ART | George Byrne: Instant

This month at Sydney's newly opened Chasm Gallery, Australian-born LA artist George Byrne returns to his hometown to present Instant, an exhibition documenting his LA story. 

Byrne makes use of the bold colours and perfect symmetry of Los Angeles' urban landscape, and as the name of the exhibition suggests, has cleverly captured all images for Instant on his iPhone.

                                                                        Photos | George Byrne Instagram

Byrne, also brother to actress Rose Byrne, describes LA as sun-drenched and beautiful sometimes, but at other times fascinatingly vast and ugly.

A limited number of prints are available to purchase (framed or unframed) from Chasm Gallery. With their palettes of muted pinks to bold blues, the photographs would make a stunning addition to any contemporary interior.

Sydney: Chasm Gallery. 26 July- 5 August

Melbourne: I Dream a Highway. 7-11 August

www.chasmgallery.com

www.georgebyrnephotography.com

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THIS IS MY CITY | Sam's Bali

Sam Stevenson - creative director of Pared Eyewear - is one of those effortlessly cool girls that makes us want to go to Bali. She just has that sun-kissed, calm demeanour that whispers: I live in an island paradise. We love the in-depth guide that she shared with us, with all of its enthusiasm and shared secrets and handy tips. This is Bali, by Sam.

                                                          Nusa Dua | The Love Assembly

Best thing about Bali?
Eternal sunshine, adventures on scooters (with helmets of course), perfect sunsets, leaving work and feeling like I am on holiday and the various amounts of delicious food.

Favourite secret spot?
My favourite spot to escape to is LA JOYA BIU BIU in Uluwatu. It has the most heavenly spa on a cliff and massages to die for. There is a private white sandy beach and Balangan beach is a short walk away. My boyfriend Eddie and I bring our puppies Chiko and Bonita here and they can roam around the grounds while we swim and relax for the weekend. I also love Geger beach next to the Mulia Reosrt in Nusa Dua, its such a nice spot to get a massage on the beach.

Favourite everyone-knows-it-but-it's-still-good spot?
LA LUCCIOLA, a café on the beach in Seminyak (breakfast, lunch or dinner). You can’t beat the palm tree and ocean view plus they make the most delicious banana and passionfruit granitas. Everyone loves this place! The owners have just opened a new restaurant called BAMBU which is also delicious but Asian inspired instead of Italian.

 La Lucciola | Source

Where is the best place for.... morning coffee/pick-me-up? lunch with friends? romantic rendez-vous? late-night drink? even-later-night boogie?
Coffee from the MOOSE espresso bar- Jalan Batu Belig. It is great, I drink a lot of coffee and this is amazing. I also love REVOLVER too. meal with friends? There are so many, seriously Bali is food heaven! I will try and limit to a few… WATERCRESS, SEA CIRCUS, PETTITENGET, BIKU for high tea (all in Seminyak), BETELNUT (Canggu). NOOK on the rice fields near my house in Umalas is also fantastic and a seriously special spot. Romantic rendez-vous? LA FAVELA is very romantic amongst the plants and good for a date night.

Where are Bali's style spots? Where is the best shopping? Bali is a great spot to shop and there is something for everyone whether Bintang singlets and braids (not mine), floaty dresses or affordable leather is your thing! All the streets link up so it is great to wander up and down. I have just opened a store in Seminyak called KIOSK, which is the first pared concept store that stocks the entire range plus some other great Australian labels such as Celeste Tesererio, Emma Mulholland, POMS jewellery, I WANT ALEXANDER jewellery, Sancerre, Little Joe by Gail Elliot and Hensen jewellery so make sure you check it out when you visit! I also love KEVALA on Jalan Batu Belig for ceramics, BATHE for towels and CARGA for homewares. Along JALAN KEROBOKAN you can find copper bowls, amazing baskets and bits and pieces. Past the jail there is a street full of vintage treasures, amazing wooden chairs and furniture. I am always trawling here for things for the home and getting furniture made.

