Editor’s letter
Irecently had the pleasure of meeting our cover stars Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger at a cocktail event aboard a fabulous yacht cruising Sydney Harbour. The couple were charming and playful as we relaxed in the sunshine, with the eventual sunset serving as a fitting backdrop to a wonderful afternoon. It was a brilliant way to start the summer festive season.
Mr and Mrs Hilfiger kindly invited Vogue Living into their incredible art-filled, modernist mansion (page 88) in Miami, and it’s a cover home that embodies the spirit of this special holiday issue with its celebration of bright summer style, impeccable design and awe-inspiring art.
Back on Australian shores, our rich and diverse design landscape continues to inspire and VL has once again partnered with Alessi for the prestigious Alessi Design Awards with powerhouse judges Philippe Starck and Alberto Alessi at the helm. The iconic duo reveal our finalists, some of Australia’s best emerging and established design talent (page 61), in this issue.
With our enviable clear blue skies and stretches of golden and white sand, outdoor living is what Australians do best. To celebrate summer’s arrival, we offer our edit of this season’s hottest outdoor furniture and accessories (page 44) for a fresh update to your courtyard, balcony or alfresco entertaining space, as well as a few beachside essentials. Everything from outdoor sofas and sun lounges to beach umbrellas and tables of all sizes has been curated for your go-to shopping list.
And let’s not forget the distinctive homes at the heart of this edition, each one a visual treat for every design lovers’ inclination. Step into Lorraine Tarabay and Nick Langley’s heritage-listed home in Sydney’s Point Piper (page 124) and marvel at one of the most impressive collections of contemporary art. Take in the laid-back minimalistic cool of the holiday residence of Thomas Siffler and Els Lybeer (page 138) in Puglia, Italy, that seems to both blend in and stand out from its coastal surroundings. Relish the balance of colour and sculptural forms in a family’s artistic retreat in the French Riviera hinterland, designed by the inimitable India Mahdavi. Each of these homes showcases the owners’ personalities and demonstrates the power of art to offer reflection and representation. Look to Annemarie Kiely’s exploration on creative expression and the impact art has on our souls and our personal spaces (page 37).
Lastly, our intrepid travel editor Lee Tulloch takes us on some of the world’s most exciting and luxurious river cruises, sailing through some of the most exotic and historic locations imaginable from the Nile to the Mekong (page 153).
So sit back, soak up some sun and enjoy every page of this sensational summer edition. Happy holidays.