olsen, to name but a few — emphasising the revival of the Indie Sleaze style.
Suffice to say, despite growing demand, there’s no short supply of vintage fashion inspiration, but there’s most certainly a race for the finite number of pre-loved finds. Above, we’ve listed a small handful of standouts to start your search. Or, of course, if you aren’t too committed to investing in an original, the re-editions offer an easy solution.
Can you ever really ‘just’ have casual sex with friends? FJ readers weigh in
It should come as no surprise that my favourite rom-com is the 2011 Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake banger, Friends With Benefits. After moving away from home, I spent a good part of my early twenties making friends – with a number of those new friendships ending in various degrees of romantic and sexual ‘entanglement‘.
Once, the ‘friendship’ (for me) was eclipsed by a big fat crush (BFC). While I’d always thought this person was cute, I suppressed my BFC and told myself there was no way they were interested in me. We were friends! Well, we were until we drunkenly slept together one night, I confessed to my crush and our relationship was never the same.
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While it was easy enough for Mila and Justin to tell themselves they ‘wouldn’t get attached’, it wasn’t as simple in practice (and spoiler alert: they get together in the end, so they were never really just friends). At the same time, I’ve also experienced some casual friendship sex success stories, in which we boinked and remained wonderfully platonic mates. So is it situationally successful, or are we all just in post-coital-awkwardness denial? To find out, I asked five of our readers.
Lucia, 21, she/her
When I was fresh out of high school, I was living in a relatively small town – which meant my sexual partner pool was limited. I resorted to sleeping with guy friends, mainly after nights of drinking. I thought it was empowering and no big deal. For the most part, it was.
With a lot of them, I was able to compartmentalise and separate the sex and the friendships. I didn’t see any of them as potential partners, so that made it easier. It’s now a few years later and I don’t really think of it the same way. A lot of the time, my guy friends seemed to expect things from me. It makes me wonder: are purely platonic friendships with young guys even possible? I’m still trying to work that one out.
Sage, 28, she/her
I’ve had sex with a handful of friends over the years. Sometimes it’s been a mutually agreeable, easy situation, but more often than not one of us had feelings from the get-go or developed them over the course of sleeping together. I do think you can sometimes separate sex and friendship, but it really does differ from situation to situation. I have two good male friends and I used to have casual sex with both of them (and briefly dated one of them, too) and while there was an awkward period after both those situations ended, we’ve remained friends and I honestly never really think about the fact that we used to bump uglies.
There were definitely a few months of weirdness with the friend I dated where I could tell he felt uncomfortable around me (he was the one who ended it because he had feelings for someone else), and I had to really work at emphasising the fact that I just wanted to be his friend. I think men have this tendency to assume that if you have sex/date them once, then you’ll always be into them in some capacity – which obviously isn’t true. With some clear communication and honesty though, our friendship was salvaged and we are close mates to this day.
I would honestly feel fine with my partner having slept with some of their friends. I looked around my friend group a while back and realised that were at least four or five of us who had at some point had sex/casually dated each other. There’s no awkwardness or hang-ups around this – it’s just part of life.
A good friendship can be the basis for great sex, and potentially a great relationship, so I think it makes perfect sense that has sex with our friends. Obviously, it can complicate things and the older I get the less inclined I feel to jeopardise friendships by dating/having sex with them. It would have to be a pretty strong energy/feeling between me and a friend for me to want to explore it.
Rose, 23, she/her
I don’t think sex with friends really works. I think it can work out okay if they’re a new friend and you cut it off before anyone gets feelings, but otherwise, I think things get too messy and you definitely risk losing the friendship. I’ve done it before with people who I had been friends with for a few weeks, but honestly once we stopped having sex we weren’t very close. I think a lot of the attraction to them as a friend came from sexual attraction, realistically.
Harry, 23, he/him
When I first started seeing my girlfriend she introduced me to a wide social circle, and many of those people are good friends today (years on). A few weeks into our relationship, she nervously told me that she’d had casual sex with two of the male friends she had introduced me to.
Now I would usually consider myself a jealous person, and maybe these were extraordinary circumstances, but I actually really got along with two guys she had slept with, and they both seemed to be comfortable in a platonic friendship with my partner after the fact. So much so, that when she told me, I wasn’t pressed at all, and I thought that being able to stay friends after casual sex is kind of admirable, especially seeing as these friends were now my friends too.
Hank, 25, he/him
I’m the biggest proponent of not sleeping with your friends. I am a campaigner, a zealot, a monk at the altar of completely platonic friendship. I scream it from the rooftops. To be anything else, to me, is insane.
I, and most people, think of their friends as their second family. The closest thing you can get to siblings without being related. So, logically, I don’t want to fuck my siblings. Duh. But there are other reasons for my stance than incest.
