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Voyaging to Ibiza had always been my dream - that island where Spanish summers are hot, cocktails are cold, beaches are beautiful and parties unforgettable. Before I left, my friends retold their stories and added how there are many Ibizas to discover - each time they went they found a new place awaited them. This was somewhat perplexing to me : Is it because new restaurants have opened or they are staying in new accommodation or is it because the weather is different each time? It seemed like a puzzle to piece together and not one of them offered to elaborate on this confusing statement.

So, as they sometimes do, stars came together and offered a quick trip to this balearic paradise a couple of months ago. Renting a beautiful house with dear friends on top of a hill with a sparkling pool and sunset vistas. Heaven. And we did have fun! Languid lunches and long nights, swims and cocktails and even a sail to Formentrera...but everyone said; it will be a different Ibiza next time.
Then, one afternoon, I had a look at the art hanging in our rented villa and found a big cork board with amazing pictures. There was Vera, the woman who rented the house to us , in all her Ibiza editions. In a pink vinyl jacket and a perm hugging Charles Bronson, in an iridescent swimsuit with Naomi Campbell in the early 90s, looking rock n'roll in black leather with Gary Coleman of Different Strokes, innocent in white with Johnny Hallyday and bohemian with some French band . That's when I realized; this is why each time people visit Ibiza it changes. The experience of this island depends so much on the people you are with, the things that you are attracted to at that particular moment in life and what kind of style you want to emulate. Ibiza itself is merely a gateway to experiences so it's up to you which part you magnetize yourself to and attract into your sphere. Glamour and attitude never go astray in this corner of the Med and fashion is as much an expression of your aesthetic as an advertisement of what sort of lifestyle you aspire to.
Mainly though, I realized : Vera, in all her experimenting incarnations , might be my spirit animal .

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sunset ibiza
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Dress by Shona Joy
Necklace and bracelet by Swarovski
Sandals by Proenza Schouler

Celebrating 100 years of the iconic Cartier Panther collection.

In Paris recently whilst on holidays, I visited the elegant Rue de la Paix Cartier butique with my daughter Coco to put my beloved Santos watch in for a service. We ended up spending nearly an hour in the store admiring the incredible Panthére collection on glittering display – she was so in awe, she excitedly exclaimed she wanted to become a jewellery maker.

Back in Sydney, upon hearing about this assignment, I felt as giddy as she – the Panthére collection boasts some of my favourite jewellery of all time; pieces that transcend fashion trends and never age. There is something so beautiful, versatile and strong yet completely feminine in the metaphor of the panther, the majestic predator that has been prowling Cartier jewellery since 1914. Contrary to popular belief, this beautiful creature doesn’t have all black fur; on closer inspection, the fur is dark brown and carries gorgeous rosettes and solid spots of all sizes; hence the similarity to leopard fur and the spotted emblem used across the Cartier jewellery.

Interestingly, even though born under the house’s name, the collection was started by a woman, Jeanne Toussaint, who worked closely with Cartier and was herself nicknamed Le Panthére for her free-thinking temperament, strong will and exotic style. She first incorporated the spotted panther motif on a watch in 1914 , introducing flecking on jewellery. It soon became a concept that adorned many Cartier designs; from powder boxes and vanity cases to later embellishing brooches, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. In 1948, a three dimensional brooch was acquired by the Duchess of Windsor who became a loyal customer, commissioning another stunning brooch and an onyx studded diamond bracelet.

Since then, the Panthére collection has undergone many transformations, consistently producing amazing contemporary jewellery. For this story, I loaned some of my favourite pieces from the collection and styled them by incorporating key 2014/2015 trends.

Tanja Gacic wearing Cartier Panthere

The 1960s dominated the runways from Gucci to Louis Vuitton this season. I love the revival of femininity and luxury of this trend, not to mention that tan, honey and gold are a match made in sartorial heaven. (Wearing necklace, bracelet and ring by Cartier, bodysuit by Josh Goot, leather skirt by Gucci,vintage fur coat and Pucci sunglasses.)

Tanja Gacic's juicy lips wearing Cartier ring Panthere
Tanja Gacic wearing Red Gown leaning on a column wearing Cartier

A return to elegance and sweeping hemlines may be interpreted as a way to recapture fairytale glamour, however, done in red, it becomes a timeless way to stand out – just add diamond-encrusted panthers.(Wearing Cartier earrings and ring, gown by Camilla and Marc)

Tanja Gacic wearing a Saint Laurent black suit, Louboutin shoes and Cartier jewellery in Sydney
Make like Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn because men’s tailoring is back in a big way. There is nothing as flattering as a well-cut suit on a woman – nothing as sexy either. (Wearing Cartier choker and bracelet, Saint Laurent suit from Parlour X, Christian Louboutin pumps, Maison Michel hat)

View the full story + more pictures on the Vogue.com.au website here !
photographed by Kasia Werstak

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So before we start, a little secret. I am not really a blonde. What?! Yep, it's true.I was born with chestnut brown hair that my mother said was such a perfect shade, I had to promise her I would never dye it. Ever. Well, that promise flew out the window when it became apparent that along with this perfect shade, I also inherited her prematurely greying genes. First one at 20- ay!

