Level Up: Revolutionising Activewear for Every Woman Announces the Launch of ‘The Original Collection’

22.11.24
Level Up, the brand new gym apparel label founded by three friends passionate about fitness, style and comfort, is excited to announce the official release of its first collection, **The Original Collection**, set to drop on Friday, 22nd November at 5pm AEST.

Level Up was born with a powerful mission: to provide women of all shapes and sizes with activewear that doesn’t just fit—but sculpts, supports, and empowers. After testing countless gym apparel brands, the founders discovered a glaring gap in the market for comfortable, stylish, and flattering pieces that cater to diverse body types. Thus, the idea for Level Up was conceived.

The Original Collection is anchored by a timeless piece—the perfect pair of shorts. Designed to enhance comfort, provide maximum support, and make you look and feel incredible during every workout, this collection is the culmination of months of meticulous planning, fabric selection, and thoughtful design. Each piece from The Original Collection is more than just activewear; it’s a statement of confidence.

JAG unveils limited-edition capsule collection co-designed with Jess Kent

13.11.24
Iconic Australian brand JAG announces the release of an exclusive, limited-edition capsule collection in collaboration with Australian model, influencer, and mother of three, Jess Kent.

This highly anticipated 15-piece collection is designed to capture the essence of an Australian coastal summer, offering a blend of effortless style and versatility for women everywhere. The collection features summer must-haves, inspired by the laid-back vibe of family and friends gathered by the beach. With a colour palette of on-trend butter yellows, vibrant blues, and a playful embroidered lobster motif, the capsule is the perfect mix of casual cool and elevated style.

“I’m a mum of three, balancing motherhood with my passion for content creation, and I believe personal style shouldn’t take a back seat after becoming a mother. This collection embodies my vision of celebrating and rediscovering style – not just for mothers, but for all women.” says Jess Kent.

The JAG x Jess Kent capsule collection is available now.

UNIQLO to Open New Store in Robina Town Centre, Thursday 28th November

13.11.24
Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, will celebrate the opening of its new store at Robina Town Centre on November 28th 2024.

UNIQLO’s newest store will offer a full line-up of UNIQLO’s LifeWear apparel for men, women and kids, including the latest Spring/Summer collection as well as the upcoming Comptoir des Cotonniers collection with selected items available, and our exciting UT range dropping in, including Final Fantasy, Sanrio and STAR WARS history collection. The new store has a sales floor that covers over 902 square metres, generating employment in the area through full-time and casual.

To honour the new store opening, a large Japanese lantern featuring the iconic UNIQLO logo will be displayed above a merchandising display with the latest UNIQLO collections, located nearby the new store within the centre. UNIQLO will also be running activities for children and families, where they can create their own artworks to take home and enjoy.

UNIQLO Robina Town Centre opens 10am on Thursday 28th November, following an official Japanese ribbon-cutting ceremony and traditional taiko drumming performance as a nod to UNIQLO’s heritage. UNIQLO will provide a free UNIQLO gift bag to the first 500 customers who spend $100 or more in the store, as well as running other exclusive opening offers for customers around the opening.

Grace Loves Lace Presents VIVA: The Most Anticipated Bridal Collection in 14 Years

23.10.24
Esteemed Australian bridal powerhouse Grace Loves Lace is proud to announce the launch of their highly anticipated 2024 Mainline collection, “VIVA”. After 24 months in the making, the new collection marks the brand’s boldest evolution yet, introducing innovative designs and jaw dropping silhouettes. VIVA is Grace Loves Lace’s most significant release in 14 years.

Founder and Creative Director Megan Ziems shares her excitement: “We’ve poured our heart and soul into VIVA. She needed time, patience, and the space to evolve into something truly special. VIVA represents a new chapter for Grace Loves Lace. It’s innovative, it’s powerful, and it’s for the woman in a league of her own.”

The 14-piece collection blends advanced construction techniques with the brand’s signature raw luxury. In a Grace first, VIVA introduces flexi boning with 360-degree movement, ensuring unparalleled comfort, confidence, and a flawless silhouette. Featuring intricate lace, stunning embroidery, crepe and silks, Grace Love Lace’s passionate design team invested countless hours in the organic placement of elements, resulting in truly artisanal, one-of-a-kind gowns, the collection is a tribute to craftsmanship and artistic expression.

Grace Loves Lace’s VIVA collection will be available online and via appointment at their 26 global bridal boutiques.