Platonic relationships to me, especially between opposite genders, are a powerful thing. I keep a staunch platonic overcurrent with my female friends as proof that I truly only value them for their personhood. To allow someone to interact with you without the pretence that you are judging their sexual viability is to give them the space to really be themselves. To discuss the grosser parts of their lives, to not look their best, to simply allow their body to be a vessel that holds a personality. I think a certain level of distance actually creates more intimacy. Not less.
Thirdly, it allows romantic partners to be more comfortable. I like to have lone afternoons and outings with my friends, and I think a partner who would feel uncomfortable about me doing those things with someone who’s seen what I look like cumming, would be justified in their discomfort. They wouldn’t be ‘right’ but I wouldn’t be able to argue with the logic as much as I could if they felt uncomfortable with me going to a movie with a friend who I’d had no history with. I want my friendships to be airtight.
All that being said, I’ve softened a bit on this crusade. I still believe in it, but I don’t hold the banner as high anymore. I understand that life doesn’t always allow you to sleep with someone and eject them from your life. I understand that, sometimes, the sex is so sterile and austere, that to use it as a reason you can’t be friends anymore would be illogical. I also understand that, especially for women, finding someone safe and normal to have sex with often means choosing from a group of people you already know.
I will relent that it can’t always be black and white. Especially in your twenties. That being said, I still do think that sex does have a potency and a weight to it. Even in our more sex-positive society, to act like seeing someone naked and panting and orgasming won’t affect the trajectory of your lives together is naïve to me. All I’m encouraging is for people to consider the advantages of keeping some people off-limits. To relegate them to complete sexlessness. It’s a beautiful thing.
Francesca, 29, she/her
I can’t quite remember how I started having casual sex with my friend Ben. I think it was probably a drunken night out and it felt easy, so we just kept up that part of the relationship. He was in the early stages of seeing someone, but I assumed that was also casual and everyone was aware of the situation. I’m not sure if she ever really knew. Eventually, that other relationship fizzled out and our friends-with-benefits situation became something more akin to a situationship.
We weren’t ever boyfriend and girlfriend, and that’s not something I ever wanted with him. Although, in retrospect, I can see he did want something more. I think it’s definitely possible for friends to have casual sex, as long as everyone is on the same page, and there’s clear communication and mutual respect for the situation. That was clearly lacking in my case, so take it as a guidebook on what not to do.
This story was originally published on May 25, 2022.
WHAT CAN WE glean from the tea leaves of method dressing in 2025? On Michelle Williams, who’s currently on the press tour of her new Hulu series Dying For Sex, maybe nothing at all. And that’s how it should be.
Out in New York City, Williams headed to her first media stop in SoHo for Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in a cropped Chanel pre-autumn 2025 tweed top with baggy mid-rise jeans. Adding a flirty touch to the ensemble, Williams left a sliver of midriff showing.
Like a chameleon changing scales, the actor left the studio in a double-breasted suit from Haider Ackermann’s debut collection at Tom Ford, a white floral brooch pinned to its lapel. The real kicker, however, comes at the two-inch shirt cuffs peeking out from the jacket sleeves — a stickler’s rule in men’s tailoring — only to realise where the rest of it is once you reach the chest. Did she forget to put on a shirt? You may ask. When model Kristen McMenamy wore the look down the autumn/winter 2025 runway, it indeed set a playful precedent for what Ackermann has planned for America’s sexiest brand.
At her Good Morning America appearance with co-star Jenny Slate the next day, Williams switched things up again with a pilgrim collared dress from London-based label Alessandra Rich. The signals were scrambled further with the shoulder pads that beefed up the puritan bib, a swagging peplum at the waist that dropped into a skirt. Heading into the evening for The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Williams still kept things light with a puffy boho slip dress, with lace layered in the skirt and lining the neckline.
Michelle Williams in Alessandra Rich | GETTY IMAGES
Michelle Williams in Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford | GTTY IMAGES
Take a page out of Williams’ style book for the swiftest way into the reinvigorated attitude towards boho: knee-high leather boots to break the delicate connotations. The throughline in all of Williams’ looks so far is her Akila Logos sunglasses — a lesson in how far a great pair can take you.
Certainly, Williams can do it all; this is the same actor who went from Dawson’s Creek to Brokeback Mountain. Hitting Disney+ on April 4, Dying For Sex will see Williams play a woman diagnosed with terminal cancer who, as the title suggests, embarks on an existentially fuelled odyssey of sex.
A Hollywood red carpet darling for over two decades, Williams has been working with long-time stylist Kate Young to assemble her looks. The two, however, don’t deal with the common currency of method dressing. What we’ve enjoyed from other stylist-celebrity relationships — Danielle Goldberg, comes to mind, dressing Greta Lee, Ayo Edebiri and Saoirse Ronan in unexpected, intelligent ways — is their ability to think more creatively about presentation during moments of greatness. Even as she outgrows her trademark pixie cut into a c*nty bob, Williams still plays to her strengths.
