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Influential, innovative, inspiring: these are
the winners of the 2010 InStyle and Audi
Women of Style Awards, also supported
by SK-II, Longines and Virgin Blue. By Jo McKay
Kirrily Johnston
Winner: Fashion
“The last thing I won was a runner-up trophy for
softball when I was 11!” laughs designer Kirrily
Johnston. Yes, her time has come. In the five years
since the native Melburnian launched her eponymous
label, Johnston has single-handedly driven her brand
to the upper echelons of the Australian fashion
industry. “I don’t have partners or backers,” she
explains. “There were times when I didn’t know how
I was going to pay my staff—it was really tough!” But
Johnston, 38, is testament to her own motto: “Passion
and perseverance always deliver results”. Among
her accomplishments: in 2008, Johnston opened
Rosemount Australian Fashion Week; she recently
unveiled her 15th collection; she has two boutiques
(Sydney and Melbourne) and a further 60 stockists
here and overseas; a third boutique is in the pipeline.
Equally impressive is Johnston’s commitment to
charity—she is ambassador for the Salvation Army’s
“Fashion with a Conscience” campaign, and has worked
with Pink Ribbon Day and the Sydney Children’s
Hospital. To Johnston, it’s all just part of the job: “It’s
important to contribute and give back when you are
working in an industry where you have a voice.”
Johnston wears dress,
shoes and cuff from her
own label; 02-9282 9413.
Hair and make-up:
Gavin Anesbury.
photographed by hugh stewart st yled by k atherine green
I nStyle june 2010
123
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Sharon
McGlinchey
Winner: Beauty
Long before green was cool, Sharon McGlinchey was
creating organic skincare. Over a decade ago, a client
approached her with skin sensitivities, and McGlinchey,
a self-confessed “out of the box” beauty therapist, couldn’t
find any products to offer that were petrochemical- and
paraben-free. It was a light-bulb moment. “That was
the day I decided to produce something ethical, nontoxic and beautiful to use—something that didn’t affect
anyone’s health,” says McGlinchey.
The 46-year-old admits she “didn’t have a huge
amount of self-belief in the beginning”, but it was
feedback from clients and friends that kept her going.
Thirteen years on, her range, MV Organic skincare, is
a cult success, favoured by celebrities, make-up artists
and everyday women alike. For McGlinchey, this
Women of Style win is a tribute to her convictions. “I’ve
put a lot of love into my brand. I’ve worked for years for
something I strongly believe in, without compromising.
For me, this recognition of what I do on my own terms
is the most important thing.”
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Deborah
Mailman
Joint winner: Arts/Culture
It was during a high-school eisteddfod performance in
her hometown of Mount Isa, Queensland, that Deborah
Mailman “fell in love with being on the stage. It felt
enormous, and I couldn’t see the audience; but I didn’t
have a care in the world.” Now 37, Mailman is one of
Australia’s most-loved actresses. Her 1998 performance
in the film Radiance earned her an AFI award for Best
Actress (the first to go to an Indigenous Australian
actress), and her role as Kelly in 2001-2005 TV series
The Secret Life of Us made her a household name. Her
film credits now also include co-writing and directing
2009’s award-winning Ralph, and she has extensive
theatre credentials (including co-writing a production
that was performed at The Sydney Theatre Company
in 2008). But this accomplished mother-of-two
remains grounded. “I couldn’t achieve any of my work
without the love and support of my family of boys,”
she says of her husband Matthew Coonan, and two
sons, Henry, three, and Oliver, five months. Of her
Women of Style award, Mailman shows only humility,
“I only have to look at past nominees and recipients
to understand what esteemed company I am in.”
Ralph Lauren Blue Label
blouse; 1800 501 201.
Carla Zampatti skirt;
03-9568 3649. Elsa Peretti
for Tiffany & Co. cuff, and
Paloma Picasso for Tiffany
& Co. necklace; 1800 731 131.
Chanel heels; 03-9954 4331.
Hair and make-up:
Annette McKenzie.
photographed by hugh stewart st yled by k atherine green
photographed by peter brew-bevan
InStyle june 2010
125
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Dr
Tammie
Matson
Winner: Environment
An inspirational two-week safari in Africa at 15 set the path for Dr
Tammie Matson’s life. “I just fell in love with it,” she recalls. “My eyes
were opened to a whole world of adventure and excitement. My aim
from that point on was to build a life for myself in Africa.” A PhD in
zoology later, Matson’s African passion still hasn’t diminished. The
native Queenslander, 32, has spent the better part of her adult life in
Africa, and latterly India, drawing attention to species extinction. Now,
with a five-month-old son, Solomon, Matson is largely Sydney-based—
she’s the author of two non-fiction books about Africa and elephanthuman conflict, and runs Animal Works, a not-for-profit organisation
which advises developing countries on practical ways to stop species
endangerment and extinction. But Matson admits there’s a long way
to go. “We are still going backwards. An increasing number is being
added to the threatened-species list every year. Some of the world’s
most iconic breeds, like tigers, are more endangered than they’ve ever
been. For me that’s devastating—and now that I have a son, I’m more
inspired than ever to make sure that he sees a tiger in the wild.”