Activewear brand STAX will open the doors to their first Queensland store at Pacific Fair this weekend.

17.10.24
Australia’s favourite tights will soon be available at Pacific Fair! Activewear brand STAX will be opening the doors to their first Queensland store at Pacific Fair this Saturday, 19th October.

There’s lots happening over opening weekend with a live DJ in-store, free matcha giveaways plus 30% off storewide. Be amongst the first to step inside as STAX celebrates this milestone in partnership with charity Zig Zag. They’re giving away 100 FREE gift packs in exchange for a physical charity donation to improve the lives of young women and their families.

Gold Coast Swim Week returns for its second season.

8.10.24
The Gold Coast is about to solidify its place on the global fashion map as Gold Coast Swim Week returns for its second season, from November 8th to 16th, 2024. This event promises to be a celebration of style, talent, and innovation while spotlighting the Gold Coast as Australia’s next fashion hotspot. With an incredible lineup of international and local talent, this week-long extravaganza is set to draw fashion enthusiasts, tourists, and industry leaders from around the world.

Set against the backdrop of some of the Gold Coast’s most iconic venues—Mariners Cove, Cali Beach Club, The Yot Club, Surfers Pavilion, The Yot Deck, and Mantra on View—this year’s Gold Coast Swim Week will offer a unique fusion of fashion, wellness, and business. It is not just an event but a showcase of the Gold Coast’s undeniable potential as a key player in the fashion industry, boosting local businesses, tourism, and the creative economy.

Attendees will be treated to exclusive runway shows, featuring both international and Australian designers, with talent arriving from fashion capitals such as Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and Melbourne, alongside our very own Gold Coast creatives. Expect cutting-edge swimwear collections, and trendsetting designs, all while supporting the booming local fashion scene.

Gold Coast Swim Week isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about well-being. The EmpowerFit Experience, a highlight of the week, offers guests a day dedicated to health and wellness. Through sessions led by industry experts, attendees will gain insights into mental and physical health, promoting a balanced lifestyle and self-care alongside the glamour of fashion.

Gold Coast Swim Week is not only a runway to success for established brands but also a springboard for emerging talent. The event will feature around 100 local models, giving them an international platform to elevate their careers and collaborate with top fashion houses.

Meet JUNI, a womenswear label founded by Ellie Watson.

30.9.24
Meet JUNI, a womenswear label founded by Ellie Watson.

On the evening of September 30th, at 7pm, JUNI will launch its debut SS24 collection, Fleur – a dreamy curation of refined, elevated and joyful pieces.

Fleur perfectly embodies the feeling of spring and summer with light, soft, flowy designs making up its range of ready-to-wear dresses, blouses, skirts, and pants. The collection also adds a touch of Fleur to everyday essentials, like its Bud Denim Shorts, oversized Blossom Tees, Hair Bow, and Daze Pyjama Set. Fleur introduces pieces that are easy to style together, helping to build capsule wardrobes that transcend seasons – a brand mission for JUNI.

Feminine shapes, textured and cotton fabrics, and beautiful prints will be staples across all four seasonal collections, with Fleur blending a mix of ditsy florals, soft stripes, and playful designs. Subtle and whimsical details throughout the collection – like delicate bows and sweet trims – add to its softness and wonder.

JUNI JUNIOR, a curated childrenswear collection will launch in tandem with JUNI.

Fleur will launch in AU sizes 6-18 for women and up to six years for children, with the intention to add additional sizes for both ranges in 2025.

CUE RETURNS TO PACIFIC FAIR

17.9.24
Iconic Australian fashion retailer Cue is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new store at Pacific Fair shopping centre on the Gold Coast. This new location marks an exciting return for Cue, bringing the brand’s signature style back to the premier Pacific Fair retail hub.

A physical manifestation of the new Cue direction, the store features a meticulously crafted interior that combines the brand’s distinctive aesthetics with a luxurious edge. A new elevated space: the design led by Architecture and Interior Design Studio Alexander &CO., is an embodiment of the Cue woman: confident, dynamic and empowered.

A testament to the brand’s signatures – bold colours and statement prints; the standout feature of the store is its custom natural stone crazy paved floor. Incorporating hues of jade green, travertine, and warm terracotta, this base element serves as a hero brand statement, providing a unique and captivating foundation for the store.