 Bali Boat Shed | Trip Tease

What is something you can get/read/experience/eat that you can only do in Bali? Spa treatments at a reasonable price is something that you cannot compare. To be able to get an incredible massage any time of the day for $10 is something I will never take for granted! Sentosa spa is heavenly. They have a 4 hour package that is ridiculously decadent.


How would your describe Bali to someone who has never been there before? Hot, Happy, Sunny, Slow, Crazy, Kind, Relaxing, Frustrating & Loud.

Read more in our This Is My City series here.

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THIS IS MY CITY | Katie Rackley's Gold Coast

There's something kind of great about The Gold Coast. Recently we've spent more and more time there and it's growing on us. There's a sunny, smiley nonchalance to it, the feeling of not caring that much about what other people think. It's also getting cooler, as families settle down along that golden, sandy stretch that goes right down to the New South Wales border, and with the families come cafes and restaurants and hangouts and food trucks. We asked Katie Rackley, the Canada-born founder of beauty website Walter Osborne and creative director of lingerie brand SJ Lingerie, to share some of her favourite spots on The Gold Coast. This is the Gold Coast, by Katie.

Gold Coast typography and signage | Images by Katie Rackley

one. Best thing about Gold Coast? It's so relaxed! The lifestyle here is pretty down to earth and we spend a lot of time outside, at the beach, riding our bikes and talking long coastal walks. I also live right behind the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary so my son and I go to feed the kangaroos and lorikeets by hand a few times a week. That's a big highlight for me. Also, I was driving the other day and thinking that one of my absolute favorite things about the coast is all the old hotels and motels from the 60 and 70's. The typography and Signage is so iconic. Just passing the "Pink Poodle" or the Miami Shore Motel on the Gold Coast Highway makes me smile.

two. Worst thing about the Gold Coast? So many people here don't wear shoes and public transport is atrocious.

three. Favourite secret spot? Currumbin rock pools, it's a bit of a drive but well worth it. Its stunning for a swim. My brother-in-law also just opened up a little cafe/grocer in Burleigh called Lakeview Cafe and General Store, they make incredible poached chicken and avocado on sourdough for breakfast and they also sell little packets of organic duck food so after we eat we all go down and feed the ducks and swans at the lake across the street. It's perfect.

four. Favourite everyone-knows-it-but-it's-still-good spot? Paddock Bakery is amazing, it only opened a few months ago but everybody knows about it already and it has become pretty hard (too hard) to get a parking spot. Maybe its time to ride my bike...

five. What was your newest discovery in the Gold Coast? Small Stall. It's a little shop in Palm Beach on the Gold Coast highway selling everything from the Tom Dixon Eclectic range, Petite Grand jewelry, tea towels, ceramics and some of the best kids clothing I've seen. It's great if you need a gift and are unsure what to buy.

six. Where is the best place for.... morning coffee/pick-me-up? meal with friends? romantic rendez-vous? late night drink? even later-night boogie? Morning coffee/pick-me-up? Good Day coffee, the owners are so friendly and its only a minute from home. Justin Lane is a fantastic pizza place to go with friends and drink copious amounts of wine there is also Bonita Bonita, a Mexican restaurant that opened up not long ago and it's one of the first Mexican digs I've seen that actually serve ceviche! Romantic rendez-vous? Ouff... Romance makes me cringe, but Cavalier Bar and Supper has dim lighting, good food and candles. Late night drink? I can usually be found on the floor in my living room with a glass of red in hand. Even later-night boogie? I haven't boogied since before I had my son. Well that's probably a lie, but my last boogie was in Sydney after amazing italian and copious amounts of wine, so I guess being in Sydney it doesn't count.

