Fashion designer Jodhi Meares is ending 2014 on a high note, with the opening of the first Australian store for her activewear brand, The Upside.
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The store opened at Westfield Bondi Junction last Wednesday, and represents the latest chapter in Meares' fashion career after she sold her Tigerlily swimwear label to Billabong in 2007.
"I couldn't be more excited," Meares told S, in an exclusive chat. "It's the first physical presence for The Upside, and a space where we could really express the brand personality. This year has been mammoth, which has been a result of hard work but also a wonderful reception from the market, which is not something we had expected."
To showcase the label's lycra-based pieces, designed to take the wearer from gym or yoga studio to bar or restaurant, Meares has opted for a beachy feel in the new store. "I was inspired by Hawaii, my home away from home, and the North Shore with its 1930s white weatherboard houses. The space feels open and fresh. We have a wishing tree for the holiday period and I will keep elements of nature throughout always."
The clothes are practical but body-con and sexy, with animal prints featuring strongly. "My personal favourite is the striped python legging; it's a beautiful print. I am in love with our white, crisp running short too as it is perfect for summer," Meares says.
This is the first time she has spoken to media since the furore surrounding her car crash while driving over the limit in Sydney's Bellevue Hill last June. After she rolled her Range Rover, Meares pleaded guilty to drink driving and received a one-year driving suspension and $1100 fine. The rest of the judgement took place in the media, with a barrage of shrill criticism aimed at the designer, much of it referencing her former marriage to tycoon James Packer.
While she still prefers not to discuss the episode, she has defended herself on social media against some of the more vicious attacks. And those closest to the frank and affable Meares believe she's been punished enough.
Meanwhile, she's looking forward to a much happier 2015, possibly including a wedding to her partner, Aussie rocker Jon Stevens, to whom she's been engaged since 2013. "Jon is the coolest man in the world," Meares says. "He's the best, my best friend. We do have wedding plans, however the biggest hurdle is just wrangling the time between our schedules to organise something."
Former INXS frontman Stevens – now in international supergroup The Dead Daisies – and Meares constantly split their time between Hawaiian island Oahu and Sydney. "Christmas will be divided between Sydney and Hawaii this year," Meares says. "I have a very close relationship with my family in Sydney so Christmas is always a big affair with siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends."
And after that, she says, "2015 looks like another year of knuckling down. There's a time for everything in life and for the next few years I will be very focused on work. The Upside is still a start up company, so I'm doing my very best to make it a success."
Vaudeville magic makes a return
The soprano who ran away with the circus is back in Sydney this summer, singing in the space where it all began.
Cabaret singer Ali McGregor will headline in the anarchic, eclectic Club Swizzle at Sydney Opera House's Studio in February, and it will be her first time performing beneath the sails since she began her 10-year journey from principal soprano with Opera Australia to internationally acclaimed cabaret artist.
"I've come full circle – I'm back in the Opera House, but this time it's in a Vaudeville-style show," says McGregor, who will appear alongside talent including Murray Hill, Meow Meow, Melvin Brown and Laurie Hagen.
Last time, the classically trained diva was emitting perfect arias as Pousette in Manon. But after curtain call, she'd adopt another identity, ducking down to The Spiegeltent during Sydney Festival to share her own show with a more informal audience.
"I kept my Manon costume on, but I got the opera props department to help me build a big shell and I turned it into an act," she says. "I loved the creative freedom." Her unique style evolved into a one-woman show which has entertained festival audiences around the world with opera/jazz/cabaret/comedic blends; think a Wagnerian opera version of AC/DC's TNT or a jazz version of Britney Spears' Oops … I did it Again.
As well as Club Swizzle, McGregor will perform kids' show Jazzamatazz! in January for Sydney Festival. Not surprising, as she has two children aged one and four with husband Adam Hills, the comedian and TV presenter. "The eldest is already a great slapstick comedian," she says.
McGregor divides her time between Australia, the UK and the US and takes her brood on the road whenever she can. "They're great travellers. And at home they have two very hands-on grannies," she adds.
Club Swizzle, The Studio at Sydney Opera House, 9 Jan – 15 Feb 2015
Jazzamatazz The Aurora, Sydney Festival Village, Hyde Park, January 20-24
Celebrities set sail for Sydney to Hobart
On Boxing Day, the annual send-off for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is set to be one of the most glamorous yet, with the three favourite super-maxis all boasting glittering entourages.
Last year's winner, Wild Oats XI, and new contender Comanche will be setting off from Woolwich Dock, amid champagne and celebrity supporters. The Oatley family, winemakers and owners of Wild Oats, will be at the dock seeing off the boat with a champagne brunch and well-known friends including Melissa Doyle, Tom Williams, David Koch, Lyndey Milan and Oatley winemaker Rob Merrick. Oatley heiress Nicky Tindill will be serving up her "lucky charm" homemade chicken pies to the crew.
Close by will be 100-footer Comanche's billionaire owner, Jim Clark, with his wife and former swimsuit model Kristy Hinze-Clark (who may be on board for the race if the conditions look favourable). The couple toasted their brand new vessel with a cocktail party last week at the dock's Deckhouse among friends including Barry Humphries.
Meanwhile, Perpetual Loyal will set sail from the Eastern suburbs with its signature mix of experienced yachtsmen and celebrity sailors, this year including surfer Sally Fitzgibbons. The boat's SWAGS of past and present crew include Kelly Landry-Bell, wife of owner-skipper Anthony Bell, Terry Biviano, wife of footballer Anthony Minichiello and Lynette Bolton, wife of footballer Jude Bolton.
Deckhouse at Woolwich Dock is holding a luncheon to watch the race start on the big screen, with Wild Oats Wines and Seven's Doyle hosting and sailing commentary by Hobart Race yachtie Gary Gietz, plus entertainment for kids.
Tickets: deckhouse.com.au