The interior boasts a striking burgundy high gloss scalloped bulkhead, creating an intimate space for the fitting area. The focal point, a feature room in a curved form enclosed by a jade green leather curtain suspended from a custom polished chrome rail. The surrounding sculptural wall lights in parchment and burnished steel, married with the custom column wrapped concrete bricks from the Natural Brick Company enhance the store’s tactile design.

by charlotte opens first Queensland store at Robina Town Centre

12.9.24
Founded by former editorial make-up artist Charlotte Blakeney, iconic Australian jewellery brand by charlotte has developed a cult following for it’s exquisite range of jewellery. Crafted in 18k gold vermeil, solid gold, and sterling silver, and adorned with precious gemstones, meaningful symbols, and Charlotte’s signature mindful mantras, the pieces are both a celebration of moments and recognition of milestones.

The new Robina Town Centre Store includes a Piercing Studio alongside its fabled jewellery range. Browse their core and seasonal collections with the help of our instore stylists, and personalise the perfect piece with our instore locket photo printing and engraving services. Opens today.

New Balance opens first store in Queensland at Pacific Fair

2.9.24
Global athletic leader New Balance is excited to announce the grand opening of its first UCC store in Queensland, located at Pacific Fair.

The new store marks a significant milestone in the brand’s continued growth, offering Queenslanders an enhanced shopping experience that blends style, performance, and the brand’s most sought-after collections.

The new store will feature New Balance’s full range, including classic lifestyle and performance collections, as well as exclusive Made in USA and UK products. Designed for everyone from fashion enthusiasts to fitness devotees, this location is set to become a hub for those seeking both quality and innovation.

Jonathan Clark, New Balance Asia Pacific DTC Director, said: “The opening of our Pacific Fair store is a key step in our ongoing expansion across the region. Queensland has always been an important region for us, and we’re thrilled to bring the UCC concept to the Gold Coast. This store represents our commitment to delivering unique retail experiences and connecting with more customers across Australia.”

UNIQLO to Open Sixth Store in Queensland at Robina Town Centre

29.8.24
Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, is set to celebrate the opening of its sixth store in Queensland late Spring. Located inside Robina Town Centre, a perfect shopping destination for family, the newest UNIQLO store will bring the brand’s famed shopping experience, top-notch customer service, and extensive range of LifeWear products to more customers across the Gold Coast area.

Fuminori Adachi, CEO of UNIQLO in Australia, said, “Thanks to exceptional support from our customers in Queensland, we are pleased to announce our sixth store in Queensland, opening this spring at the Robina Town Centre – our second overall for the Gold Coast area.

We are very grateful for the loyal support of Queensland customers since opening here in 2015. Now, our team looks forward to bringing UNIQLO LifeWear, known for its beautiful design and high quality, to even more customers here though the new store.”

With a sales floor area of nearly 1000 square metres in a single storey design, an all-in-one shopping experience for our Gold Coast community. The UNIQLO Robina store will offer a wide range of UNIQLO LifeWear: high-quality and functional apparel for men, women, kids and babies. UNIQLO LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

The store will be located on level 1 at Robina Town Centre Drive end of the shopping centre.  More details on the UNIQLO Robina store will be announced soon.

Balmain Launches Balmain Beauty With a New Luxury Fragrance Collection: Les Éternels

27.8.24
Balmain announces today the launch of its first beauty creation, a collection of eight all-gender eaux de parfum, “Les Éternels de Balmain.” This trailblazing fragrance experience was inspired by Pierre Balmain’s Parisian legacy and Olivier Rousteing’s modern influence on fashion and now beauty.

Introducing Les Éternels de Balmain
Powered by a richly crafted duality of ingredients, Les Éternels de Balmain is inspired by the universal quest for self-realization and identity. This inaugural collection includes eight multi-layered scents from four distinctive olfactive families – Musk, Amber, Floral, and Woody.

Click here to shop the collection and learn more.

PACIFIC FAIR’S BEAUTY WEEKEND RETURNS WITH FIRST TO AUSTRALIA POP-UP

3.6.24
Following the immense success of last year’s event, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is thrilled to be bringing Beauty Weekend back to the centre this June.

Fuelled by the rise of social media, the beauty industry continues to witness a significant transformation in the consumer decision making process, with TikTok being a powerful driving force among shoppers due to its authentic and influential nature.

The Gold Coast shopping centre has felt the impact these purchasing habits firsthand, with an increasing number of shoppers seeking out trending products showcased on social media platforms, thus the creation of ‘Beauty Weekend’.

