Sometimes in life, it's fun to be a little bit extra but with the holidays fast approaching, I'm taking it up several notches. Welcome to my old kitchen where this video was shot amidst amazing gowns, accessories and food in one whirlwind afternoon. I've been known to have dress up dinner parties and pretend my life is perfect in every way when guests arrive (don't we all?) , but this OTT version also features some incredible diamonds, feathers, sequins and a touch of dramatic flourish. As this was a passion project it took a while to finalise and I want to say a big thank you to Rachel Gilbert who made the first gown, Aje; who made the second, Chaumet and Bulgari for their incredible jewellery and accessories, Stuart Weitzman for the pink shoes, Commune Bondi for the plates, In Bed Store for their linen napkins, and Native Drops for their incredible organic wine.
Couture it may nearly be but let's not forget about the cooking - this is a recipe video after all! It's a little challenging as it requires some multitasking - it's best to prep everything before the heat is on, because the end of the recipe happens fast!
( makes 2 large servings )
INGREDIENTS:
-4 scampi, halved (ask your fishmonger to do it for you-these babies are hard to slice!)
Reserve the heads for the sauce
- Linguine pasta
- baby zucchini, sliced
-green olives sliced or capers
- 2 punnets of cherry tomato sliced in half
- white wine, about a small glass
- a few sprigs of thyme
-parsley
-chilli
-garlic, half a head, finely chopped
-butter
- olive oil
-salt and pepper
METHOD
- Place the scampi heads into a pan with a good glug of oil. Fry on medium heat for 5 minutes, then add white wine, thyme sprigs, salt and pepper, chilli and garlic. Keep cooking on low heat for another 10 minutes. Remove the heads, add the cherry tomato, capers or olives and once the tomato soften, add the sliced zucchini. Keep cooking on low and add more white wine if it starts getting dry (just don't forget to cook the alcohol off before serving!)
-Boil water and add salt to it. Cook the pasta until al dente (check the packet for exact instructions)
-In the meantime, soften the butter and mix in chopped up garlic, thyme,parsley and salt and pepper. Pre-heat the grill, butter the scampi well and place on the hot plate. Scampi are very delicate and don't need a lot of cooking time. Depending on the size it should only take 1-3 minutes to cook through a half shell.
Mix the pasta through the sauce, serve on a plate with 4 half shells and some chopped up parsley. Bulgari jewels optional! ; )
Video shot by Aleksei Vanamois
A suit is by definition a set of outer clothes made in the same fabric, designed to be worn together and yet, in the human psyche, it is synonymous with power, masculinity, business and competence.
Clothes do not make the man, yet our perceptions of a person are seized up within mere seconds- it’s pretty hypocritical we preach that it’s the inside that matters yet make lasting judgements on people based on their outerwear.
Whether it was 1920s libertines shaking off the shackles of society, actresses using tailoring to convey power and character throughout the 20thcentury or Madonna expressing herself in the 80s, a woman wearing a suit challenged societies’ perceptions and expectations furthering feminism by asserting our strength and equality. Plus, a bit of good tailoring never hurt anyone, let’s face it! The steadfast trend is back in numerous incarnations.
Checked and herringboned suits have been on point for a couple of seasons now and the trend is holding fast. This quirky jacket and suit combo comes with unusual details such as ruffles and ruched sleeves ( Maggie Marilyn suit, Gucci tote, Givenchy sunglasses, Bulgari and Cartier bracelets)
Return to 70s power in burgundy cord ( Anna Quan suit, Bec& Bridge bodysuit, YSL bag from Net-a-Porter, Chaumet, necklace and ring worn throughout)
Double or even triple denim is all the rage right now so why not go all out like this suit and do it the 80s, acid wash way? ( Miu Miu denim suit and booties, Karen Walker sweater)
Pinstriped and double breasted navy is a classic choice. Pair it with some furry slip ons for a casual power move ( Camilla and Marc suit, Bally slippers)
Sometimes the simplicity of black is all you need. Choose cigarette pants for their elongating effect on legs – just ask Meghan Markle (Nice Martinsuit, Gucci shoes)
Why not get out of bed and skip the whole getting dressed routine? Pajama suits are stylish, classy and feel incredible to wear ( Bally suit, Givenchy sunglasses, Gucci slippers, Miu Miu bag)
This post originally appeared on vogue.com.au here!
Go big or go home
For the ultimate date-night outfit, choose a backless rose strewn maxi dress then throw on an oversized cardigan and a sparkly low heel, because this season elegance is all about comfort.
(Gucci dress, shoes and cardigan, Begum Khan earrings and Dior Double Rouge lipstick in Poison Purple.)
Beauty note: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish foundation, Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow, Shu Uemura Brow Sword and Gigi Hadid for Maybelline Fiber Mascara worn throughout.
Photographed by Alice Wesley-Smith
Assisted by Eleni George
This post appeared on Vogue.com.au here!