March has arrived, and with it, a slight shift in the air—enough to remind us that, while the warmth lingers, cooler days are on their way. It’s that sweet spot between seasons, where layering and versatile pieces reign supreme, but there’s still the odd glimmer of sunshine to allow for raised hemlines and bare shoulders. So how does one dress — and shop — for the current climate?
Naturally, transitional jackets are very much on our radar, and local brands are bringing the goods, be it Maggie Marilyn’s slightly cropped version in the most perfect toffee shade, or Henne’s instantly-viral suede bomber jacket. Denim is a no-brainer for the in-between seasons, and no one is doing it quite like Khaite, whose Danielle slim-straight jeans are still high on our wish list. The newest addition to Rolla’s roster is also worth mentioning: the Stevie Relaxed jean strikes an easy balance between casual ease and sleek style.
As for accessories, we’ve got our sights set firmly on Longchamp’s Le Roseau M Shoulder bag as the ultimate desk-to-dinner companion. Or, for those who prefer something a little more playful hanging on their arm, Miu Miu’s Aventure bag in the most perfect buttery suede is practically begging to be accessorised with a few of their signature charms. Not to be missed, the OMEGA x SWATCH Mission To The Moon watch is the ultimate sport-chic addition to your wrist. And a little less sporty, but still entirely chic ,is the latest from Erede: in particular, the 18-Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet, which fuses art deco design with timeless luxury.
And because no wardrobe is ever complete without the perfect finishing touch, we’re swapping sandals for loafers, like the sumptuous Italian suede pair by Saint Laurent. We’re also embracing the sneakers-meets-ballet-flat trend at full force, with a particular penchant for Acne Studios metallic silver iteration.
Ready to welcome Autumn’s charm? Below, the standout pieces we’re shopping this March.
Featured products are selected editorially. Our opinions are our own. Occasionally, we may receive a standard affiliate partner fee if you make a purchase using the links we feature.
The modern wardrobe staples a stylist turns to each year as the weather cools
At the risk of sounding terribly Melbournian, it seems to only be getting harder to dress weather-appropriately. Thankfully, by this time of the year, the sun has lost its scorching bite, but in its place are fluctuating days of chilling wind, muggy heat and sprinkling rain. Sometimes, all three at once.
As a stylist, being a master of all-season dressing comes with the profession. For Maddie Assi, looking chic in the in-between seasons is as simple as building a capsule wardrobe of reliable, high-quality staples.
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As we move through autumn, Madie’s been wearing the Uniqlo U Autumn/Winter Collection, Lightness in Protection, designed by Co-Artistic Directiors, Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, on repeat. With a focus on layering, movement and adaptability, the range of refined neutrals can be worn all year round. Maddie’s favourite part? How easy the collection is to pair with your already-existing wardrobe essentials.
A stylist’s autumn staples
According to Maddie, a great pair of jeans is enough to carry you through every season. While she’s partial to a blue wash, she’s been mixing it up and reaching for her Pleated Denim Pants in Brown from the Uniqlo U collection. “I sized up [in these]… I wear them low and baggy; they’re the best!”
Over the years, Maddie’s built a reliable collection of perfectly fitted, soft cotton T-shirts – her favourite for layering. “I love the Uniqlo U 100% Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt. It’s not too tight, not too loose and the colour options are so good. The Uniqlo U AIRism Cotton Long Sleeve Crew Neck T-Shirt is also on high rotation for a cool-weather wardrobe update.”
While they’re a perfect base layer under cosy knits, jumpers and jackets, Maddie also styles her staple tees with skirts, shorts and sandals in the warmer months. “I also really believe in investing in a fun pair of sneakers and boots that I can live throughout the year,” she explains. “My go-tos at the moment are my runners or a pair of knee-high boots, because they are so comfortable and always seem to elevate my looks.”
The case for coats
Another piece high on Maddie’s rotation is a good coat. “I’m really loving longer coats like the Uniqlo U Coating Long Coat for this winter season, also leather trenches and anything with big lapels, like the Oversized Single Breasted Coat.”
“Honestly, the coat could be the whole outfit if you have the right boot to go with it,” she says. When in need of a strong shoe, she often reaches for a slick black leather style, a deep brown (faux) croc print or snake print anything.
“I also appreciate cosy accessories, like a really good scarf that you can throw over anything.”
A lesson in layering
Mastering the art of layering is essential in this changing climate. If you feeling stuck and not sure where to begin, Maddie suggests starting with your most basic piece and building up the weight from there.
“Keep it simple with three main layers: go for something light that sits close to the body, maybe a thin T-shirt or long-sleeve top, then something medium weight, like a knitted jumper or cardigan, then finish off with your heaviest item like a coat or jacket,” Maddie explains.
