HIGH ST. #1

HIGH ST.

SUMMER 2019-20

ARMADALE

Contents Welcome to High Street, Armadale’s renowned precinct for food, fashion, design and culture.

Comprising a diverse offering of local designers, small businesses and flagship stores, the strip has long been a leading destination for Australian and international fashion.

But it’s more than just a shopping spot. The area boasts a flourishing food scene with an abundance of eateries, ranging from easy brunch options to fine dining restaurants.

It’s also home to a growing collective of specialty skin and beauty salons, boutique fitness studios, noteworthy bridal houses and art galleries worth exploring.

Sit back as we take you through some of our favourite locations for summer. There’s plenty more to explore along High Street, Armadale.

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Sidestepping Trends WITH L'ECLISSE

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An Intimate Experience WITH AMARU

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Pampelle Spritz WITH BOUZY BAR À VINS

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Shop Local GOODS GUIDE

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Food Culture NEIGHBOURHOOD EATERIES

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Meet the Locals BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Contributors EDITOR GIULIA BRUGLIERA SUB-EDITOR KATE STREADER WRITER MAEVE KERR-CROWLEY CREATIVE DIRECTION RUBY FURST DESIGN ERICA MAY, SOPHIA TEMPORALI PHOTOGRAPHY JESPER HEDE, MELANIE DESA, BRAY TAYLOR PUBLISHER FURST MEDIA

Cover Image PHOTOGRAPHY JESPER HEDE STYLIST JAM BAYLON HAIR GRACE MAYVIS AT GEM MAKEUP HANNAH DANIEL AT MECCA MODEL ROSIE AT PRIDE MODELS ROSIE WEARS MASTANI BANAH SHIRT DRESS $499, SCANLAN THEODORE SILK PRINTED SHIRRED BLOUSE IN WHITE $500 MEGAN PARK TRIO STONE EARRINGS $179

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Let's Get Physical HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Rosy Glow BEAUTY BOOK

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Dressed in White BRIDAL

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On the Street STREET STYLE

CALENDAR

Upcoming VIP Shopping Day

NUNZIO MIANO

DECEMBER 11 AT KITTE, 1270/A HIGH STREET Kitte is easing your holiday shopping with its VIP Shopping Day. On Wednesday December 11, you’ll receive 25 per cent off all purchases between 10am and 8pm, as well as a free gift when you spend over $250. From 5pm until 8pm, there will be champagne, small bites, free gift wrapping and lucky dip prizes in-store, too.

Luxury Gifting Monogramming

Nunzio Miano Exhibition

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

UNTIL DECEMBER 27 AT MASTANI, 1005 HIGH STREET

FEBRUARY 4 – 22 AT METRO GALLERY, 1214 HIGH STREET

FEBRUARY 14 AT TARTINE GOURMET, 1035 HIGH STREET

Nunzio Miano explores the heritage of Italy’s largest island through his upcoming exhibition, Relics of Sicily. Melding contrasting elements of realism and abstraction, Miano’s work surveys the layers of culture, tradition and influence Sicily has long held.

Comprising deep colours and simple brushwork, Miano’s striking works across this exhibition are bold and uncompromising. Relics of Sicily opens February 4 with opening celebrations on February 6.

This Valentine’s Day, Tartine Gourmet & Catering will keep you well-fed while helping you bypass bookings and busy restaurants. No matter what type of celebration you have in store for your loved one, Tartine has an offering to suit – from themed picnic baskets to intimate dinners. It also offers a range of sweet treats. Tartine is open seven days a week.

Add a personal touch to gifts or your own pieces with Mastani’s in-store Luxury Gifting Monogramming service. Embroidered monogramming is available in a range of fonts and colours and serves as the perfect way to individualise anything from silk scarves and pocket squares to neck and hair ties. Visit the store to customise your favourite pieces.

A Rare Collection of Villemot Posters on Display

Live Recording with Lola Berry

Happy Melon Studios x Jackalope Retreat

DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY AT LETITIA MORRIS GALLERY, 1158 HIGH STREET

FEBRUARY 6 AT WILLOW URBAN RETREAT, 1203 HIGH STREET

FEBRUARY 26 - 28

Letitia Morris Gallery revisits the seminal works of Bernard Villemot through a new collection of rare vintage posters. Featuring billboard-size posters seen across the streets of Paris between the ’50s and ‘80s, Villemot’s range of advertisements will emerge from a private collection for display. Renowned for its use of bold colours and abstract imagery, Villemot’s art is vivid and boundary-pushing.

Author, nutritionist and yoga instructor Lola Berry is hosting a special live recording of her podcast Fearlessly Failing at Willow Urban Retreat. Joined by a surprise guest and with audience interaction, Berry will look at how failure helps shape us and allows us to grow in a world increasingly dictated by social media highlight reels. Join Lola Berry from 7am until 9am, tickets are $55.