Carla Zampatti dress;
03-9568 3649. Necklaces and
cuff; at Harlequin Market,
02-9357 4433. Necklace; at
Ishka; 03-9416 0777.
Hair: Kenneth Stoddart.
Make-up: Annette McKenzie.
photographed by liz ham st yled by k atherine green
InStyle june 2010
127
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Deborra-lee
Furness
Winner: Charity/Community
“I spoke about this issue because I’ve got a big mouth,”
says Deborra-lee Furness, laughing, on how she came
to shine a light on the topic of adoption. And she’s put
her impressive force where her mouth is. In 2008,
the actress and producer helped create the lobby group,
Orphan Angels. In 2009, this morphed into National
Adoption Awareness Week, which highlights the
difficulties surrounding adoption in Australia. Furness
also works with Worldwide Orphans and World
Vision to draw attention to the 143 million orphans
globally, ensuring they have a greater chance at
becoming “happy, healthy, productive and contributing
members of society.”
Furness admits this “is a complex and emotionally
charged issue, because it’s about children’s lives.” And
not just any children—this is about her own children,
too. Furness and her husband, actor Hugh Jackman,
are adoptive parents to two children, Oscar, 10, and
Ava, four. Her dedication is part of being a mother.
“It’s parenting 101: lead by example,” she explains, “it’s
really important that I am a role model for my children.”
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Melinda
Dodson
Winner: Design
A passionate advocate of environmentally conscious
buildings, Melinda Dodson, 40, intially thought she
was headed for a career in interior design, until a highschool art teacher urged her to consider architecture.
It was good advice: in May 2009 Dodson became the
Australian Institute of Architects’ youngest-ever
National President. “What drove me to run for election
was my interest in sustainable architecture and
sustainable cities,” explains Dodson, who was born in
England, and raised in Adelaide. She now works at
Canberra’s GHD Architects. “It’s an exciting and
challenging time to be an architect,” she says—last
year, in the lead-up to the UN Climate Change
Summit in Copenhagen, Dodson helped to create a
15-point “call to action”, encouraging governments
and fellow architects to take positive steps to stem the
built environment’s impact on climate change. “We
are at a pivotal point in our history. We need to rethink
the ways we put our cities and buildings together, and
contribute responsibly.”
Anthea Crawford suit;
1800 620 658. Akira scarf;
02-9212 1670. Longines
watch; 03-8844 3300.
Hair: Sarah Laidlaw.
Make-up: Sarah Tammer.
photographed by hugh stewart styled by k atherine green
photographed by peter brew-bevan
InStyle june 2010
129
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Del
Kathryn
Barton
Joint winner: Arts/Culture
Sydney-based artist Del Kathryn Barton, 37, describes the week she
won the Archibald Prize in 2008 as the “most bizarre week of my
life.” In the space of seven days, Barton opened a sell-out show in
Melbourne, was commissioned to create a cover for premier art journal
Art & Australia, and won that illustrious portrait prize. “It was so offthe-charts, but I was also still changing nappies,” laughs the mum-oftwo. Her 2008 collaboration with fashion label Romance was Born has
made her a hit in fashion circles, and Barton now has two new works on
display in the Wilderness exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW (until
May 23), and a major solo show planned for 2011. Warm, honest and
engaging, Barton eschews the political manoeuvring associated with
the “incredibly tough and idiosyncratic” art community. “I’m happier
just living my life and making my works,” she says with a smile.
Alex Perry dress; 02-9233
6555. Dries Van Noten
dress (worn as blouse);
at Popeke, 02-9380 7611.
Hair: Sarah Laidlaw.
Make-up: Annette McKenzie.
photographed by hugh stewart st yled by k atherine green
InStyle june 2010
131
Carla Zampatti dress; 03-9568
3649. Jimmy Choo shoes;
03-9038 1084. Longines watch;
03-8844 3300. Rug; at Nazaar
Rugs, 02-9331 1505. Chair and
candelabra; at Chuck & Bob, 029699 2117. French wine carrier;
at The Country Trader, 02-9698
4661. Crates; at Doug Up On
Bourke, 02-9690 0962.