Good Day Coffee | Bean Hunter

seven. Where are the Gold Coast's style spots? Where is the best shopping? To be honest, the shopping I do on the GC is for food, flowers and wine. When it comes to clothes I save myself for the internet. In saying that though, Joy Hysteric in Broadbeach is great and always has phenomenal pieces.

eight. What is something you can get/read/experience/eat that you can only do in the Gold Coast?  Experience: Feeding the lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. My family took me when I was very young and it is some of my best memories. It's incredible! There are feedings at 8am and 4pm. For a gold coin donation you are given a plate of lorikeet food and there are literally hundreds of them everywhere. If you are extra lucky they will come and perch on the top of your head! Eat: Blueberry and white chocolate scones from Sticky Buns in Tugun. They are hands down the best scones I've ever eaten, they are so lush don't need even a lick of cream!

nine. You can tell a lot about a city from their airport. Describe the Gold Coast's. You fly into the little airport directly over the ocean, seeing the wide stretch of white sand along the coastline is why people visit here. But to describe the airport in a sentence I would say it's a work in progress and that's how I feel about the Gold Coast. We are just beginning to develop our culture and who we are now.

ten. How would your describe the Gold Coast to someone who has never been there before? To be honest, the coast has changed so much in the last few years. When I left here for Sydney in 2007 I didn't ever plan on coming back, but now there's this really great energy and new great eateries and hubs popping up all the time. It's a really great moment to be here.

The Gold Coast | Holmes Institute

Read more in our This Is Our City series here.

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THIS IS MY CITY | Alia Penner's Los Angeles

Los Angeles and California have become some of our favourite places to visit over the past few years. We love the same kinds of things that artist Alia Penner loves about it: the sunshine, the silliness, the history, the glamour. We knew we had to ask Alia - a multi-talented, multi-skilled artist who works across collage, photography, illustration and design, all with her signature flair for colour, whimsy and playfulness - to share her favourite things about the city of angels. This is Los Angeles, by Alia.

one. Best thing about Los Angeles? Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows.

 The permanent rainbow at the Sony Pictures lot | Alia Penner

two. Worst thing about Los Angeles? How much money you have to spend to keep your car running. 

 My Mercedes | Alia Penner

three. Favourite secret spot? I grew up in Topanga Canyon, so I have a lot of secret spots there. Some have to stay secret :)

Topanga Canyon | Alia Penner

four. Favourite everyone-knows-it-but-it's-still-good spot? Home. I love to stay home, thats what's so great about LA, you can have space. If you are just visiting: make friends with someone who has one, preferably with a pool. 

Artwork by Alia Penner in her home in Mount Washington

five. What was your newest discovery in Los Angeles? I just started taking walks at the Hollywood Reservoir. It's so beautiful & it makes you feel so far away even though you're right under the Hollywood sign.

 Hollywood Reservoir | Alia Penner

six. Where is the best place for.... morning coffee/pick-me-up? meal with friends? romantic rendez-vous? late night drink? even later-night boogie?

morning coffee/pick-me-up - Proof Bakery in Atwater or Kitchen Mouse in Highland Park.
meal with friends - Stella on Sunset Blvd. or The ACE Hotel Downtown LA
romantic rendez-vous- Dan Tana's on Santa Monica Blvd. or The Ivy on Robertson Blvd. if it's aromantic brunch.
late night drink- Jumbo's Clown Room or Tiki-Ti on Sunset Blvd.
even later-night boogie- Punky Reggae at La Cita 

ACE HOTEL rooftop, designed by Commune, awnings designed by Alia Penner | Alia Penner

The Ivy | Alia Penner

seven. Where are Los Angeles' style spots? Where is the best shopping? I love Shareen's, it's my favorite dress shop in LA. It's only girls allowed and its in a giant warehouse in Downtown LA. They have dresses from every decade and you lay them all on a beautiful bed and play dress up. I also love Golyester for more high end, insanely rare, special vintage pieces. For books I go to Alias Bookstore in Atwater Village. 

Petra Collins and India Salvor Menuez in Shareen Vintage styled by Alia Penner | Alia Penner

eight. What is something you can get/read/experience/eat that you can only do in Los Angeles? Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. My boyfriend started the screenings 13 years ago, now I help him program and make the experience magical. It's truly a LA right of passage. The grounds of the cemetery are beautiful and you can pack a picnic and watch the sun go down before the movie. We show films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Almost Famous & Blue Velvet to a crowd of 4000 people. 