“Layering your lighter pieces from summer with some more tactile, heavier pieces can be a great way to transition your wardrobe. Introducing pieces like knitted jackets, tailored button-down shirts, and structured midi skirts (preferably worn with knee-high boots) can bridge the gap between seasons,” she explains.
“You can also try styling your silky summer dresses underneath light, fluffy cardigans or fine mohair knits,” she continues. “Once you have the hang of that, introduce accessories that can easily be worn over your layered look like scarves, hats or beanies. And don’t be afraid to play with colour and textures!”
Explore the Uniqlo U Autumn/Winter collection here and in select stores.
What is on the 'RUSSH' editors shopping list in April 2025?
It’s April and the RUSSH office is ablaze with conversation on all things fashion and beauty. Some of us are on the hunt for the perfect fall loafer, while others are pining over designer sneakers to invest in.
With the summer heat well and truly on it’s way out, we’ve been champing at the bit to get out our favourite trench, and with a change in temperature comes a shift if one’s skincare routine. If you ask us, there’s no better place to start than with a dermatologist-backed brand.
Whether you’re in the market for some cooler weather staples or you simply want to see what we’re loving right now, scroll on to see what we’re buying in April. Enjoy.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Features and Production Editor
I recently picked up a second-hand Wales Bonner jersey and am eyeing off some matchingWales Bonner sneakers on SSENSE (these WB x Adidas Sambas are also tempting me). I just invested in anew doona from Bonny and I’m thinking of picking up some more of my favouriteAesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash as a little treat. Now that Jonathan has left LOEWE, I also can’t help but want to commemorate the occasion – and for me, where pieces are a little out of budget right now, I’m eyeing offThe Gentlewoman’s new issuefronted by ambassador Greta Lee in one of JW’s iconic feathery numbers.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
My holiday to Japan is imminent, so most of my picks this month have been vacay related. The cleated boots I bought from Bared last month were terrible. So uncomfortable. I returned them and tried another pair. Third time lucky, this pair from Jo Mercer are much better. I also grabbed this short cupro dress from THE ICONIC in the same order. I think it will make a great Japan outfit with tights and a blazer. Nimble was kind enough to gift me a luxurious lounge set for the plane that I’m very excited to wear. For vacay skincare, I have a routine from Skin Regimen Lx packed – the anti-pollution cleanser will be crucial for long days spent in city centres
Aside from holiday essentials …I took my partner to Uniqlo to pick up some basics and this cashmere cardi caught my eye. The quality for the price point was insane, so it had to come home with me. I have this simple pair of gold studs from Argent Silversmith on my list too. My ears are very sensitive and I can’t wear gold plated jewellery for very long. So, I am in need of a genuine gold pair. Finally, I have been eyeing off this ballet-style wrap from CSB for about a year. This might finally be the month I pull the trigger.
Kirsty Thatcher
Digital Editor
It’s finally cooling down here in Sydney, so you best believe I’m refreshing my winter staples. At the top of the list is this Ines V Neck knit I was kindly gifted by Henne, which has already become one of my most-worn pieces. I also just got my hands on their Bowie Blazer — I love that it’s a little more tailored than my usual oversized jackets. In keeping with chic basics, I am obsessed with Venroy’s latest drop, but the grey cashmere tank (and matching cardigan) has really caught my eye. I’m also in the market for a new coat, and Friends With Frank is my reliable go-to for the perfect wear-with-everything piece that’s as warm as it is timeless. I really can’t go past the Clemence Blazer Coat this season. On a somewhat unrelated note, my activewear has received a welcome upgrade courtesy of Monday Body – there’s nothing like a matching set to really motivate me at Pilates. And finally, no winter outfit is complete without a great pair of loafers, so I picked up a pair of the Avenue loafers in black from Assembly Label. They’re perfect with vintage denim and a white t-shirt.
Alys Hale
Music Editor and Creative Producer
All I want is endless summer, but alas my skin is telling me that the seasons are changing. I am pretty low maintenance on body care, but a friend put me onto the Eleos Nourishing Body Cleanser by Aesop making me softer, less dry and smell of Cedar and Clove Bud, and a lot less resentful of the shorter days. As soon as there is a hint of autumn my lips start to dry out so I’m in the market for a reliable balm and have been using the sheer YSL loveshine to hydrate. As it gets cooler, I will be using it as an excuse to get a new, long, and imposing coat. The double breasted coat by Beare Park communicates the kind of woman I’d like to be in the cooler months. I still remain RUSSH’s biggest Ann fan, so for a romantic moment in my life, the Aaricia dress lives in my dreams.