This year’s event welcomes an added element of excitement, as Pacific Fair’s Beauty Weekend will host the inaugural pop-up shop for Paullie – the skincare brand which sold out within 7 minutes of launching last September.

Pacific Fair’s Beauty Weekend will run from June 15 to June 16, with exclusive giveaways, a free Beauty Lounge to indulge in samples and experiences from beauty brands including Sephora and Tom Ford, and a pop-up Beauty Bakery offering complimentary Cinnabon’s.

Additionally, alongside the Paullie pop up shop, two-hundred lucky customers will win a meet and greet with the brand’s founder, Anna Paul.

Harbour Town Premium Outlets Unveils Major $7 million Development

27.5.24
Harbour Town Premium Outlets is thrilled to announce an exciting development set to transform the Southern mall into a premium destination with the introduction of the Convenience Mall Upgrade.

Spanning the length from JB Hi-Fi to the Fruit Market and extending to the area adjacent to the Harbour Town Eats water fountain, this development marks a significant enhancement to the Centre’s infrastructure and aesthetics.

Scheduled to commence construction the first week of June and anticipated to conclude in late November 2024, the Convenience Mall upgrade is an investment of approximately $7 million.

The project aims to rejuvenate the oldest section of the Centre, harmonising it with the modern, biophilic design elements present throughout the rest of the open air centre. Highlights of the upgrade include the introduction of two new dining and food kiosks, revitalised flooring, enhanced landscaping, more seating and shade, and the creation of a picturesque courtyard outside Woolworths, replacing the existing fountain.

Throughout the duration of the construction, retailers will remain open.

New Heinemann store in Gold Coast Airport creates world-class, seamless shopping experience for all travellers

8.3.24
Heinemann Australia has officially opened the doors to its new store in Gold Coast Airport’s domestic terminal. Commemorated by an elevated ribbon-cutting ceremony and launch event attended by senior partners, stakeholders and local media on Thursday 7th March, the landmark store formally opens ahead of the busy Easter travel period.

A first for the domestic terminal, and as part of ongoing upgrades to the precinct, the store brings a world-class luxury shopping experience to Gold Coast domestic travellers, now with a full beauty, fashion and accessories offer, exclusive to Heinemann. Featuring iconic brands such Tom Ford, Jo Malone, Clinique, Gucci, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace, the range mirrors Heinemann’s offering in its international equivalent, spoiling beauty enthusiasts for choice regardless of whether they are flying domestically or internationally.

On Thursday 7th March, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was presided over by Heinemann Asia Pacific Chief Operating Officer Johannes Sammann, Heinemann Australia Managing Director George Tsoukalas and Queensland Airports Limited’s CEO Amelia Evans and Chief Commercial Officer Adam Rowe.

Without a doubt one of life’s greatest pleasures is sitting down in front of a multi-tiered tray, delicately filled with morish bite-size eats and paired with a cuppa. Or bubbles. Okay both.

In all honest-tea, here are 13 of the best high tea haunts here on the Coast. Bake a leg and get bready to tick them off your must-visit list, one by one. And go!

Cove Cafe
Following a multi-million dollar refurb, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is looking better than ever – as is the the ever-elegant High Tea menu, hosted in Cove Cafe from 1–4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Elevate your weekend with decadent morsels such as Spanner Crab with saffron mayonnaise, and Salted Caramel Choux with orchid vanilla tea cream and caramel sauce.

Plus, since they also have the bragging rights as the first hotel to feature globally renowned Tea Forté teas, so you can rest assured you’ll be treated like royal-tea – starting with a welcome of Tea Forté infused towel and palate-cleansing iced tea piccolo from your host. You can also upgrade to bottomless rosé or the signature ‘Pear-tea-ni’ cocktail – either of which sounds pear-fect to us (and bonus, we can finally swing by and suss out that lush, spruced up lagoon pool in the process). Prices start at $57 per person.
Where: Cove Cafe, Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, Manor Circle, Sanctuary Cove