Cinespia | Alia Penner

nine. You can tell a lot about a city from their airport. Describe Los Angeles'. I don't travel internationally very often, If I go to NYC I like to fly out of the Bob Hope Airport. Its so much easier. They showed it in an episode of Mad Men this season and it did seem quite classic. There aren't any fancy restaurants but you can always grab In & Out before you leave California.

ten. How would your describe Los Angeles to someone who has never been there before? I believe in the Hollywood dream. Don't be put off by all the tourists on Hollywood Blvd, stroll down the Walk of Fame. See a movie at the El Capitan Theatre. Place your hands in Marilyn Monroe's prints in front on the Chinese Theatre & then go get a martini at Musso & Frank. It's always sunny outside and there is always a good movie to see. 

 Alia Penner

Read more of our city guides here.

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THIS IS MY CITY | Sherie's Berlin

Berlin is one of those cities in the world we have always wanted to visit but haven't quite made it to yet. We've wanted to go for years, ever since we shared our first guide to Berlin, by Tiffany. And when we learned that our friend Sherie Muijs, shirtmaker par excellence, had moved from Auckland to Berlin, we knew we had to ask her to share her favourite places in her new home. This is Berlin, by Sherie.

 Sherie Muijs | Photo by Conor Clarke

one. Best thing about Berlin? It’s relaxed pace.

two. Worst thing about Berlin? It’s relaxed pace.

three. Favourite secret spot? My friends’ rooftop terrace. If you can locate access to a rooftop, the views are a must-see.

 Volkspark Friedrichshain | Sherie Muijs

four. Favourite everyone-knows-it-but-it's-still-good spot? Volkspark Friedrichshain is my local favourite and judging by the amount of people there on a sunny day, boy does everyone know it!

five. What was your newest discovery in Berlin? My most recent discovery is a new wine bar called Briefmarken on Karl-Marx Allee. What about somewhere you've been going forever but can't quite give up? I can’t go past Five Elephants cheesecake. Whether I pick up a slice from their stall at Street Food Thursday or from their café in Kreuzberg, I simply can’t say no!

six. Where is the best place for.... morning coffee/pick-me-up? meal with friends? romantic rendez-vous? late night drink? even later-night boogie? I personally enjoy a coffee from the guys at Passenger on Saturdays at Boxhagner Platz Markets. For a meal with friends, I’ve had a couple of great nights at Kimchi Princess on Skalitzer Straße, and if you’re not shy of a little spice, I highly recommend it. My romantic rendes-vous and late night drink would be at Bar Babette. It’s an old 1960s cosmetic bar and conveniently close to my apartment. I’m yet to experience Berlin’s clubbing scene [I know, I know] but it’s certainly the place to be if you’re looking for a great night out.

 Bar Babette | Sherie Muijs

seven. Where are Berlin's style spots? Where is the best shopping? Nowkoelln Flowmarkt along Maybachufer, held every second Sunday, is where to go for the best finds. It’s also a prime location for people watching!

eight. What is something you can get/read/experience/eat that you can only do in Berlin? Its open-air cinemas, communal gardens and abandoned buildings are all pretty unique.

nine. You can tell a lot about a city from their airport. Describe Berlin’s. There’s almost too much to pack into this question as Berlin has four airports, all reflecting Berlin as a city. Its international airport is slowly emerging and yet to open. There are two smaller airports, one east the other west, as well as Templehof which has now closed-down, welcoming kite surfers, communal gardens and grilling during the summer. It’s quite unique.

 Templehof Airport Park | IheartBerlin

ten. How would your describe Berlin to someone who has never been there before? It is packed full with history, incredibly diverse and constantly under construction.

Read more city guides here.

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IN CONVERSATION | Briony Wright

Briony Wright used to run the Australian edition of Vice and now heads ups the brand new, so fresh i-D Australia. She is funny and clever and whip smart and we knew she would be a fantastic interview subject for our In Conversation Proust questionnaire series. Here are her answers:

Briony Wright | Source

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being on holiday somewhere warm with our little girl and boy and experiencing new things together. That and a well-made margarita.

What is your greatest fear? 
Dedicated ravers.  


What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Indecision and lack of punctuality.  