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Life is all about balance, which is likely why Happy Melon Studios is hosting its next retreat at a winery. The wellness studio will be joining its blend of mindfulness and movement with Jackalope’s award-winning accommodation, food and yes, a little wine. The all-inclusive retreat packages daily yoga and meditation with full access to the hotel’s facilities and treatments, including meals at Doot Doot Doot and Rare Hare. Bookings are now available through Happy Melon Studios.

Sidestepping Trends Owner of leading High Street footwear store, L’Eclisse, John Rizzo says his cutting approach to fashion comes from being in the business for so long.

L’Eclisse only opened its doors in 2016, but Rizzo got his start in fashion back in the ’80s with buying and product development for Aquila and Trellini. He describes the fashion industry during this time as a “club”, accessible only to designers, photographers, stylists and their very fortunate friends.

“I got swept up in the glamour of doing all the big shows with Gaultier, Versace... and this was in the ’80s, so they’d really just started,” says Rizzo.

But amidst all the exclusivity and glamour, he held tightly to a passion for shoes. One buying trip among many led him to branch into women’s footwear, which sparked a desire to try out wholesaling for himself.

He opened a studio where he made retail sales as well as supplying accounts to iconic brands like Scanlan Theodore, Hoss and Lee Mathews.

This was the forerunner to L’Eclisse, and it honed the inimitable taste that Rizzo brings to the store’s very core.

“I was pretty much chef, cook and bottle washer,” Rizzo analogises. “Selling on the floor, conducting buying trips, purchasing, making judgements on brands eight to 10 months in front of our seasons.”

His approach to buying has always been instinctive, based on personal taste and an eye for something a little different. Repeatedly and passionately, he condemns fashion’s current obsession with trends and arbitrary, self-inflicted rules.

"Everybody has an idea of what they want, and it’s the same idea," he says. "I can’t be in the business of translating an idea, because that becomes volume and that’s not my market."

This anti-trend attitude made the jump with Rizzo as he opened L’Eclisse. After customers and friends told him he should capitalise on the uniqueness

of the shoes he so lovingly hunted down, he established two very important partnerships that would shape the High Street store.

The first was with a technical shoe designer who tackles the design side of the store’s in-house brand, Conflict of Interest, as well as client projects.

The second was with longtime friend, architect and interior designer Chris Connell, to create the physical space of their combined dreams.

“People ask me, ‘Are you a shoe designer?’

I say, ‘No, I’m just a shoe enthusiast’.”

“Chris and I have been friends for years, and we were always completely obsessed with some of the legendary Italian designers of the ’50s and ’60s,” says Rizzo. “When this project came up, we sat down and got to introduce a lot of the concepts we’d always spoken about.”

Those concepts include pale blue hues and washed, aged plaster walls, peppered with unconventional materials chosen specifically for their visual impact. Chris presented a French PVC, able to be stretched across a ceiling frame and rendered in a beautiful shade of tan, and the pair found an industrial red oxide to paint the space’s steel features.

For both the space and the shoes that fill it, Rizzo and his team drew inspiration from cinema and Italian neorealism. The store’s name, L’Eclisse, is taken from Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1962 film starring Monica Vitti.

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WORDS BY MAEVE KERR-CROWLEY

FEATURE

Rizzo gleefully cites an interview with Antonioni, where the filmmaker notoriously declared, “modern love is shit.”

“The association between that [attitude] and what we do, it’s the same sort of intensity,” he says. “But at the same time, we don’t strive too much for absolute perfection, because then you’re looking at 3D-printed shoes.”

While perfection isn’t the goal, Rizzo extols the allimportant quality of the shoes he sells. Handmade in Italy in small runs, each style is workshopped extensively to ensure the fit, materials and overall design are just right.

One thing you’ll notice about the range is its undeniably beautiful colour palettes, which is something Rizzo is visibly proud of. His frustration with fashion’s recent evolution is clear in the way he discusses colour, eschewing colour trends for an emphasis on personal taste.

“When fashion people – I don’t mean that nastily, I was a fashion person, too – come in and say, ‘Oh, that blue is wrong, this blue is right.’ I say, ‘You see the blue in the sky? That’s been beautiful since I was born,’” says Rizzo.

“The colours are always there, you don’t need to attach them to seasons. The colour of the ceiling in this shop is camel. Camel has always been beautiful for me. It doesn’t matter that it’s a strong colour next summer. Who cares? It was strong last summer.”

Rizzo has little to no concern about working against the grain of the industry, expressing wryly that there are enough stylists in the business to keep the status quo flowing. He’s happy being the ‘something different’ his customers are looking for.