Pearls Bar
This eclectic fave with warm mood lighting for days is known for its rotating seasonal high teas. Starting March 1 they invite us all to celebrate the heart of autumn with their Falling for Flavours: Autumn High Tea. Infused with luxurious flavours inspired by the new season, we’re drooling in anticipation. From Roasted Hazelnut Nutella Slice to Spiced Pumpkin Cake, you certainly won’t leave underwhelmed…or hungry. Complemented by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and tropical palms, it looks as decadent as it tastes. $76 per adult, which includes a glass of Sparking Wine as well as unlimited tea and coffee.
Where: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Le Jardin
The Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive’s HQ of luxury might be sporting a fresh new name – but thankfully they’re serving up that same fabulous Couture High Tea experience we know and love. Bringing a fashionable culinary experience to the perennial classic – you’ll be feeling very high socie-tea indeed sipping bubbles surrounded by the sparkling crystal chandelier and grand vaulted ceilings. There are two high tea options to choose from (fancy and fancier) – depending on how bougee you’re feeling – starting from $89.90 per person. Or for a slightly less extravagant experience (that doesn’t skimp on the delish factor), there are also four curated mini-spreads to pick from (think Devonshire tea) for around $30 per person.
Where: Imperial Hotel, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach

Chapter and Verse
Located in the luxurious JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, high tea at Chapter & Verse is an unmissable resort tradition created by their esteemed culinary team. Using local ingredients, this team take their high tea business seriously – sharing that each homemade morsel is inspired by the echo of birds in the resort’s peaceful and tranquil surrounds. So excuse us as we channel our inner seagull and duke it out over the likes of of Honey Lavender Scones and Salted Caramel Chocolate Tartlet… we kid, of course – only our best etiquette for a classy establishment like the Marriott. There’s also a cute mini-me version for the little ones, Teeny Tiny Tea for $39 per child. Prices start from $79 per adult.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Bumbles
Tucked peacefully a stone’s throw from the Budds Beach waterfront, Surfers stalwart Bumbles has long been a beloved spot to meet for coffee and some grazing action (and now cocktails – thanks to neighbouring big sis sip spot, Blue House #squee).

Inside the most charming little cafe in 4217 (and perhaps, the entire coast) there’s a mix of themed private rooms that branch off the main space – so it figures that it also makes a particularly spesh spot for a fanciful high tea soiree. Acquaint yourself with the divinely appointed Library (or luxurious Hamptons room, perhaps) and tuck into a spread of smoked salmon blinis, pint-sized quiches, fruit tarts and tea sandwiches. Bookings for the “regular” high tea (a misnomer if ever we’ve heard one) come in at $50 per person, with dietary and bubbles options also available. La-de-dah indeed.
Where: 19 River Drive, Surfers Paradise

QT Gold Coast
This is no ordinary high tea! … well okay, technically speaking they do offer an ‘Ordinary’ High Tea option, but since you know QT Gold Coast is all about infusing the unexpected into everything they do – trust us when we say it’s anything but. The variety of pinky-popping menus also include a champas-studded Extraordinary High Tea experience, a Man Tea for a more savoury take and a mini spread for your little Q’Ties for $39 per child.

Here, the typical savoury tea fare has been treated to a tapas-style twist, such as Spiced Tempura Cauliflower and Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Poppers to excite the tastebuds – so, move over cucumber sandwich, you culinary snooze-fest you (there, we said it). And don’t get us started on the Choux Pastries and Brownie-macarons. Prices start at $64 per adult with a variety of boozy upgrade options, such as jugs of Aperol Spritz really enhance to your experience.
Where: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Ms Margot’s
A pretty little gem nestled just inside the lobby of Hilton Surfers Paradise, Ms Margot’s certainly knows a thing or two about being boujee. Along with serving up superb sips and all-day bites, the signature High Tea spread is available from 11:30–3:00 daily for whenever the urge for a lavish light lunch hits. Gather your gal and/or guy pals for a glam #SATC style rendezvous, and spill the tea over soft-shell crab bao, pumpkin arancini, and halloumi with pickled fig. The Signature and champagne upgrade Par-Tea option come in at a very Carrie approved $42 and $67 respectively – bc, y’know – more to splash on shoes. OTT outfits optional.
Where: Hilton Surfers Paradise, 6 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise

Palette
Every Sunday, locals and visitors alike flock to HOTA not just for their arty fix or a spot of market browsing, but to tuck into a delightful High Tea. Served in the critically acclaimed and ever-popular Palette restaurant, superstar Executive Chef Dayan Hartill-Law has curated the ultimate high tea experience. A couple of highlights are the Prawn Toast with yuzu mayo and sesame and for the sweet tooths, Davidson Plum and Marshmallow Pinwheel. Yum! Prices start at $70 per adult.
Where: HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise

Greendays
With its pavilion backdrop, lush gardens, and tranquil setting, this centrally located secluded oasis is the home of high tea. To set the scene on the type of sumptuous snack spread they put on – we’re talking mouth-watering morsels like Pork and Chestnut Gyoza, Pandan Swiss Roll and Dragonfruit Pannacotta. Throw in a glass of French bubbles for an extra $12… just because, or go the whole hog and upgrade to bottomless bubbles for an extra $45 pp. There’s also a separate vegan high tea and junior high tea so no one misses out. High Tea from $65 per adult.
Where: 8/6 Ashmore Road, Bundall

The Langham
Okay so technically this one is officially called an Afternoon Tea, but when it comes to sumptuously snacking our way through bite-sized helpings of Miniature coconut + mango pavlovas, Hot smoked salmon rillettes and Lemon curd scones, we’re not about to get caught up in the semantics now are we (a ‘Rosé’ by any other name and all that).

In a British nod to its namesake at The Langham, London where traditional English afternoon tea was served over 150 years ago, the stunning Palm Court restaurant inside the hotel pays tribute to its heritage. Serving a bespoke offering of the traditional Afternoon Tea crafted by culinary experts, it’s time to start practicing your tea drinking etiquette (no pinky!). Prices start from $109 per person Monday to Friday and $119 per person Saturday & Sunday.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise

Videre
Local fave Videre does a high tea with panache… with the added perk of some some pretty stellar views, to boot. From Moreton Bay Bug Fritters and Barramundi Summer rolls with bush tomato relish, to a selection of sweets whipped up by the in-house Chef de Patisserie’s – the quali-tea here is unparalleled. And quite frankly, the assortment of freshly baked scone flavours served with all the trimmings (hellooo Sun-dried mango scone and just-churned butter!) alone is enough to get us swooning. Don’t forget the unlimited French press coffee and ‘Tea Drop’ tea and breathtaking panoramic views from the 21st floor whilst the golf folk slug it out below. We know what we’d rather be doing. Prices start at $68 per person including a glass of Mumm Tasmania Brut Prestige or a speciality mocktail, delish!
Where: RACV Royal Pines, Ross Street, Benowa

Mecca Bah
Have you tried a Middle Eastern high tea yet and if you’re shaking your noggin, we’re about to open up a whole new world of d-lish. Boasting exotic sweet and savoury bites a-plenty, it will become your new normal to meet your mates here. Tuck in to three tiers brimming with treats such as Orange Blossom Cheesecake and Halloumi and Eggplant Skewers, with unlimited barista made coffee and tea, and a sparking wine or mocktail on arrival. $69 pp, minimum of four people.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach & 18/10 Santa Barbara Road, Hope Island

Bon Appetea Teahouse
Nestled in leafy Mudgeeraba, the stunningly decorated and truly breathtaking Bon Appetea Teahouse exudes French charm and traditional elegance. Popular for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and basically any event you can think of, their Luxe High Tea is the definition of decadence. Think scones with homemade jam and cream and a selection of petite patisseries, organic sandwiches and savoury bites. Oh and if you’re on the hunt for a truly beautiful, quaint, spot to tie the knot, this one’s a keeper. $55 per adult.
Where: 7 Johns Road, Mudgeeraba

Words by Kellie Leader.

Lauren Murphy, the Founder/Owner of The Style File Aus is our go-to Gold Coast girl when it comes to fashion advice. She’s the resident stylist for Robina Town Centre, a personal and editorial fashion stylist and a busy mum of two. So, it’s safe to say she knows how to dress to impress! Lauren gave us a rundown on the 2022 Melbourne Cup fashion trends and why she loves calling the Gold Coast home.

How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
My family moved from Sydney to the Tweed Region, (just South of the border), when I was four. At 17, we relocated to Tallebudgera Valley. I then spent my early twenties renting beachside units from Mermaid to Currumbin, and in 2015, bought a house with my husband in Elanora, where we currently live and love with our two children.