Car supplied by Sydney Classic
Car Hire; 0450 929 709.
Hair: Kenneth Stoddart.
Make-up: Annette McKenzie.
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Naomi
Simson
Winner: Business
Naomi Simson’s first entrepreneurial success came at age five—a
backyard circus starring neighbourhood children. “Looking back, it’s no
wonder I started RedBalloon!” she says of her company, an experiential
gift e-tail business she launched in 2001. Nine years later, RedBalloon
has an annual turnover of more than $20 million, and over 2,500
experiences available on the site. While the concept itself has been
incredibly successful, Simson’s vision has always been twofold. “After
having children, I decided I wanted to be with my kids and I wanted
to have a fabulous career,” explains the 46-year-old. “At that time,
I couldn’t find an employer who was prepared to [allow that].” So
Simson became that employer herself. The mum-of-two is now a big
campaigner for work/life balance. “I started this business for a lifestyle;
so that I can see my family,” she says. And selling experiential gifts fits
neatly with her life philosophy: “It’s the good times we share with each
other that we take to our graves, not our possessions.”
photographed by liz ham st yled by k atherine green
InStyle june 2010
133
Winner: InStyle and Audi
Style Scholarship
A luxurious aesthetic, meticulous detailing and soft
silhouettes contrasted with raw edges are the key
components of the designs of this year’s InStyle and
Audi Style Scholarship winner. And a steadfast
commitment, even through difficult circumstances, is
the key to the founding of her eponymous fashion label.
Born in New Zealand, van Camp moved with her
family to the Hunter Valley, NSW, when she was six.
It was in her final year of high school that van Camp
recognised her strength in art and design. “I thrived in
that environment. I knew then it was something I loved
doing,” she explains. A Bachelor in Fashion and Textile
Design from the University of Technology Sydney was
the next logical step. Van Camp again flourished, also
completing a year in France as part of her degree. “I got
so much out of it; [the experience] really matured my
design style and made it more sophisticated,” she says.
Sadly, it was during this overseas sojourn that van
Camp’s mother, Michelle, was diagnosed with breast
cancer. Two years later, in 2009, only weeks before her
final semester of university, her mother passed away. “It
was in creating that I poured my anguish,” explains van
Camp, “I took comfort in hand-stitching late at night as
a distraction when I couldn’t sleep.”
Her graduate collection, called “If I Were You”,
contained six elegant and impressively intricate looks.
And as proof of their charm, van Camp was recently
invited to show the collection as part of L’Oréal
Melbourne Fashion Festival’s student showcase. But
making the pieces was a costly venture, says van Camp,
adding that winning this scholarship will enable her to
create another collection that will address the demand
the Fashion Festival gave way to.
Despite this, she has no desire to be an overnight
sensation. “I want my label to develop gradually,” van
Camp explains of her brand’s development. With
wisdom beyond her years, the 25-year-old’s poise,
determination and unique creations make her label an
exciting addition to the Australian fashion landscape.
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Chui
Lee
Luk
Winner:Lifestyle
Chui Lee Luk’s childhood was peppered with rich
culinary experiences. The 40-year-old chef and owner
of Sydney restaurant Claude’s, fondly recalls watching
her grandmother make pastries and devouring platters
of crab with family and friends. Yet Luk, who moved
from Sabah, Malaysia, to Sydney when she was six,
hadn’t contemplated a culinary career. “I grew up in
a very academic environment,” explains Luk, who
originally qualified as a lawyer. “I never thought about
going into food until I had found myself a bit more.”
Once she had decided that the kitchen was her true
calling, Luk was on her way. In her early career as a
chef, she worked with industry trailblazers Christine
Manfield and Kylie Kwong. In 2005, shortly after
taking over Claude’s, she became the first female chef in
over a decade to earn three hats, the highest accolade
for any Australian restaurant. Despite such recognition,
Luk is still driven. “I work by my own standards,” she
says, “I aim to be my own harshest critic.”
134 june 2010 InStyle
Danielle van
Camp
t
Scanlan & Theodore dress;
03-9826 5742. Longines watch;
03-8844 3300. Clothes sourced from
the InStyle and Audi Women of Style
retail partners, Chatswood Chase,
Chadstone and Queens Plaza.
Hair: Sarah Laidlaw.
Make-up: Sarah Tammer.
Van Camp wears top and
skirt from her own label;
0408 864 168.
Hair: Sarah Laidlaw.
Make-up: Sarah Tammer.
photographed by hugh stewart st yled by k atherine green
photographed by hugh stewart st yled by k atherine green