With a modest laugh, Rizzo says, “People ask me, ‘Are you a shoe designer?’ I say, ‘No, I’m just a shoe enthusiast’’.”

Find L'Eclisse at 1059 High Street, Armadale.

LECLISSE.COM.AU

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE DESA

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FEATURE

WORDS BY MAEVE KERR-CROWLEY

An Intimate Experience High Street has plenty to offer by way of fine dining restaurants and casual eateries. Sitting pretty among them all is Amaru, the 34-seat, high-end brainchild of owner and Head Chef, Clinton McIver.

Raised and trained in Queensland, McIver earned his stripes during his four years working at Melbourne’s Vue de Monde. Beginning as a Commis Chef, he climbed the ranks to Senior Sous Chef before leaving to holiday and lay the foundations for what would later become Amaru.

The restaurant was always intended to be a small, high-end hub of Australian cuisine, but McIver is reluctant to define its offering.

“It’s a pretty broad spectrum, really, contemporary Australian cooking,” he explains. “So it allows us as a restaurant to personally identify what our outlook on food is.”

As for what to expect, he promises good quality, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with Australian techniques and influences in mind. This focus on local produce means there is a heavy presence of seafood and vegetables. You’re likely to find just one or two meat-centric courses on the menu at any given time, and they are never predictable.

Amaru’s menu is constantly evolving, allowing the team to change up flavours and offer regular visitors something new and exciting – which is arguably the most important part of McIver’s job.

“Above all, we want the food we cook to be delicious,” he says. “And, of course, it has to look nice and it has to be exciting. The kind of stuff people don’t necessarily cook at home. Otherwise it’s not as much of a treat going out to dinner.”

This sense of otherwise unattainable, experiencebased dining is helped greatly by the degustation format of the menu. After all, few people tend to

cook upwards of a dozen courses in their own homes. As an intimate restaurant with a small but innovative team, this tasting approach helps Amaru to maximise both its efficiency as a business and its culinary impact.

“We can really articulate, over the course of several dishes, what we’re aiming to show our guests – rather than a typical à la carte setup, where they’ll come in and just choose a few dishes off a piece of paper,” says McIver.

Of course, what’s on your plate is only one part of a great dining experience. Amaru is just as focused on delivering on atmosphere and comfort through its physical space, which McIver attributes to both its design and location.

It was an integral part of his vision that the restaurant was set up in the suburbs, offering fine dining without a trip into the CBD. “I’ve never really seen us as being a restaurant in the city,” McIver admits. “There are lots of big cities around the world that have great high-end restaurants tucked away in nice little suburbs.

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I think it gives it an exclusive feel, which is what we’re going for, to a degree.”

The goal is to be exclusive without being intimidating or restrictive. There might only be eight tables within the space, but the layout is a welcoming open plan. Nothing is casual, but everything is comfortable.

“It’s a calculation of lots of different little aspects,” notes McIver. “Everything from the chairs to the oak tables, and all of our crockery we had made, contributes to the overall experience.”

It’s also worth noting that McIver has big plans in mind for Amaru’s future. Having just about outgrown the capacity of its High Street space, he’s hoping to relocate the restaurant without sacrificing its intimate feel. In its place, he plans to open a sister restaurant, offering a similarly special experience while targeting a lower, more accessible price bracket.

Find Amaru at 1121 High Street, Armadale.

AMARUMELBOURNE.COM.AU

RECIPE

Pampelle Spritz Bouzy Bar À Vins is High Street’s own slice of Paris, serving French fare with a modern touch. This holiday season, Bouzy is gifting you the recipe for its Pampelle Spritz, to add a little French flair to your festivities.

Capturing the essence of Parisian wine bars, Bouzy offers a très bien selection of bites. Escargot, charcuteries, croquettes and a crème brûlée form the perfect pairings for a fine Chablis, Bordeaux or Mumm champagne, all to be found on the rotating seasonal menu.

It’s the vision of restaurateur Jason McLaren Jones and his partner Brahman Perera. Together they have fused French chic with a Melbourne edge, culminating in sleek black and gold interiors complemented by a stunning curved marble bar.

Open seven nights a week from 5pm until late, Bouzy hosts a daily Apero (or Happy Hour) until 6pm as well as a Locals’ Night menu from Sunday until Tuesday, featuring the plat du jour and a glass of vin for $29.90.

For intimate affairs, Bouzy has a private dining room, Le Salon aux Fleurs. It welcomes up to 12 guests to dine among the blooms of the florist who holds the space during the day, adding a special touch to any occasion.

Find Bouzy at 976 High Street, Armadale.

BOUZY.COM.AU

YOU WILL NEED • 45ML PAMPELLE APERITIF

METHOD 1.

Pour Pampelle Aperitif, the sparkling wine of your choice, and soda into a wine glass and stir lightly

2.