Samantha Corry
Assistant to Editor In Chief
I recently purchased these The Row Mary Jane Ballet flats and they are beyond comfortable and chic. And I also got the Paris Georgia long sleeve career girl t-shirt, super comfortable and it really is a perfect shade of red; my go-to at the moment in this in-between weather. And because I am a jewellery fiend, there is always a piece of jewellery I am eyeing off. I had a look at Lucy Folk’s New artefact collection, and love their Vino Rosso Pendant necklace. The rubies as grapes are just so fab and fun. I do also need to pop to Mecca to pick up some more HourGlass translucent powder. And while I’m there, I need a new makeup brush, I have been using the same angled foundation brush for 5 years… so an upgrade is needed, and I think it will be Westman Ateliers baby blending brush. And even though it is getting cooler the temperature, the UV rays are still harsh and I need a top up of my go-to tinted sunscreens. My choices are Ultraviolettes Superlight mineral fluid – that Em, our Beauty Editor recommended, or Outside Beauty Mineral Primer.
CHANEL creates two parallel universes at Watches & Wonders 2025
At Watches & Wonders 2025, CHANEL proves that time is never just black and white. This year, the Maison invites us into two parallel universes – both bound by boldness, both refracted through colour. First, there’s the J12 BLEU – an icon reimagined in a hue that’s nearly black, nearly infinite. A matte blue ceramic forged through five years of devotion, precision and alchemy. Then comes the Blush Watch Capsule Collection – a vibrant homage to the world of CHANEL Beauty, where powdered pinks, lacquer reds and sculpted gold take the wrist as their new canvas.
One whispers in cool tones, the other bursts with pigment. Together, they mark a new era in CHANEL’s watchmaking language – where emotion, artistry, and the Maison’s signature codes are rendered through materials that speak like makeup, move like light, and last like memory.
J12 Bleu
It started with a whisper. A watch that redefined modern luxury – first in black, then in white. Now, 25 years since CHANEL’s J12 first carved out its place in horological history, the icon dreams in blue.
Unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2025, the J12 BLEU is a masterstroke in matte ceramic – a colour that feels almost unreal in its depth. Not navy, not cobalt. A blue that hovers just above black. Developed over five years, the exclusive hue was born from the CHANEL Watch Manufacture’s uncompromising pursuit of precision and poetry. It’s a new kind of precious.
“In 25 years, CHANEL has elevated ceramic to the level of a fine material,” says Arnaud Chastaingt, Director of the CHANEL Watch Creation Studio. “This blue was like an epiphany – rigorous, elegant, almost intangible.”
The new J12 BLEU family spans nine iterations, each casting light on a different facet of CHANEL’s savoir-faire. There’s the J12 BLEU 33mm and 38mm in full matte ceramic – sleek, sculptural, elemental. A version with bright blue sapphires circling the bezel like stardust. A tourbillon model that reveals the soul of the mechanism beneath. A Haute Horlogerie take in full sapphire crystal, as if the watch were carved from light itself.
Scratch-resistant, feather-light, and quietly radical, each piece in the J12 BLEU collection honours the Maison’s deep respect for materials and its commitment to reimagining the codes of femininity through timekeeping.
Blue is no longer just a colour – it’s a feeling. A future. A continuation of CHANEL’s legacy, refracted through a new lens.
Blush collection
Gabrielle Chanel believed beauty was freedom. Colour was power. In 2025, the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio channels this very spirit with its new Blush Watch Capsule Collection – a kaleidoscopic tribute to the universe of CHANEL Beauty, where pigment meets precision, and time is dressed in colour.
This is not a subtle flush. It’s bold, deliberate. A playful splash of red, a powdered pink, the glossy sheen of black lacquer offsetting a single stroke of coral. With inspiration drawn from the house’s makeup icons – No.5, lacquered compacts, buttery lipsticks—the collection reimagines watchmaking as a form of living artistry. “Why not put makeup on time?” asks Arnaud Chastaingt, CHANEL’s Watch Creation Studio Director. “To make it more beautiful.”
The watches speak in the visual language of beauty counters and art studios alike. Think Pop Art. Think Dripping Art. Every timepiece is a canvas – dials daubed with Grand Feu enamel, brushed in miniature painting, splashed in decal and pad printing. Some shimmer with gemstone settings that recall powdered blush, while others are embossed like eyeshadow pans, sculpted in gold and framed in fine ceramic.
But this is more than aesthetic exercise. The Blush Watch Capsule radiates with CHANEL’s métiers d’art savoir-faire, each creation a wearable ode to texture, tone and transformation. It’s colour as emotion, frozen in time.
From the burst of crimson on a J12, to the delicate swirl of rose on a Première, these watches don’t just tell the time – they colour it.
It’s time for new releases at Ewa Michalak, and we’re showcasing some of the most divine bras you’ll ever see!
Being a redhead for most of my life means I am instantly attracted to all shades of green. So when I saw the stunning bottle green PL padded bra from Ewa’s new arrivals, it was a must-have.