What is the trait you most deplore in others? 
 Decisiveness and punctuality.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Nene King.

What is your greatest extravagance?
My perfume hobby. It’s expensive extracting the smells from things apparently.

What is your current state of mind?
Excited, focused and a little bit petrified.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Manners.

Which living person do you most admire?
 Beyond my entire family, all of my amazing friends and anyone helping other people in need and the environment, I’d have to say Terry and Tricia Jones who started i-D magazine 33 years ago. They were fashion trailblazers.

What is your favorite color and flower?
Aqua. Daisies and carnations.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
 I’m never eating/drinking again.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
Decency.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Decency.

When and where were you happiest?
I actually think I’m as happy as I’ve ever been. It’s either age bringing contentment or complacency.

Which talent would you most like to have?
 I really want to be able to play the guitar.

What is your most treasured possession?
My grandma’s engagement ring.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Vivienne Westwood and my brother, Nick, who just gets it done.

Where would you like to live?
In Spain or anywhere they endorse siestas.

What is your favorite song?
”Human Nature” by Michael Jackson

What do you value most in your friends?
Their intelligence, sense of humour, kindness and example.

Who are your favorite writers?
There are too many to mention but perhaps Jesse Pearson from Apology when it comes to short-form journalism. He has a beautiful way of weaving a story.

Who are your favorite painters?
Yayoi Kusama, Howard Arkley and my daughter, who just painted me as an adorable ghost.

Who is your heroine of world history?
Aung San Suu Kyi.

Who is your favourite hero of fiction?
Jean Seberg as Patricia in Breathless.

What is your motto?
You get what you give.

You can read more in our In Conversation series here. 

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KITCHEN | Roasted Pineapple + Fennel Toast

Grace has a beautiful blog, a keen eye and a way with words. Her blog A Penchant sums up exactly what we love about food right now: simple, effortless and delicious. When we asked her for a recipe for our site she came back with this, an ode to Sydney's endless summer and a chance to revel in something a little out of the ordinary come breakfast time.

KITCHEN | Roasted Pineapple + Fennel Toast | A Penchant

All photos | Grace Doughty A Penchant

For a long time I worked in a gelateria. It was here that I learnt to be more adventurous with flavours and to experiment with my palette. As a cook I have always been inspired by fresh ingredients, so learning to infuse seasonal fruit and veg with interesting flavours has become my favourite way to cook. 

This dish is a little bit quirky but quietly delicious. The pineapple's sweetness is balanced nicely with the tartness of the yoghurt with the fennel seeds giving a nice crunch of spice. Don't frown though if yoghurt and toast doesn't seem like it will take your fancy, it provides a nice wholesome base and absorbs the flavours really well. 

Ingredients: 4 good size pieces of pineapple, cut into cubes

1/4 cup chopped macadamias

2 teaspoons fennel seeds

1/2 cup good quality yoghurt

2cslice s ciabatta

1 atablespoon of a gave to finish 

Method: In a small bowl mix together yoghurt and 1 1/2 tsp fennel seeds. 

In a small saucepan on low heat add pineapple and a squeeze of lemon juice. Lightly fry until pineapple looks golden.

Pop some ciabatta in the toaster and get all your ingredients ready to assemble.

When the toast is done, top with your yoghurt, pineapple, nuts and remaining fennel seeds. Drizzle with some agave and enjoy! 

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THIS IS MY CITY | Madeleine Mikhail's Sydney

Sydney is our home, and we love looking at it from fresh eyes. The last pair we had were our friend Dee's, and now we've called on Madeleine, behind cookie and muesli company Luke Avenue. You can find her treats in some of the best cafes around Sydney, and we knew that she would know all the best spots. This is Sydney, by Madeleine.