Add a generous serve of ice

3.

Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and enjoy

• 15ML SODA • 90ML SPARKLING WINE (WE SUGGEST MUMM PETIT CORDON) • GRAPEFRUIT WEDGE • ICE

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SHOP

PHOTOGRAPHY JESPER HEDE

Over the Top The old adage 'less is more' isn’t universal. Certainly sometimes more is more, particularly when it comes to accessories. This season’s opulent, oversized embellishments give modern silhouettes an old-world glamour.

Clockwise from left – Gaudion Furniture Medium Ralph Tray $139, Conflict of Interest Augusta Mule in Argento $650 from L’Eclisse, Gaudion Furniture Medium Coloured Glass in Amber (set of six) $59, Maison Francis Kurkdjian L’eau À La Rose 70ml $244 from Mecca Cosmetica, Scanlan Theodore Rhinestone Mule in Mink $750, Kitte Lust Earrings $99, Chantecaille Lip Veil in Tiger Lily $73 from Mecca Cosmetica

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STYLIST JAM BAYLON

SHOP

Natural Selection As the temperature rises, you may find yourself seeking shade from all things bright and light with earthy tones and fresh scents. The beach may be out of reach for some, but there are plenty of other ways to stay cool this season.

Clockwise from left – Bared Nickel Loafer in Tan Leather $289, Bud Flowers Large Quartz Crystal $140, Leif Buddha Wood Hand Wash 500ml (part of set) $58 from Ivy Muse, Bloomingville Green Jar (set of two) $18 from Gaudion Furniture, Belstaff Maxford Sunglasses in Gold/Tan $775 from One Point Seven Four, Editions De Parfums By Frédéric Malle Musc Ravageur 100ml $367 from Mecca Cosmetica, Diptyque Eau De Minthé $227 from Mecca Cosmetica, flowers supplied by Bud Flowers

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SHOP

PHOTOGRAPHY JESPER HEDE

Young at Heart We all hold onto treasured childhood keepsakes, be it our first teddy bear or a beloved bedtime storybook, whose value is measured in the memories and sentimentality they hold. This giving season, opt for something special for the little ones in your life, to be treasured through the years to come.

Clockwise from left – Florrie Girl Silver Bag $29.95, Little Belle Night Light in Pink and Gold $159.95 from Kinderplay, Jellycat Fuddlewuddle Lamb $44.99 from Kidstuff, Purebaby Straw Sunhat $29.95, Purebaby Goat Hair Brush $24.95, Sylvanian Families Chocolate Rabbit Family $29.99 from Kidstuff, Purebaby Rio Sandal $54.95

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STYLIST JAM BAYLON

SHOP

Dreaming in Colour The home is a reflection of one’s self, so at the beginning of a new year, a little life sprucing may be in order. A change of scenery can reset your perspective, and rejuvenating spaces with a bold, statement piece or two can act as a fresh coat of paint for the entire room.

Clockwise from left – Addition Studio Void Incense Burner in Forest Green $149.95 from Ivy Muse, Belstaff Talbrook Opticals in Burgundy $520 from One Point Seven Four, La Rochère Bee Champagne Flute $13.80 each from Gaudion Furniture, Medium Bee Glass $13 each from Gaudion Furniture, Marmoset Found Aswan Vase in Rose $49 from Gaudion Furniture, Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten and Firm Vitamin C Serum $119 from Mecca Cosmetica, Gaudion Furniture Medium Glass Candlestick $24.95, flowers supplied by Bud Flowers

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EATERIES

Food Culture High Society Café

1102 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE FACEBOOK.COM/HIGHSOCIETYCAFE High Society understandably attracts a host of regulars with its welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. While you’re brunching, you’ll be surrounded by a warm, intimate setup, complete with marble tables, soft lighting and a dog-friendly outdoor dining area. On the menu, you’ll find classic breakfast and lunch dishes, with options ranging from healthy to hearty and everything in between. The food offerings are paired with specialty coffee from Roasting Warehouse.

Willow Urban Retreat 1203 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE WILLOWURBANRETREAT.COM.AU

Willow Urban Retreat is an escape from the stress of the city that doesn’t actually involve travelling that far out. The wellness-centric hub is part café, part spa, while also offering a range of classes, workshops and events. So you can get a massage, facial or wellness consultation followed by a well-rounded meal made using seasonal, sustainable produce. Then finish it off by learning something new. Menu highlights include a range of wellness bowls, as well as house specialty, the Willow Breakfast. It features a roasted pumpkin dahl, served with halloumi, pomegranate, and a beetroot cumin labneh.

