Alexandra & Genevieve Smart
Sisters Alexandra and Genevieve Smart founded fashion label Ginger & Smart in 2002. They focus on creating timeless, quality pieces that will be loved forever.
THE GREATEST CHALLENGES OF 2020? Alexandra: Managing family and work life, and keeping both rolling forward.
Genevieve: Yes, keeping the business, family life and creativity thriving in such uncertain times was often overwhelming.
But the challenges have in many ways brought out the best in all these areas of my life.
UNEXPECTED HIGHLIGHTS?
Alexandra: Our team has been amazing and supportive. Genevieve: We’re so grateful for our loyal team.
I also loved seeing a different side to every member of my family as we worked and schooled under the same roof.
LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR? Alexandra: That anything can happen – it’s amazing what the human spirit can deal with.
Genevieve: The importance of being able to adapt and change and never to take a moment for granted.
WILL YOU BE TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER?
Alexandra: It’s a great time to explore our own back yard. We will do a road trip to Casuarina, a little town near the NSW-Queensland border after Christmas.
We’re looking forward to discovering parts of the country we never knew existed.
Genevieve: I’m counting the days to our trip to Brunswick Heads [northern NSW] with my family.
We’ll be visiting friends along the way.
ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
Alexandra: I can’t wait to go back to Morocco. Genevieve: I’m craving new horizons. Costa Rica is on my list.
AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…?
Genevieve: Sun, sand and salty water.
Alexandra: An early morning swim at Balmoral Beach [on Sydney’s North Shore] is just the ticket.
A GIFT YOU WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE?
Alexandra: Sounds corny, but the best gift for me is being around loved ones.
Genevieve: Time is always the greatest luxury for me. I’m looking forward to giving myself a moment to breathe.
HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES?
Genevieve: My favourite vintage Ginger & Smart holiday dresses that get better with age. Silk jumpsuits, gorgeous slides, a great hat and a few oversized scarves that can work as a sarong or head scarf as required.
Alexandra: A fascinating book, bucket hat, good-looking slides, and resort pieces that are made from sustainably sourced fabrics.
YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST?
Alexandra: I’m loving the Moroccan festival playlist Makara Love by Carlos Velasco.
Genevieve: Nostalgia Killer [by Life of Riley] is a favourite summer playlist.
FAVOURITE FESTIVE TIPPLE?
Alexandra: Always rosé. Genevieve: I love a jalapeño Margarita in summer.
FAVOURITE SUMMER SCENT? Alexandra: Ripe mangoes.
Genevieve: Rain after a hot day.
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER?
Genevieve: Summer holidays spent at Pittwater, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. There were no phones or computers or sometimes no electricity. Summer days were spent jumping off wharves, reading, fishing and exploring nature.
HOLIDAY VIEWING?
Genevieve: Fashion documentaries like Martin Margiela: In his Own words and House of Cardin.
YOUR HOPES FOR NEXT YEAR?
Alexandra: That there will be a greater sense of ease. This year has had multiple stress points for so many people and I think 2021 needs to give back a little bit.
Genevieve: I truly hope for a year of peace and positive change.