A perfect dark and dreamy satin that pops perfectly with my black barocade underbust corset. Dark, magical and a the perfect addition to my collection that can easily style with my more gothic pieces, robes and corsets.
I’m wearing this PL padded style in a 100G, and the fit is 100% spot on! The comfort, the cup – every little detail fits so well and so comfortably. Now, as I’m wearing a corset, the fit might look odd in the middle of my bust, but that’s due to the underbust pushing my bust upwards.
When worn without a corset, each piece fits flush between the bust and holds me fully and perfectly. For the styling, I’ve paired this stunning dark bra with my new steel boned short borcade corset in the 426 style. Now, I usually wear the longline version of the 426, but this is a slightly shorter version. Still creates the great shape but hits a little higher on the hip. I wear this in my usual size of 34.
Red and black will forever win my heart, and the soft black lace on the PLM Red Bella is a heartbreaker. The perfect mixture of softness and bold styling.
Beautifully sculpted to encompass all your breast tissue while creating an amazing shape with the an almost art deco like pattern in lace.I’m wearing this style in the same size of 100g and the fit is rather iconic.A great deep neckline but still perfect support and the bold black edges make this really pop.
This bold red bra looks divine with my black underbust and paired with a simple black bat inspired Killstar satin robe. I can’t wait to pop this under a sheer or lace shirt or even peeking out of a floral dress. Ewa bras are always to good not to share with the world!
Now for something a little softer. The BML in an angelic baby blue shade.I usually would not gravitate to a style like this but with my blonde locks these soft and sweet styles really work on me now!
This bra so very soft and a joy to wear. I’m in a 100FF for this, so a cup smaller and I love the shape it creates. This will be great under white or light items and much more interesting than a boring old white or beige t-shirt bra!
Styling wise I went for a soft baby blue and white, themed look with my longline 426 underbust corset in white. I love how this pure white satin really pops and pairs perfectly with the blue. Pastel shades all around to really complement the bra and corset. This longline style is also worn in a size 34.
Which is your favourite piece from these outfits? I have one more style to shoot over the weekend, so be sure to check back and see my review of a wireless bra styled as outerwear!
Daylight savings starts this weekend (you’re welcome), which means we’ve officially reached the seasonal vibe-shift. Although we’re sad to say goodbye to summer, there’s something particularly romantic about these early autumn days.
It’s time to bust out the knitwear, cook low and slow, and set the scene for cosy evenings at home, tucked up on the couch with a good book. We’ve been passionately discussing the best home fragrances lately (Diptyque Baies is currently burning in the office) and thought these recommendations were too good to keep to ourselves.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
Below, the FJ girls share exactly what their homes smell like this season.
Paine’s Balsam Fir Incense logs
Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor
Lighting one of these little logs and putting them under my mini cabin burner is the closest I’ll get to owning a home in the woods with a functioning fireplace. The logs are made from 100 per cent balsam fir (the Christmas tree) in Maine, USA, but the aroma is more cleansing than festive. You have to be patient to light the log properly, but once the smoke starts billowing out of the wee chimney, it makes our whole house smell like a fresh pine forest.
If I could shout about this oil all day, I would. I’ve had this scent on rotation for years and despite constant use, I can guarantee this small bottle will last you months. All you need to do is add a few drops (and, depending on the type of oil burner you have, some warm water as well) and light a tea light candle, and your entire house will be transformed into a beautiful little oasis. No matter the time of year or day, this citrus-y, woody scent is my favourite small luxury.
I bought this as a thank you gift for a friend a few years back and whoops, ended up keeping it for myself. It’s a light and bright fragrance that reminds me of drinking gin and tonics with lemon in the sunshine, and those warm spring days when you open all the windows because the weather has finally turned. I usually opt for more earthy, grounding fragrances but this one caught me by pleasant surprise.
Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor
If you love green and woody scents, this is the ultimate candle. I can’t even begin to describe how good this is, like a sun-ripened fig tree in an ancient palace garden. Its notes of blue lotus, sandalwood and musk are an ode to Egyptian Queen Neferiti, and it comes in the most beautiful clay relic vessel, doubling as an art piece.
Picked by: Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Partnerships Manager
My go-to winter, it’s dark and cold outside but warm and light inside scent. This candle is sweet, way sweeter than I expect to like and way sweeter than the kind of perfume I normally drift towards with strong vanilla and caramel tones. Despite the sweetness there is something about lighting it when your house is clean and you have on matching PJ’s on a cold Sunday afternoon that feels so right and comforting.
I first trialled this as a mini in a gift set and promptly went out to buy myself a big bottle. Designed to be sprayed onto your pillow to tell your brain ‘it’s sleep time now’, this scent has always reminded me of that sliver of a moment after you’ve had a blissful massage and are sipping a herbal tea. It has the classic wind-down notes of lavender and chamomile, plus vetiver to promote a sense of calm.
Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor
My sister brought these very chic, rose-scented papers back from Paris for me last year and I’ve just started using them. You tear off a strip from the little booklet, fold it into an accordion shape and place it lengthways on a heat-proof surface (e.g. a stainless steel bench). Then you light one end and gently blow until the paper starts burning slowly. I don’t normally like rose scents, but it’s this delicate, musky floral that combined with the burning paper, makes the house smell like a Parisian church.
This is the kind of candle you burn on a fresh, sunny morning while making breakfast or in the afternoon while reading on the couch in a patch of sunlight. It has a fresh, juicy fragrance, with strong notes of watermelon, cucumber and basil, and it burns nice and evenly. While it feels more fitting for the warmer weather, I like having it perched on my shelf as a reminder that, even in the depths of winter, sunny days are coming.
Picked by: Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor
This is my favourite candle to light on lazy weekend mornings. The scent is inspired by the famous German café where Bach hung out in the 1700s. It instantly creates a cosy atmosphere, with notes of buttery almond pastry, strong coffee and tobacco. A grown-up gourmand that’s not overly sweet.
Bougie home fragrances are lovely, but often I find our home smells nicest when someone has trimmed some rosemary from the back garden. There’s something calming in the scent, it feels earthy but still fresh and green. Plus there’s the fact I so closely associate rosemary with the idea of a loving, home-cooked meal. I reach for it for more than the aforementioned sprays when I want our place to smell its best.
Anytime I walk into an Aesop store, I feel calm, relaxed and restored – and I’m forever trying to cultivate that feeling in my own home. I also love having one really good version of different things; I’ve found my perfect oil blend and my favourite candle, and this is, by far, is my favourite incense. Anything with a hint of sandalwood immediately puts me at ease.
Picked by: Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Partnerships Manager
Lit as soon as the sun comes out after a cold winter, this candle screams spring time. It’s so fresh and savoury, and not overly girly in a house that is also populated by a man. The notes are ‘green leaves, earthy bark, milky sap and gig’ its the kind of scent that doesn’t scream at people when they walk in a room. It’s noticeable, without being overwhelming.
Here at Fashion Journal, we make no secret of our love of weddings. We’re suckers for a bit of romance and have a soft spot for weddings that do things differently, whether it’s a Las Vegas elopement, a tropical getaway or a Town Hall celebration.
Danny Sherry‘s proposal to his partner, Andi didn’t quite go as planned. It came six years into their relationship while the pair were holidaying in Ubud in Bali. Right as Danny was about to pull out the ring, the couple were hit by a bout of food poisoning. A few days later, Danny proposed while they were staying in Nusa Lembongan. “Back at the villa, he asked me to put on some music and dress up for a night out. As I went to get ice for the wine, I turned around to find Danny on one knee, secretly filming the moment on his iPhone,” Andi says.
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Technically, the couple ended up having two weddings. They officially got married at a registry in Darling Harbour with their immediate family, so Danny’s grandmother could be there. A couple of months later, they held a second, large celebration with the theme, ‘Vegas rhinestone cowboy,” in the Northern Rivers at local restaurant, the Salty Mangrove.
After the merged ceremony and reception, where they had a traditional bridal party ‘walk-in’, speeches and first dance, everyone boarded buses, taking them to the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club, as the name suggests, for barefoot bowls. The couple’s friends stepped in as DJs and one of the groomsmen played on the guitar between sets. “Originally, the guest list was 160, so those who couldn’t attend the ceremony all joined us at the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club for an ol’ fashioned Hoedown.”
Fashion Journal: How did you meet Danny and how did the proposal happen?
Andi: We met on the Manly Corso the night before I was heading to New York for work. Danny lived in Manly and knew who I was through a mutual close friend. I was walking when I suddenly heard my name called… it was such a surreal moment. We were both nervous and ended up talking absolute shit. Danny had just gotten a Ralph Wiggum tattoo and I told him it was really bad. Fast forward and the hour I landed, Danny called me and set up a date.
For our six-year anniversary, we went to Bali for 12 days. Danny had planned to propose at a restaurant in Ubud but just before he could pull out the ring, I turned white – we were both hit with brutal food poisoning and had to make a quick exit. We then spent the next five days horrifically unwell in a remote villa, 45 minutes outside of Ubud.
Once we recovered, we decided to spend the rest of the trip in Nusa Lembongan and booked a beautiful villa. On our third day, after a mix of scooters, kayaking and a few too many margaritas, Danny insisted on buying a bottle of Pinot Noir, despite it being ridiculously expensive on the island. I protested, pointing out that we could get ten margaritas for the same price but he was determined. Back at the villa, he asked me to put on some music and dress up for a night out. As I went to get ice for the wine, I turned around to find Danny on one knee, secretly filming the moment on his iPhone.
