The Spy Who Loved Me was one of those definining moments in my life when I realized that skiing may not be such a bad thing to be into. The movie was 23 years old by that point, and it wasn’t James Bond’s epic skiing/ parachuting down the cliff scene that convinced me of the benefits of snow sports, it was the scene back at the chalet, the one snuggling with a gorgeous blonde on resplendent rugs by a roaring fire.  All of a sudden, skiing didn’t represent cold, snow and sweat, it meant warmth, luxury, mystique and all around sexiness. I cannot say I have made much headway into the sport since – my one and only attempt was a terrifying mulled wine fuelled snowplough down the Black Diamond run that could characteristically be labelled a complete fail. However , adapt at apres ski I most certainly am.

For this reason, when Shona Joy mentioned doing an apres ski story for the next installment of my Winter 15 edit of the collection, I jumped in wholeheartedly. And what better place to embrace the luxury of winter than the amazing One&Only Emirates Wolgan Valley resort?

For this edit, my heroine was Barbara Bach’s feisty 70s beauty playing a double agent in the beforementioned spy film – I wanted to connect the delicious tweed, sexy lame dresses and loose 70s suits with a powerful woman waiting for her spy, calculating her next move…

MELMELSH1She spotted him skiing down the slope towards her. He is sure not to suspect anything whilst she wears trustworthy tweed

MELMELSH6In retrospect, stealing the documents was easy when she looked so elegant in her neutrals doing it

MELMELSH5Could she even trust him? At least her leather enveloped her with the sort of protection she always wanted from a man

MELMELSH2Tonight is the night. She is sure to find out his deepest secrets when she slips him the truth serum at dinner

MELMELSH4Is Is that right? She feigned surprise as the truth serum started to take hold

MELMELSH3Was she right to betray him? Her mind was unwavering but her heart longed to see him again...

 

 

Photographed by Alice Wesley- Smith
With thanks to the One and Only Emirates Wolgan Valley resort

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Spring at the Lexus pavilion

This year, Derby Day had no help from naughty Melbourne weather with it’s decided reluctance to crack open the skies for constant sunshine or warm up the temperatures for girls in their traditional spring monochrome. Still, the Birdcage hummed with champagne, laughter and fun. The first day of the Spring Racing Carnival was all about fashion and how to adhere to the black and white rule in the most unique way possible. I had so much fun marquee hopping and hanging out with friends. Hereforth are my top picks of this year’s crème da la crème .. .

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Best champagne: Mumm marquee.. Mumm champagne was getting poured everywhere but the Mumm marquee was the epicentre of sparkling good times. Let’s not forget the sword champagne opening.

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Best views: Emirates. With it’s views over the track and a sprawling balcony, the Emirates tent was the place to watch the races

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Best cocktails: Myer marquee. So many delicious cocktails, so little time.

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What I wore: Toni Maticevski dress, Gianvitto Rossi pumps and Sarina Suriano headpiece and jewellery

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Best dressed couple hands down were Michael and Lindy Klim. He wore a Hugo Boss suit and she wore a Dolce & Gabbana dress. They both wore Louboutin shoes.

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Best food : Lexus pavillion! Not only did Attica’s Ben Shewry present a capsule restaurant concept with a delicious 3 course lunch but Neil Perry featured food from soon to launch Burger Project. There was even a gelato bar on the roof.

Best décor : Lexus pavillion. Springtime at its best

Best dancing: Lavazza marquee. I kinda had to be dragged out of there at the end of the day!

Thanks Flemington for another fun Derby day!

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