Moby

1150 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE MOBY3143.COM.AU Nestled on a picturesque corner on Armadale’s old Woodstock site, Moby is a triple-decker brunch spot. Complete with rooftop seating, you can enjoy an outdoor dining experience with a view of High Street. The combination of unconventional salads and sweet brunch options (including marscaponestacked blueberry pancakes and sticky date bircher) make for a diverse but invariably delicious menu. As part of the café’s summer offering, you’ll also find a selection of refreshing cocktails. Moby is offering catering services and bookings for mid-week Christmas lunches over the holiday season.

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EATERIES

Melbourne is famous for its food scene, but you don’t have to venture into the city for high quality eats. Whether it’s coffee o’clock or cocktail hour, there are ample options to satisfy your hunger without straying too far.

Phillippa’s Bakery 1030 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE PHILLIPPAS.COM.AU

Phillippa’s on-site kitchen is known for producing organic sourdough and slowly fermented, low-yeast breads, as well as treats like biscuits, tarts, brownies and pastries made from fresh ingredients sourced locally. There’s also an extensive gluten-free range, ensuring nobody misses out. The bakery offers catering services and take-home meals (all freshly cooked, of course) that are available to order online. But if you’re after the full experience, the 20-seat High Street café serves Jasper’s coffee, house-made iced tea, sandwiches, salads and sausage rolls.

Street Talk Espresso 710 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE STREETTALKESPRESSO.COM.AU

Street Talk Espresso is what happens when you combine a simple, hospitality-driven environment with an offering of adventurous flavours. Both the courtyard and indoor seating areas are designed to be as relaxing and comfortable as possible, encouraging daily wind downs and intimate catchups. Meanwhile, the menu fuses Middle Eastern, Italian and Greek influences across breakfast and lunch dishes. You’ll find eggs Benedict with maple bacon, braised lamb with sweet potato skordalia, trusty smashed avocado, buttermilk fried chicken tacos, and beverages courtesy of Niccolo Coffee.

Le Petit Prince

1A MERCER ROAD, ARMADALE LPPARMADALE.COM.AU Le Petit Prince is tucked just out of sight of the hustle and bustle of High Street, offering a calm and inviting reprieve while you enjoy your meal. Staple brunch options like smashed avocado are given a spin with mushroom and chorizo, and the café’s specials are updated each fortnight. Cold brew coffee and milkshakes are new additions just in time for the warming weather and a new menu is also about to roll out. If you do visit during summer, be sure to grab a seat outside under the street’s huge, leafy trees for the dappled sunlight experience.

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Meet the Locals Introducing the faces behind High Street’s storefronts.

MEET THE LOCALS

Lisa Barron

Hannah Stewart

ON SUPPORTING LOCAL DESIGNERS

ON ETHICAL JEWELLERY AT HLSK

How would you describe your label?

Lisa Barron is a luxurious, Australian-made label. Our core ethos is centred on creating collections that enhance the lives of the powerful women of Australia.

Tell us about your label, HLSK. HLSK is a family-run, sustainable, fine jewellery label based in Melbourne. We handcraft each item to order using high quality materials at an affordable price.

You also create custom garments.

I appreciate that Australian women come in all shapes and sizes, so it is important to us to offer a made-to-measure and tailoring service to our clients that ensures every woman leaves feeling empowered and confident.

It is very important to me that our products are made ethically and responsibly. Since everything is handcrafted in-house, we don’t have any unnecessary wastage and we recycle our studio scraps for re-use. Our gemstones are sourced directly from miners themselves and trusted local suppliers.

From something small, such as taking up a hem, to collaborating with a client to construct an entirely custom wardrobe, no project is too big or small.

You're a mentor to a number of young designers. Why is this a priority for you?

Young designers are the future of our fashion industry. Their voices help to shake up the fashion scene that is otherwise dictated by big-name labels. I have had so many amazing mentors over the years that have helped to shape my brand, that I want to pay that support forward.

What was the appeal of Armadale as the location of your flagship store?

High Street, Armadale is a pillar of the Melbourne fashion scene. Being surrounded by other Australian designers of such a high calibre constantly inspires me.

How did you learn to make jewellery?

I began working for my father as an apprentice jeweller at 19 years old, nine years ago. He has worked in the jewellery industry for over 45 years. His wealth of knowledge of the trade allowed me to develop my skills with the utmost respect for quality and craftsmanship. My father now works as the master jeweller at HLSK and oversees all aspects of production.

What was the appeal of Armadale as the location of your flagship store?

Armadale has so many amazing local Australian retailers. Naturally, I wanted to open a space where I felt my brand aligns with the values of others within the community. It is also a major destination for all things bridal.

HLSK.COM.AU

Helen, Camille and Julius ON ART AT METRO GALLERY What sets Metro Gallery apart?

We emphasise the importance of an understanding of artistic theory to our staff, who have a comprehensive knowledge of the Australian art scene. Metro Gallery also prides itself on its involvement with a variety of programs, including The Torch, which raises money for both incarcerated and exincarcerated Indigenous Australians.