Did you have a theme for your wedding?
The theme for the wedding was ‘Vegas rhinestone cowboy’, inspired by our 30th birthdays spent together in Vegas. Originally, we planned to get hitched at the Elvis White Chapel but instead we set out to recreate the atmosphere, outfits and energy of the Vegas Strip.
What venue did you choose for your wedding?
We officially got married in Sydney in July 2024 at a registry in Darling Harbour with just our immediate family, since Danny’s grandmother couldn’t travel. Luckily, she was able to sign our marriage certificate with my mum, which made it extra special. From the start, we always planned to have a second celebration with our close friends and the family who couldn’t make it – hence Vegas rhinestone cowboy theme.
We chose The Salty Mangrove in New Brighton, our local restaurant and bar, since we’ve spent so many afternoons there in the garden or by the river. It was basically the ceremony and reception combined, with our big bridal party doing a traditional ‘walk-in’ followed by a first dance and speeches.
Was it a big or intimate wedding?
Our registry wedding was small and intimate, with a strict twenty person limit, just enough for close family. In contrast, our Vegas rhinestone cowboy wedding was capped at 85. We originally had 160 on the list so it was hard to cut it down but it felt like the perfect amount of guests in the end.
Where was your outfit from and what was the process of sourcing?
My outfit was custom-made by Melbourne designer, Dyspnea. I always knew I wanted to wear Dyspnea for the Vegas wedding. It was perfect for the theme and covered in rhinestones with a ‘So Fresh, Greatest Tits’ named top and a fishtail skirt with a train. For the first wedding, I wore a very modern silk dress, so I knew for the second wedding I wanted something that truly embodied my personality.
Due to delivery issues, the outfit arrived just two days before the wedding, which was a bit stressful but it turned out absolutely perfect. My red cowboy hat came from the local vintage store called Strange Day, where I added a diamond strip around the rim from Spotlight. The platform red boots with pink love hearts were sourced from a vintage shop in the U.S.
What about Danny’s outfit?
Danny’s velvet star-button-up shirt was by Italian designer Phix and his pants were deadstock I.Am.Gia. We found the pants on Depop in a women’s size six, so we had to get creative to make them fit. Our good friends at Marsh Workwear added the black stripe down the side.. His white cowboy hat, featuring a black snake design, came from Billy Bones Club, sourced through local vintage dealer, Mr. Vintage, and his red leather snakeskin cowboy boots were also sourced from Strange Day.
In terms of beauty, tell us about the look you went for on the day.
Luckily, one of my darling bridesman, Samual Battenally, a well-known hairstylist, was able to whip up a blow-dry just an hour before we had to leave. We kept it simple with a clean, sleek bob. Unfortunately, the friend who was supposed to do my makeup fell very ill that morning, so I asked another bridesmaid to make do with whatever makeup I had lying around (since I don’t wear makeup, the options were pretty minimal). I wore just a light bronzer, mascara and some Blistex on my lips.
What did you do to celebrate after the ceremony?
After Salty Mangrove, the guests hopped on buses to the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club where we had barefoot bowls, hot chips and plenty of tacky Vegas-themed decorations. Our two good friends, Jamie Lowe and Steph Turner, played on the decks at separate times from 5pm to midnight. One of the groomsman, Tom Fisher, played beautiful acoustic blues in between sets. Originally, the guest list was 160, so those who couldn’t attend the ceremony all joined us at the Brunswick Heads Bowling Club for an ol’ fashioned Hoedown.
What kind of food and entertainment did you have on the day?
Salty Mangrove is known for its incredible Mediterranean menu, so we had Chef and owner Dave Moyle curate a stunning spread that included an extensive selection of grazing platters, skewers, and a mix of vegetarian and meat-based delights. For the music, we had Dingo Balearico, Salty’s resident DJ, spin records throughout the afternoon.
Tell us about the photography. How did you capture the event?
We were incredibly lucky to have Maleika and Corey Halpin from Calika Weddings photograph the bridal party beforehand, capture guests arriving and document our walk-in. After that, we handed out disposable cameras to all the guests and set up several VCR cameras to record the rest of the afternoon into the evening.
What was your favourite part about the celebrations?
I think the most beautiful part was having the first intimate wedding at the registry with our family, where we could truly be present and spend quality time without the pressure that many couples feel when doing the rounds and speaking with every guest. The Vegas rhinestone cowboy celebration was a chance to celebrate with all of our closest friends and family, enjoy the day and night and throw an unforgettable party. And a huge shoutout to Jaz, the event planner at Salty’s, who helped us plan the afternoon and ensured everything went smoothly from start to finish.
The Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance—a beauty pageant for priceless classic cars—returns for another instalment at the city’s most intriguing, and unlikeliest, venue.
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