She Was Old Money

By Dan Ahwa,Guy Coombes
Viva


CATCH OF THE DAY (Above)
Ladies who lunch know that a monochromatic look works best accessorised with dazzling gems and an equally colourful appetite. Studibaker feather bolero, $389, from Modes. Acne pants, $499, from Workshop. BCBGMaxAzria earrings, $129, from Glamour Boutique. On right hand: 18ct gold 'Jasper' ring, $269, and 18ct gold crystal and rose quartz ring, $269, from The Mercantile. On left hand: Pomellato large 18ct rose gold ring with semi-precious Topaz gemstones, $11,795, from Orsini. 18ct gold crystal and rose quartz ring, $269, from The Mercantile. Nkuku stone and mango wood dinner plate, $52.90, and 100 per cent cotton hemstitch napkin, $15, from Father Rabbit.

COME DINE WITH ME
A table with fresh oysters, juicy seasonal fruits and deep red wine sets a decadent tone for a mid-winter gathering. Mango wood board, $69.90, Fog Linen napkin, $15.50, and Pallares Solsona kitchen knife, $36, from Father Rabbit. Vintage Chanel black pearl necklace, $3789, from Love & Object. Monmouth Glass Studio dimple carafe, $170, from Tessuti.

RICH PICKINGS
A fistful of luxurious magnolia buds, fragrant eucalyptus leaves and black berries provide the perfect complement to the season's rich array of jewel tones and retro inspired prints. Karen Walker silk georgette dress $795. Gucci leather Mary-Jane shoes $685 and handbag $2630. Crystal necklace, $429, from Modes. Ambra sheer tights, $20, from Smith & Caughey's. Pomellato large 18ct rose gold ring with semi-precious Topaz gemstones, $11,795, from Orsini.

ROCKSTAR ECONOMY
Don't save your precious gems for a fancy occasion. Throw out the rule book and wear head-turning rings with a classic white shirt and pair of blue jeans. Top to bottom: Art Deco-style 9ct gold, ruby and diamond ring, $2750, from Graeme Thomson Antique & Estate Jewellery. Antique emerald and diamond ring, $5910, from Walker & Hall. Marco Bicego 18ct gold amethyst, topaz, tourmaline, quartz and rodolite ring, $2645, from Orsini Fine Jewellery. 18ct yellow and white gold, tanzanite and diamond ring, $10,950, from Partridge Jewellers. Zoe and Morgan 9ct yellow gold ring with an Australian fire opal $7000. Zora Bell Boyd Jewellery 9ct gold, peony pave diamond ring $2195. Antique half sovereign ring, $1630, from Walker & Hall. 18ct white gold, pink tourmaline and diamond ring, $10,800, from Graeme Thomson Antique & Estate Jewellery. Green tourmaline and diamond ring, $9450, from Mansors Jewellers.

THE POWER OF GLAMOUR
Under new artistic director Michele Alessandro, Gucci's old-money Italian aesthetic is once again at the forefront of a romantic approach to modern luxury. Gucci silk pussy-bow blouse $1375. Pomellato champagne diamond and 18ct rose gold earrings, $24,590, from Orsini. Louis Vuitton 'Pallas Chain' purse $3200.

ELEGANTLY WAISTED
Uptown girls know the power of a beautiful waistcoat, much like this Nom*D waistcoat $530, that nods to old money and traditional tailoring. Vintage blouse, $95, from Tango. Acne pants, $499, from Workshop. Pomellato champagne diamond and 18ct rose gold earrings, $24,590, from Orsini. Vintage cameo, $495, from Walker & Hall.

LA DOLCE VITA
Black and blond are a winning combination. Try this little black dress by Prada with a plunging neckline, $2610, layered over a lace top from Kate Sylvester, $345, available to pre-order. Stuart Weitzman suede and lycra boots, $990, from Scarpa. Antique 15ct gold quartz fob chain, $8100, from Walker & Hall. Swarovski encrusted purse, $589, from Modes.

GRAND DESIGNS
Fresh flowers everyday? Why not. Cartier For Flowers interprets the idea of a luxurious bouquet with this lush mix. "This arrangement is irresistibly gorgeous, heart-warming in its rich deep hues; the Red Charm peonies imported from Holland, Coffee Break roses imported from Colombia and locally grown gloriosas, viburnum berries and asparagus fern," explains owner Alma Chan of this full-bodied bouquet, the ultimate luxurious bunch of flowers to enjoy at home. POA.

THE GREAT ESTATE
A decent hand-me-down fur coat can last generations. Mix the old with the new for a look that's completely individual. Vintage coat, $1800, and vintage Dune boots, $180, from Tango. Ambra sheer tights, $20, from Smith & Caughey's. Louis Vuitton silk scarf, $525, and 'Pallas Chain' purse $3200.


Photographer: Guy Coombes. Fashion editor: Dan Ahwa. Model: Claudia Wilkinson from 62 Models. Hair: Sara Allsop from Dharma Salon. Makeup: Shirley Simpson using M.A.C Cosmetics and O&M. Ring stylist: Rosie Kelway. Stylist's assistant: Anna Lee.

Share this article:

Featured