The more support we give our artists, the better work they make which, in turn, gives them more opportunities within the art world.

It’s a reciprocal relationship and neither tends to flourish without the other.

What was the appeal of Armadale as the location of the gallery?

Armadale has a thriving shopping strip and is populated by artistically enthusiastic locals.

It’s a precinct that people go to for fashion, antiques, high-end furniture and, most importantly to us, quality contemporary art.

What are some exciting exhibitions that you have coming up?

We just opened Travellers in a Distant Land, the fifth major solo show that we’ve had with Dean Home. Up next, we are exhibiting the work of Joshua Cocking. We will also be concluding 2019 with a Summer Group Exhibition, for which a selection of our artists are currently preparing work.

LISABARRON.COM.AU METROGALLERY.COM.AU

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Let's Get Physical Maintaining motivation in summer isn't easy, but staying active doesn't have to be a burden. Whether you're looking to shake up your routine or just need a little nudge, High Street has a variety of studios and support to get you moving.

Kim Charlton from Armadale's Studio Pilates shares her tips for staying on track.

WITH KIM CHARLTON

ESCAPE THE HEAT

TREAT YOURSELF

Just because it’s hot, doesn’t mean you can’t stay active. Head to a class within a luxury, airconditioned studio so you can feel the right kind of burn, without overheating.

With no shortage of nearby cafés to choose from, promising yourself a post-workout smoothie or cold brew may just be the incentive you need to get to the gym.

FIND A FRIEND TO WORK OUT WITH

SET SMALL, ACHIEVABLE GOALS

Working out with a friend instantly make it feel like more of a social event than a chore. You’ll also be less inclined to flake on your plans at the last minute if someone else is depending on you to show up.

Trying to build your ideal summer fitness regime overnight is just setting yourself up for failure.

Instead, start with realistic goals. Hitting your targets, however small they may be, will keep you from getting frustrated and giving up altogether.

BOOK IN ADVANCE TO COMMIT

STAY HYDRATED

Heat can be a great motivation killer, so scheduling your workout by booking a class ahead of time is a way of ensuring you don’t spend all summer putting off exercise until ‘tomorrow’.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is all too easy to forget to keep your fluids up. Hydration is especially important in the summer months and will go a long way in helping you refresh and cool down after a workout.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Body Lab

1019 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE BODYLAB.COM.AU Boutique physiotherapy and Pilates studio, Body Lab, was founded by qualified sports physiotherapists who have now been running the practice for over five years. The Lab works closely with clients – ranging from elite athletes to pre- and postnatal women and elderly people – to create an individually targeted exercise regime. These physiotherapists specialise in treatments for injury management, as well as therapeutic Pilates-based exercise. Following an initial assessment, staff and clients work together to produce and carry out a personalised program that directly addresses each client’s needs.

Empathy Pilates

741 - 743 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE EMPATHYPILATES.COM Empathy Pilates gets its edge from Director Paul Higgins, who has 30 years of Pilates practice and 25 years of teaching experience under his belt. The state-of-the-art, fully-equipped studio hosts daily studio classes as well as one-on-one private sessions with an instructor. Empathy’s services go a step further, as Paul is one of only seven Pilates Master Teachers in the country and has trained future trainers for over 15 years now. Whether you’re looking to build fitness or are ready to take the next step to becoming a Pilates teacher, classes and courses are available to book online.

Happy Melon Studios 1252 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE HAPPYMELON.COM.AU

Happy Melon was created to demystify the practice of meditation, allowing for a softer and more encouraging entry into the world of mindfulness. As well as meditation sessions, the studio offers classes in yoga, Pilates and boxing; each with an emphasis on mental focus and inner calm. Other services include massage, naturopathy and nutrition consultations, and a corporate wellness program to help businesses foster wellness within their teams. Plus, Happy Melon has recently opened its own café and community space for guests to hang out and relax.

Studio Pilates

1113 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE STUDIOPILATES.COM Studio Pilates is dedicated to sculpting your body and mind, offering specially choreographed sequences designed by a team of physiotherapists to increase both your physical and mental stamina. Aided by highly attentive instructors and video demonstrations, these 40-minute, high energy classes target all your muscle groups for a full-body workout. Ensuring you stay on track, Studio Pilates has teamed up with Nourish’d to offer healthy, home-delivered meals across paleo, keto, gluten-free and vegetarian options. You can also pay it forward and nominate a home-delivered meal to be donated to someone in need through the We Eat, They Eat program.

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TUTORIAL

Rosy Glow Dewy skin and subtle pops of colour are easy ways to add a little spark to an otherwise natural beauty look. Hannah Daniel of Mecca Cosmetica shows us how fluffy brows and peachy cheeks create an understated elegance.

