We're halfway through the landslide week. We're alive, we're not limping, and we've got statistics to share. There's an art to the survival of Australian Fashion Week, and to prep and prime the masses, we've got tips to go around. In between shows, fittings, and capturing the best off-duty street style on the ground at Carriageworks, we have to make time for rejuvenation.
Looking to escape the barrage at Carriageworks? Hankering after the perfect post-show drink? In the mood for a little R&R, or a hot-footing about town? We've got it all. And our guide is tried and tested. Scroll below for our masthead's survival guide. It's a little reminiscent of Sun Tzu's The Art of War, and a lot like our own battle cry. See beneath.
Elyssa Kostopoulos
Content Director
FOR A WHOLESOME MEAL...
Dion Lee's ramen pop-up at Cho Cho San in Potts Point – because fashion and food belong together. For this week only, pop in for a post-evening show meal, which includes Dion's famous martini, a generous bowl of ramen and black sesame soft serve to finish it all off. I'm not ashamed to say I've frequented the venue more than once this week...
FOR A BETWEEN-SHOWS DRINK…
Odd Culture in Newtown. It's a short five minute walk from Carriageworks but feels so distant from the world of Australian Fashion Week. My favourite cocktail is the Jazz Hands and obviously it's the chicken liver pâté for a quick but moorish snack.
FOR AN EOD DRINK (AND BOOGIE)…
I can't say that I made it out much after the 8pm shows this week (say whatever you want about me being a grandma), but when I did, it's Cafe Freda's and Cafe Freda's only. There's a reason why the hottest afterparty of the week – courtesy of Alix Higgins – was held there.
FOR WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK…
On the odd nights when I made it back home at a reasonable hour, I swung by Rimba Sweat in Cronulla for a quick 30 minute infrared sauna to cap off the night. I might have been their last customer of the day, truthfully. But it helped me sleep so soundly.
FOR THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT…
There's no right answer other than A.P. Bakery. That, or the lolly and chocolate container I have been keeping in my car for emergencies.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
FOR A WHOLESOME MEAL...
I am rarely found south of the Harbour Bridge, so I take all my ‘what’s hot’ recommendations from our production editor Cassie. She recently informed me that the dumpling bar around the corner from our office in Darlinghurst, Little Fu, is A+. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before heading back to Carriageworks for the evening shows.
FOR A BETWEEN-SHOWS DRINK…
Bart Jr is only a 15 minute walk from Carriageworks. It has a delightful, neighbourly atmosphere. But when I’m really exhausted, there have been many times that I’ve dived into the Royal Hotel Darlington across the road.
FOR AN EOD DRINK (AND BOOGIE)…
For a late evening of drinks and pasta, Club Fontana is a must. Try the sorrentina.
FOR WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK…
I will most certainly be diving into Rimba Sweat in Neutral Bay on my way home later in the week. There’s nothing like a sauna sweat sesh to perk you right back up.
FOR THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT…
Another recommendation courtesy of Cassie, the Organic Bread Bar in Darlinghurst has excellent sweet pastries.
Emily Algar
Beauty Editor
FOR A WHOLESOME MEAL…
I low-key love Jap’s Table in Darlington. It’s quiet, cosy and the food is top notch. There’s a PR office across the street and I always make sure I’ve got time for some ramen after a showing. Also, a short walk from Carriageworks!
FOR A BETWEEN-SHOWS DRINK…
I’m revealing myself as someone who’s never lived in the inner west before because I don’t know of any really cute bars in the vicinity…. But I do love Odd Culture in Newtown and Google Maps tells me it's a 16 minute walk. Footwear pending, I think that works (plus, there’s always Uber).
FOR AN EOD DRINK (AND BOOGIE)…
I’d probably go to Bar Copains in Surry Hills. The wine list is good and the snacks are incredible (get the fish sandwich). If I wanted a proper dinner, Pellegrino 2000.
FOR WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK…
I went to Capybara Bathing in Surry Hills last week and loved it. It’s a bathhouse that just opened and has all the things: ice plunging, steam rooms, saunas, herbal tea. It’s quiet in the middle of the day — perfect if there’s ample time between shows. Also great EOW to detox the mind/body/spirit.
FOR THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT…
Hmmm… if time permits, a walk to A.P Bakery to get my hands on any sort of baked goods. Otherwise I might steal a cookie from Kaska Eatery underneath the RUSSH offices when I’m back at my desk editing/filing content.
Karen Leong
Arts & Culture Writer
FOR A WHOLESOME MEAL…
Nourishing yourself during the pandemonium of this week is a necessary rite. Emma’s Snack Bar is a slingshot away from my home, perfect for a midweek fill-up designated to keep me going. Make stomach space for two portions of the moorish chicken and the chilli hummus – it’s dynamite.
FOR A BETWEEN-SHOWS DRINK…
As someone who used to live three doors down from The Royal, I can tell you its hallowed doors has seen me in every state from collectedness and disorder. The Prosecco is delightfully cheap and not too bad on the head the next day.
FOR AN EOD DRINK (AND BOOGIE)…
Time to really let your hair down. I’m hearing whispers of a SPEED afterparty that I may or may not be attending. You’ll find me locked in a dead heat on the dance floor, or ordering a singular Negroni.
FOR WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK…
If I’m not at Carriageworks, I’ll be in circuit class at Scout Pilates.
FOR THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT…
I’ll be mass-ordering some goodies from Azuki Bakery to keep my sugar level high. That, and the small hoard of pandan madeleines made by my friend Jackie will be enough to keep me sated.
Samantha Corry
Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief
FOR A WHOLESOME MEAL…
Lil Sis, the wine bar in Chippendale has the cosiest atmosphere and great food, and of course a large variety of wine. Nestled in the city, above the Abercrombie, its very central but also a quiet dining spot.
FOR A BETWEEN-SHOWS DRINK…
Right behind Carriageworks is RE-, a cute little cafe looking bar that I don't believe you could find a closer spot for a quick cocktail or glass of wine.
FOR AN EOD DRINK (AND BOOGIE)…
The atmosphere at The Caterpillar Club is unmatched, think jazz club meets the dance floor. And if you just want a drink there’s booths to sit at and a dance floor for a boogie. End the day off at Carriageworks in a classy style, at a classy club.
FOR WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK…
The Skin Bar in Double Bay is the only place I got to for a facial or some relaxation. If you have an hour to spare, definitely worth a little treatment or even some LED light time on your face.
FOR THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT…
Yo-Chi. I know it’s become quite hyped, but nothing like some frozen yoghurt.