What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The main things I love about the GC are the laid-back lifestyle, the weather, the beaches, the incredible business starts ups, the healthy lifestyle and the fact that it is a beautiful place to raise young children. I also love the proximity to everything.. for example; the fact that I can go from school drop off to morning pilates to taking a client shopping, followed by a live football game, to dinner and drinks by the beach all in one day is very gratifying.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband Scott, who works FIFO as a Mining Manager, and two beautiful children – Cuba, 6 and Yorke, 4.  I worked my entire teen years, every weekend and school holidays in a Kirra beachfront surf shop. I then went on to complete a Marketing Degree and a 10 year career in Media, Events and Public Relations. But after my second child was born, I decided to shift my career focus solely to my styling business, The Style Files Aus. I work closely with freelance clients on cleansing their wardrobe and shopping in alignment with their personal style, and I am the Resident Stylist at Robina Town Centre. I am a true Libran – a calm creative who loves beautiful things, a fighter of fairness but I am extremely indecisive. I have five brothers and sisters and five foster siblings also.

What made you want to pursue a career as a stylist?
A natural-born creative and a lover of all things fashion, I had dabbled in elements of styling without even knowing it as such in my old jobs. I found myself googling fashion courses while at my desk one day and I had a friend tell me she had enrolled in a styling course. I remember telling my husband “I wish I could do that” and his response was simply, “why can’t you?”. And from that moment on I decided no excuses would override my passion. I enrolled in the Australian Style Institute and took annual leave to complete my intensive personal and editorial styling training in Melbourne. The rest is history!

What trends do you think will be huge this year for the spring racing season?
I’m 100% confident that colour will be huge, especially monochrome colour play with shades of purple, pink, green and orange will taking centre stage. Feminine gloves, puffy sleeves, bows and statement eyewear will all be dominant. Along with woven, rattan textured accessories. Overall, a European Summer influence.

What’s on trend for headpieces this year? Fascinators, headbands, hats, what is your pick?
I think we will see a lot of netting and classic bows. Along with wide brim, sleek hats. And as mentioned above, I think we’ll see a beautiful display of woven, rattan textures.

What has been your favourite spring racing fashion trend to have emerged in recent years?
I love seeing suiting on women on track side! Although it can be a little warm on the GC for that year-round, so I’m going to say the glam 60’s style. Think structured smocks with pinched waistlines and buttons, paired with big hair, thick headbands and mini handbags.

What race day style trends do you think are overdone?
Those higher neck, lace dresses that make a person look 10 years older than what they really are and bodycon/bandage dresses. They are so done.

Which Australian designers are your favourites for racing season?
Aje and Zimmerman always bring the feminine frock goodies and some personal faves favourties of mine for a slight edge are Alice McCALL, Shona Joy and Dion Lee. If you’re chasing a last-minute spring racing outfit, Issue 1 at Robina Town Centre always have beautiful Australian labels.

What do you love about Gold Coast race day fashion?
I love that us Gold Coasters dare to be different and always wear a smile! We aren’t afraid of colour, colour and more colour, and wear outfits that make us feel good aka we’re big on “Dopamine Dressing”.

How will you be celebrating the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival?
I will be getting dolled up and heading to Nineteen at The Star with a couple of girlfriends for a few champagnes and a cheeky punt. I have always loved getting dressed up for Melbourne Cup and putting a complete look together, head-to-toe, and being around other people so full of energy and good vibes. I can’t wait!

What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: Coffee- My local Down to Earth Café for coffee (7^th Ave Palm Beach)
Breakfast spot: Plantation House (Tallebudgera Creek Road).
Restaurant: Tommy’s in Currumbin or Light Years in Miami for a girl’s lunch, Nineteen at The Star for fine dining, Ze Pickle Burleigh for a casual burgers and wings.
Bar or place for a drink: I can’t go past a Gold Coast Surf Club! Palm Beach, Currumbin or Tallebudgera are where I go most. Otherwise, it’s my favourite restaurants above with a side of margaritas!
Beach: The Alley, Kirra or 11^th Ave Palm Beach. Gosh we’re luck here to be spoilt for choice.

How do you choose to spend your days off?
My days off usually consist of running around after my kids haha. Cuba plays football for Currumbin Eagles and is in Palm Beach Nippers, and Yorke dances at Coastal Dance in Currumbin. There is also soccer and touch football during the week. We also attend lots of kid’s birthday parties and social events lots of different venues around the Coast. I like to try and get to one of our local markets and if I can sneak away, I’ll do a reformer pilates class at Studio Pilates in Palm Beach. BBQ’s with friends by the pool are definitely popular in Spring/Summer, as are beach days with a few sneaky bevies to finish off!