Best thing about Sydney? Are that the streets are full of swagger without the pompous attitudes. Get to any suburb and you'll instantly know how its people operate. Surry Hills for instance is full of laid back successful creatives with the luxury of taking there work to the park or cafe. Could be a good reason why we're so chilled. Also I love how you can go to a place like Marrickville and have six vietnamese restaurants next to each other that offer the same menu and all be pumping with people. This is a perfect example of why I never stress about business. my mum has always said “there's plenty of business for everyone”. Its true “look to the cookie” - Seinfeld

Worst thing about Sydney? Oxford Street Paddington. Its a shameful view into how unsupportive the big guys are. On weekdays you can fire a gun and not hit anyone. There are rules, don't piss in the wind, don't tug on super man's cap and don’t rent on oxford street.

Favourite secret spot? The Bar at the End of the Wharf. Gosh it’s beautiful in every way. Usually occupied by Cate Blanchett's talented crew this place is a great escape. Its a mix of Old Australia with the original industrial interiors and sweet ocean million dollar views. Both rain and shine complements the menu and easy going vibe.

Favourite everyone-knows-it-but-it's-still-good spot? Camperdown Oval on a sunny day. The dead end street allows for minimal traffic and just the happy noise of people gathering. You can lie in the grass and escape from the the craziness of the city with the sun in your face. Make an order at store espresso before you lay and they’ll bring it over to you while you siesta.

 Lobo Plantation | Source

Where is the best place for.... morning coffee/pick-me-up? meal with friends? romantic rendez-vous? late night drink? even later-night boogie? There is a constant influx of new cafes opening but unfortunately not always good coffee follows. My suggestion for guarantee good coffee fix is The Baron and Three Williams. They both know what you need to get you through the next two hours and pride themselves on doing just that. Not to mention their menus are outstanding. At Three Williams go for the beef Nannie or Kale salad with sweet potato and chicken, trust me. At the baron my gosh the breakfast egg and bacon roll is amazing!!!


Where are Sydney's style spots? Where is the best shopping? Redfern. Wouldn't think it but some of the best stylist and fashion houses have moved in recently in the last couple of years. People around here just don't care what you think when it comes to shopping around here and that's what gives them that street je ne sais quoi. Casual wear with nikes and your hair all done up beauty queen style? They were rolling like this circa 1990 Bondi.

Read more in our This Is My City series here.

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IN CONVERSATION | Megan Morton

 Megan Morton is an interiors stylist and author whose playful and discerning eye is one of the best and most respected in the business. She is also the founder of The School, a local institution that invites people to take classes and learn lessons from a wide variety of artisans and creatives. We've attended a course at The School led by our friend Elise Pioch from Maison Balzac, where we made our own scented candles. That's the kind of inspiring, innovative place The School is, and that's the kind of inspiring, innovative woman Megan is. Read on for our conversation with Megan!

Megan Morton | Photo by Anson Smart

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The Morton's when we are a fivesome.

What is your greatest fear?
That our youngest baby will eat us all alive.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Sometimes I cry during the trailers of movies because the screen is so big. (I don't watch TV so it's overwhelming for me)

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Hatred, closely followed by stupidity.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?
 Millicent Rogers.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Yoga and a palm tree ring by Susie Stenmark, but I have to have my nails especially done to get away with wearing it.

What is your current state of mind?
Hyper.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Patience.

Which living person do you most admire?
Robyn Davidson.

What is your favourite colour and flower?
Klein blue. it's impossible to name a favourite flower, I let the seasons be my flower reason.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
GAAAAAH.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
Awareness of trouser length.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Empathy.

When and where were you happiest?
Yesterday.

Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to cut my own fringe.

What is your most treasured possession?
A pottery house our eldest daughter made. How they value a house is very different to how we do.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Louise Bourgeois.

Where would you like to live?
Where I live now.

What is your favourite song?
Harder, stronger, faster better.

What do you value most in your friends?
Ability to think the things I like are unlikeable and vice versa.

Who are your favourite writers?
Joan Didion. There is no one better to speak of love, despair and reality.

Who are your favourite painters?
Elizabeth Peyton, Julian Schnabel, Caravaggio, Jean-Baptist-Simeon Chardin.

Who are your heroines of world history?
Mother Mary (as in Jesus' mumma).

Who is your favourite hero of fiction?
Olive Oyl, Moschino's original muse.

What is your motto?
Don't hide your enthusiasm.

Read more in our In Conversation series here.

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