Moto jackets, martinis and movies: Everything the FJ team loved this August
words by fashion journal
Our August favourites.
Just like that, spring is finally on our doorstep. From afar, it feels like the months are flying by at an alarming rate. But when we stop to reflect, August has been full in its own right. Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) took over for most of the month and we also touched down in Auckland for New Zealand Fashion Week, where we got to see some of Aotearoa’s best designers up close on the runway.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
Virgo season also happens to include two of our editors’ birthdays, which meant it was the perfect excuse to splurge on a couple of wish list items, indulge in a good book and celebrate with a cocktail (or several). Find our full round-up of August favourites below.
Daisy Henry, features editor
Reading
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I recently finished Nymph by Sofia Montrone. It’s a meditative novel, written in two halves and set in an old Italian hotel in the countryside. It has a Call Me by Your Name charm, with lots of introspection, descriptions of small daily rituals and a beautiful queer love story. Next on my list is Life of M by Rachel Cusk – there’s been so much conversation online discussing whether it’s really about Natalie Portman, but I’m reserving judgement until I’ve read it!
Wearing
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I was in Auckland recently for Fashion Week and picked up this cotton gingham trench from New Zealand label, Commonplace (and have been wearing it almost every day since). Yu Mei’s Utility bag was also a godsend during such a busy week – it fit everything from my laptop and Rode microphones to makeup, snacks and chargers.
Drinking
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While in New Zealand, I was treated to a dinner at Queen’s rooftop and had my first dirty gin martini. It was like a gin and tonic, but smoother.
Watching
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Although I only snuck in two films from MIFF this year, they both packed a punch. I saw Super Nature, where people around the world captured footage of the animals and the environment on old Super 8 cameras.
I also saw the documentary, Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World. I didn’t know too much about Mary Oliver or her poetry, but she’s a force of nature in her own right. Her love for the natural world was inspiring and I shed a tear or two. Both films really left me feeling like I need to touch some grass.
Listening
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I’ve been a longtime fan of the Culture Club podcast, but found myself really plugged into their recent episodes. It’s hosted by writers Maggie Zhou (FJ’s very own alum) and Jasmine Wallis, and they dissect everything from the ‘kinda chic’ and ‘cool girl’ TikTok trends to AI, witch hunts, books, celebrities and all that’s happening in the realm of pop culture.
Jillian Arcenas, content and production coordinator
Wearing
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I’ve had a black V-neck sweater on my to-buy list for quite a while and I finally found the perfect one from Club Venus’ new collection. It’s a versatile piece because it’s light enough to layer or wear on its own during this transitional (and unpredictable) weather period.
Eating
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I’ve heard great things about Suze in Fitzroy North and it definitely lived up to the hype. The service was lovely, and everything from the appetisers to the main courses was delicious. Though I do need to give a special shoutout to the chicken liver parfait and the bottoni pasta!
Watching
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I had the privilege of watching an advanced screening of DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island on the last day of MIFF and I may have shed a tear or several. A beautiful story about friendship woven with Philippine mythology and culture throughout. It’s always so special to see your culture on screen!
Listening
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Local Melbourne artist Matahara released her newest single ‘Caroline’ this month. An ode to Caroline Polacheck, who I also love, it’s a song that has been on repeat all of August.
Lara Daly, senior editor
Wearing
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It’s not even my birthday month yet and already I’m letting myself buy anything my heart desires, including this classic wool zip-up jacket from St Agni. To be fair, I’ve been searching for a lightweight jacket like this for a while. It’s perfect for spring and I know I’ll wear it a lot.
Just as I was getting bored of my makeup routine, this shiny new Isamaya palette arrived (thanks, Mecca) and it’s made me rediscover my love for eyeshadow. The lilac shade is getting the most use at the moment, try it if you have brown or green eyes!
Watching
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I didn’t make it to many MIFF screenings this year, but what I did see I really loved. The first was French Girls – I interviewed the director, Hyun Lee, months ago, so I knew it was going to be good and it didn’t disappoint. The shots were gorgeous, the writing and characters were authentic (and funny!) and it’s just a brilliant snapshot of Sydney’s fashion scene.
The second was Paloma Schneideman’s Big Girls Don’t Cry, a queer, coming-of-age film set in 2006 in Omaha, New Zealand. This movie hit me hard – it really captured the feeling of growing up in Aotearoa in the 2000s, all the mischief you’d get up logging on to MSN Messenger as a 10-year-old, trying to hang out with older teenagers. Lots of laughs and teary moments.
Reading
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Currently, I’m reading an older book of Rachel Cusk’s called In the Fold and making my way through Lili Anolik’s Didion and Babitz on audiobook. I say ‘reading’ but I’m honestly struggling to finish anything at the moment.
Drinking
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I’m surely late to this hype, but I had my first night out at Capers in Thornbury recently, and the Greek salad martini was top-tier. With vodka, of course.
For more film recommendations, head here.
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