STEP 1 Starting with hydrated and sun-protected skin should be the first step of any makeup look, especially in summer. Using a great sunscreen daily will keep your skin nourished and, most importantly, free of sun damage.

STEP 2 Use a light amount of coverage all over to even skin tone, then add concealer where necessary, under eyes and around the mouth and nose.

STEP 3 Take a cream blush and starting at the apples, slowly blend out. Don’t be scared to bring it in a little more toward the centre of the face and even take a little across the nose. Most cream blushes will also work on the lip. Try patting some in with a touch of clear lip balm or gloss to give you a natural but juicy looking lip.

STEP 4 Highlight the high points of the face and softly powder the T-Zone, being careful to avoid where you want to keep the glow.

STEP 5 Keep the eyes very simple by adding some highlight to the inner corners and a glossy cream shadow across the lid. Using only a touch of mascara allows the blush and highlight to be the hero of the look.

PHOTOGRAPHER JESPER HEDE STYLIST JAM BAYLON HAIR GRACE MAYVIS AT GEM MAKEUP HANNAH DANIEL AT MECCA MODEL ROSIE AT PRIDE MODELS Rosie wears Mastani Shia Top in Multi Green Colourway $349, Megan Park Kali Duo Drop Earrings in Pearl $129

All products used are available at Mecca Cosmetica at 1048-1050 High Street, Armadale.

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Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen $40, Mecca Cosmetica Weekend Skin Hydra Skin Tint $40, Ellis Faas Concealer $50, Mecca Cosmetica Hydra Cheek Tint and Illuminating Balm Duo $45, Surratt Beauty Lid Lacquer in Hadaka $55

BEAUTY BOOK

Gem

Rationale

1256 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE THISISGEM.COM.AU

1015 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE RATIONALE.COM

Melbourne has a huge social event scene, which is why founder Grace Erin Mayvis is adamant that Gem stay open seven days a week. The hair salon is staffed by seven experienced hair stylists, as well as a carefully curated team of makeup artists, nutritionists and dermal clinicians to cover its extensive menu of services – which includes lash extensions, tanning and botox, to name a few. For bonus points, every product used across makeup, hair and tanning services is vegan and certified organic.

Rationale’s scientific, dermatologically-driven approach to skincare is about as comprehensive and advanced as it gets. The Armadale clinic is the brand’s biggest so far and offers Rationale's full range of formulations and treatments. The process starts with a medical skincare consultation involving skin scanning and UV imaging to give you an in-depth picture of your skin’s health. You’ll then be prescribed a personalised routine which might involve at-home products or in-store treatments, like an enzyme reactivation or Rationale’s CryoGenic facial.

Skin Angel

Melanie Grant

1206 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE SKINANGEL.COM.AU

1208 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE MELANIEGRANT.COM

Skin Angel’s specialty is sculpting faces using paramedical procedures like facials, laser and light therapies, lymphatic drainage and massage.

Skin experts conduct thorough consultations with clients, involving UV imaging to reveal any underlying conditions or issues below the surface.

It’s a holistic approach that prioritises educating clients on their own skin’s needs, giving you the tools to achieve the best results possible. The prescribed treatments are intended to reverse and prevent UV damage, clear redness, promote elasticity, refine texture and illuminate your skin.

Melanie Grant operates on the belief that great skincare takes the best aspects of old-school beauty practice and modern science, and innovatively melds them together. The salon’s treatments target complexion through a combination of state-of-the-art technology, therapeutic formulations and prescriptive routines. Choose from an à la carte, but still customisable, menu of facials, or a bespoke advisory and treatment service to tackle your skin in the most personalised way possible.

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BRIDAL

Dressed in White High Street is renowned as a leading destination for all things bridal, so where better to go in preparation for your big day. From the perfect custom-made or ready-to-wear dress to artisanal floral arrangements and contemporary accessories, you’ll find it here.

Amaline Vitale

980 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE AMALINEVITALE.COM.AU Visiting Amaline Vitale’s boutique is a chance to explore your own brand of femininity and beauty. A range of ready-to-wear dresses sits alongside the label’s made-to-measure offering, with staff available to help brides choose the perfect design and fabrics, allowing for highly personal garments. This approach extends to finer details like colour schemes, jewellery and veils, with the offer of a holistic styling experience available for brides-to-be. All garments are designed on-site and made in Australia using textiles designed exclusively for the brand.

Bec + Bridge

1041 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE BECANDBRIDGE.COM.AU Bec + Bridge’s bridal range is one of its most popular offerings, with its selection of sand, blush and champagne gowns particularly beloved by bridesmaids – and even brides opting to steer away from a traditional ivory dress. With a selection of designs available in each colour and fabric, the collection allows for flexibility within a bridal party as bridesmaids can each choose a flattering silhouette. As well as elegant nude shades, you’ll find pops of colour like a slick navy or deep reds and pinks. The bridal edit is also available to browse and shop online.