I went through some crazy colors throughout my modeling career; from a platinum blonde bob to auburn tresses and jet black pixie cut, but once I was done experimenting, I needed a color that would not need a crazy amount of upkeep - something that looked cool, natural and a little beachy. Enter the world of foils and the perfect balayage. There has been trial and error, streakiness, block colours that just didn't blend and a few crocodile tears.

So when Wella contacted me about trying out their new Freelights system, I was a little hesitant. I mean, I've got my hair done at so many great salons around the world, what could be different, better or improved? But with summer around the corner, I was intrigued and excited.

I'm glad I gave it a go, because, boy was I wrong. There are many ways to improve a balayage. My colorist, renowned Shari Reynolds (fun fact ; she was George Michael's colourist back in the day ) says the Wella Freelights is a very exciting, cutting edge innovation in highlighting. Why?- I ask, feeling quite doubtful. Shari explains this particular product is so special because it gives a technician maximum freedom of hand painting application without the use of foils, bleeding or shifting - holding in place because it is made out of a revolutionary new substance that blends clay and a special polymer liquid - in turn also leaving hair in incredible condition. Not only that, but because it is hand painted, you cannot tell where the edges are so unlike the foil technology , it is not necessary to go back to the salon every 6 weeks. It is such a natural , gradual effect that it is suitable for any hair color, and is a part of the Wella bespoke, luxury service. All I hear is luxury, incredible condition, natural, bespoke and I want in.

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After the treatment is done I am amazed at the condition. Incredibly soft, without the brittleness that comes after bleaching, the color looks incredibly natural. Where my hair was quite dry and brassy after my European holiday and the salty sea, it looks slightly cooler now , with subtle highlights, shading and a silky texture. Wella Freelights, you win!

My Empirical Life has teemed up with Wella to provide one lucky reader with their own luxury Freelights salon experience. Email your full name, town and email address to pr@myempiricallife.com to go in the draw. Winner drawn next Tuesday 16th September 2014. Unfortunately the competition is only open to Australian residents this time!

Remember the Youthquake ? No?  Neither do I - I was nowhere near being born when this phenomenon of the 1960s resulted in a cultural change encompassing culture, music and fashion. Where fashion was once dictated by the rich, it became all about rebellious teenagers, Beetles and Mod, designers started making clothes for teenagers and fashion became youthful, fun and spirited -think miniskirts and jumpsuits on girls such as Edie Sedgwick, Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. This year's Sydney Fashion week reminded me of the spirit of this time as the schedule was packed full of exciting new designers like Discount Universe, Emma Mulholland, By Jonny, Dyspnea and Haryono Setiadi - designers whose clothes seemed to be made for the new generation. Outside of the venue, street style photographers like Tommy Ton and Phil Oh chased down a new, defiant type of girl - one who mixed punk and rock n' roll whilst staying intelligently outspoken and concerned about the environment ( check out Ollie Henderson's Start The Riot initiative  for clues).

If you've been following this blog, you'd be aware I am a little bit of a magpie when it comes to fashion - let's face it ; Joan Collins is my style icon. It's not that I don't like a well cut suit, monochrome or simple, abhor clean lines or on the other side of the spectrum wake up and think Liberace is my reference when I'm getting dressed -  it's that I need variety in fashion like I need it in food, music and life in general. I also firmly believe in the powers of color, stand out pieces, a dash of kooky and cultivating your own kind of eccentrism. It's never too late to get younger!

For this story, I adjusted my multitasking fun cap and photographed, styled and played with make up on five gorgeous new faces while combining some exciting new fashion from the old and new guard. Hope you like...

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Roberta gives good 'tood in a Josh Goot bodysuit and skirt, Discount Universe corset, vintage cap and Poms necklace and bracelet

 

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Milla is ethereal in a dress by Dyspnea, bracelet by Poms and earrings by 8 Other Reasons

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Annabel slouches in a top by Emma Mulholland, skirt By Jonny, coat by Josh Goot and clutch by A-esque

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Kate says hi in a Discount Universe top, Camilla & Marc skirt and Rag & Bone hat

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Emily relaxes in a Zulu & Zephyr bikini, Discount Universe leather jacket and Poms earrings

 

In order of appearance: Roberta Pecoraro, Milla McKenzie and Annabel Moore all from Chic management, Kate Bonnet from IMG management and Emily Green from London management

 

You don’t have to be an expert in geometry or a mathematical genius to see spring’s bright linear future.
This is a trend that is clean, fresh, modern, and in OCD terms tidy (boy, my boyfriend loves that word). Importantly, this is a look that goes beyond the term trend because it is universally re-workable; take a soft dress, throw on a neatly patterned coat and voila! You get a softly structured outfit that takes you from boardroom to dinner.

In essence it is all about well-cut clothes that take on architectural principles but are modified to be feminine, light, airy and flattering.
Below the knee dresses and skirts add a modern Mad Men sensuality, while cropped silhouettes herald the arrival of spring and the perennial classic, monochrome gets a much needed update.

 

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Soft silk and lace blend with a cover-up that is just as glamorous (LOVER DRESS, JOSH GOOT COAT, GIANVITO ROSSI PUMPS AND AMBER SCEATS RING)

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Accessorise with simple, architectural jewelry.(Wearing Cynics silver rings and Tiffany & Co. cuff)

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Mix soft tweed with elegant separates for springtime glamour. (Wearing Josh Goot top and skirt, Sportsmax coat and Gianvito Rossi pumps.)

Full story and 3 more looks on Vogue.com.au's website here!

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