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BRIDAL

Bud Flowers

1016 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE BUDFLOWERS.COM.AU Bud Flowers’ High Street boutique is a beautifully-stocked indoor garden of artisanal bouquets, peppered with hand-poured candles, potted plants and books. On top of the in-store range, the team of experienced florists also offers a comprehensive wedding and event service. Covering planning, delivery, installation and pack down, wedding styling packages can include everything from bouquets to larger installations. The store also owns its own archways, weddings props, vases and pillar candles, drastically cutting down on rental costs.

Jeanette Maree 1119 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE JEANETTEMAREE.COM

Jeanette Maree should be your first stop after you’ve chosen your dream dress. Specialising in bridal jewellery and accessories, the brand has been offering personalised styling services for over 16 years. The in-store treatment involves staff using your dress as a springboard to choose the finishing touches, going as far as to put up your hair and walking you through the best ways to style it for the big day. With the option to buy off the shelf or have pieces custom made, you’ll find a range of headpieces, jewellery, bags and shoes that are equal parts classic and contemporary.

Rachel Gilbert

1042 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE RACHELGILBERT.COM Rachel Gilbert’s style is all about fitted, figure-accentuating silhouettes, with the added benefit of slip skirt underlays to ensure a streamlined fit. The result is a range of bridal gowns designed to perfectly flatter your body on your special day. These designs are elevated by handembellished details, like subtle beading and soft embroidery, and paired with the label’s offering of long, flowing tulle veils. Bridal parties can book personalised in-store styling sessions with a specialised staff member to find bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride ensembles.

Raffaele Ciuca

1088 HIGH STREET, ARMADALE RAFFAELECIUCA.COM.AU Boasting Australia’s largest selection of bridal gowns, Raffaele Ciuca has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the world of men’s tailoring. The brand’s bridal emporium is home to both local labels and gowns from around the world, stocking designers from France, Italy, Israel and beyond. The range boasts 400 designs, covering every possible silhouette and style. Over 50 dedicated professionals work across Raffaele Ciuca’s stores, including the newly-opened luxury bridal suite above the Armadale location.

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STREET STYLE

On the Street On High Street, good style goes beyond storefronts. We asked a handful of fashionsavvy locals about their favourite designers and what they're wearing this season.

JUDE LARUFFA

Do you think this outfit it a good representation of your personal style?

Yes, I do.

What are your favourite stores around Melbourne? I love Melbourne vintage and some of the high-end fashion shops. You can find anything in all of the areas of Melbourne, so the variety is amazing.

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe?

My favourite item at the moment would be a Carla Zampatti piece. It’s a black and white pinstripe long jacket, double-breasted.

EMILY NOLAN

What are you wearing today? My two-piece suit and T-shirt are from E Nolan (@enolanmelbourne) and my shoes are from L’Eclisse.

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe? An old doublebreasted jacket of my mum’s and a McDonald’s T-shirt that I wear to bed.

If you could swap your wardrobe with anyone, who would it be? Elsa Peretti.

What is your number one style tip? Only keep and wear your favourite clothes.

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY BRAY TAYLOR

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STREET STYLE

JOHN NGUYEN

Tell us about your outfit. The glasses are Rick Owens from One Point Seven Four, the cardigan is Damir Doma and my sandals are from Suicoke.

What inspired this look? I’m trying to go for the ‘chic grandad stepping out for a leisurely stroll’ look.

Where do you like to shop? The scope online is fantastic, but I also like supporting local stores that have really unique, considered items.

MIKYLA RAMPLING

BETTE WARD

Where did you get these pieces?

The skirt, cape and shirt are from Alpha60 and I picked up the boots in a vintage store in Berlin. The sunglasses are Dior from One Point Seven Four.

Where are your favourite places to find clothes? I prefer to wear locallymade things, when possible, and invest in good pieces.

What’s your number one style tip?

Always be comfortable.

If you could swap wardrobes with anybody, who would it be? Elle Fanning.

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe? An emerald green, leather trench coat.

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What brings you to High Street today?

Work, I’m a stylist.

Tell us about this outfit. Today I’m wearing comfortable clothing as I am doing lots of running around. I am wearing Bared sneakers because they are super comfy and stylish, a vintage tee and a Nakedvice spray jacket. My sunnies are Lucy Folk and my bag is Core Basics, both so practical yet still cool. All local designers who I love supporting!

What’s your number one style tip? Be true to yourself and break the rules.

If you could swap wardrobes with anybody, who would it be? At the moment, Anine Bing.

She is always so effortlessly chic, she really knows her style.

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