It’s no secret that we’re partial to a good shirt here at CPC. As versatile as a potato (but much less starchy), shirts are the building blocks of any great wardrobe; a true sartorial MVP.
Along with watermelon-centric dishes, collaborative playlists, pool floats and salty skin, nothing signifies the start of summer quite like setting one’s arms free courtesy of a good short-sleeve shirt. Prefer to keep things profesh by pairing one with a suit? You can do that too! Perhaps you’d like to wear one as a dress one minute, and layered with a trench coat the next? *Chef’s kiss.*
With that in mind, we bundled up a bag of our favourite shirts and asked five cute models if they’d mind taking them for a spin both in the studio and outside in the sunshine. Afterwards, we sat down with our new cool shirt-clad friends to find out what Utopia looks like to them, who would play them in a biopic about their lives, and what wise words they turn to for solace. Elsewhere, we chat about the magic of stargazing, why David Attenborough’s latest documentary is a great impetus for going vegetarian and why Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe should be required reading for everyone in Australia.
There’s a treasure trove of information and inspiration below. Dive on in!
Name: Shaneiva Chatfield
Nickname(s): Sheva
Age: 20
Star Sign: Virgo
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
My traditional connections are from Coonabarabran, however, I grew up on Biripi Land in Port Macquarie. I am currently exploring Sydney and seeing what opportunities can be discovered here.
Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
Port Macquarie is blessed with so many beautiful beaches so I would take them somewhere to connect with what our coast has to offer.
Coolest thing you’ve learned recently?
Recently I’ve been really discovering a lot about myself through vulnerability and openness. I feel like this is super interesting and cool, as everything I’ve learned has led me to feel more whole within myself.
Can you tell us about the best podcasts/books/films you’ve consumed recently?
A book that I recently read and would recommend to everyone would be Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe. This book provides an in-depth examination of pre colonial existence throughout Australia. I love this book as I believe it is super important that the truth of our history is told and that the First Nations experience is understood.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
I couldn’t really think of an exact actor to play me, but I guess any actor that could embody humour and a good heart could do the job!
What is your idea of Utopia?
Utopia in my mind is a place which is untouched and in its naturalist form. A place where our spirits are flourishing and our connection to land is stronger than ever. Utopia for me would be a place where hate or fear didn’t exist, instead a place of true harmony.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I think I will never ever truly just be one thing. We are constantly evolving and unravelling parts of who we are and what we desire. The biggest thing of all that I want to be when I grow up is to be genuinely happy and fulfilled with who I am.
Words to live by:
Be fearlessly authentic and never be afraid to speak your truth.
Name: Tanisha Lalli
Nicknames(s): Nish, Nisha, Tan
Age: 21
Star Sign: Taurus
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up on the coast of Coffs Harbour in a place called Woolgoolga. I currently live in Sydney and have been here since 2015.
Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
The beach! I still haven’t come across a beach as beautiful as Woolgoolga, plus I have such great memories there. Even a stroll around the headland is wonderful, whether you’re on top of it or walking around the rock pools. If you visit at the right time of year you will see Blue whales migrating north and it is so magical. At night, I would take them right up to the top of the headland where the lighthouse is. There’s a bench that is amazing to lay on and watch the stars. Woolgoolga has an amazing view of the Milky Way.
Coolest thing you’ve learnt recently?
I bought a book about the evolution of fashion and I read that the album cover for David Bowie’s Pin Ups was originally commissioned for the cover of British Vogue.
Can you tell us about the best podcast/books/films you’ve consumed lately?
I am currently reading Bag of Bones By Stephen King. My pop always read his books and I have developed an interest for horror and thrillers in general, but especially when it comes to books. Stephen King is a very vivid author and it is awesome. I was recently introduced to the film The Imitation Game, it was an amazing film that actually taught me about a massive chunk of history that I was unaware of. I also very much love Keira Knightly, so her character really drew me into the movie. Watching it, I was reminded of what times used to be like, and specifically that women weren’t allowed to work in “men’s fields”, so for her to work as a mathematician was a reminder of how different life is today in terms of gender expectations. With the obvious exception of the whole Harry Styles Vogue cover controversy with Candace Owen (after she said him wearing a dress was an "outright attack" on "manly men.”)
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Sarah Paulson for sure! She captures every feeling of emotion in each role and I definitely think she could capture how raw my emotions are.
What is your idea of Utopia?
Being able to live fully in the moment and not worrying about the past or stressing about what is to come next. Although it sounds easy to achieve, it’s difficult and it takes a lot of practice, especially when you have so many factors to contend with, like social media which is a recipe for brain fog.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
It always seems like everybody knows what they want to be when they grow up, but I never have. I have always just strived to do the things that I want to do. One day I want to be an interior designer and the next I want to be a psychologist. Overall, I want to help others achieve their best through everything they do.
Words to live by:
Be yourself! As cliché as that saying is, I think we often forget to be our true selves.
Name: Bakhita
Nickname: Bakeets/Khita
Age: 19
Star sign: Cancer
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
In the early stages of my childhood I grew up in Cairo, Egypt, but I’ve spent most of my life here living in Australia with my family.
Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
I would take a person who is visiting Sydney for the first time to Circular Quay and around the city to look at the sites because the architecture is very structured and aesthetically-pleasing.
Can you tell us about the best podcasts/books/films you’ve consumed recently?
Some good movies I’ve recently watched are Atonement and Princess Mononoke.
What is your idea of Utopia?
My version of a utopian society ideally would be a place where all people live in harmony amongst each other with no conflict. A multicultural society that strives off peace and prosperity and that is completely free of poverty, hunger, illnesses, war, religious persecution, greed, slavery and corruption. Most importantly a place where every single person has equal access to basic human rights.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
For the future I still want to pursue modelling and hopefully do runway shows or campaigns overseas. Later on, I’d like to have a streetwear clothing line for a line specifically for jackets. Or, maybe become a fashion creative director.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
I would play the protagonist for a film that is based on my life because I feel like it would make the film more authentic.
Words to live by:
‘Life goes on.’
Name: Tess Angel
Nickname(s): Terry
Age: 24
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Sydney. I moved around a lot but mostly lived in the inner-west. I currently live in Newtown.
Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
The beach! Or the Blue Mountains (not Sydney, but it is beautiful and not too far away).
Coolest thing you’ve learned recently?
The eyes are the only part of the body that don’t grow with age.
Can you tell us about the best podcasts/books/films you’ve consumed recently?
Utopia for Realists and Humankind by Rutger Bregman are really interesting. He discusses how we can rethink the way society functions to create a better world, and argues that, deep down, humans are decent people.
I recently watched Isle of Dogs by Wes Anderson. It’s beautifully made and a lovely story. Gran Torino by Clint Eastwood is also great!
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Big Bird from Sesame Street.
What is your idea of Utopia?
A world where people are much more giving, sharing, cooperative and actually listen to each other. A world not dominated by fear but by friendship and trust.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Curious.
Words to live by:
Time enjoyed wasting is not wasted time.
Name: Caitlin Tanzer
Nickname(s): Caity
Age: 19
Star Sign: Pisces
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Sydney and still live here.
Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
I think the beauty of living in Sydney is how easy it is to access the beach from the city, so I would take them to any one of the hidden harbour beaches and then to suburbs like Marrickville or Newtown for an exciting meal.
Coolest thing you’ve learned recently?
That cats meow to communicate with humans not other cats.
Can you tell us about the best podcasts/books/films you’ve consumed recently?
This year I‘ve kept coming back to the book Make It Happen by Jordanna Levin. It has enlightened me on the concept of manifesting and made me realise the extent to which we have control in our lives. I also recently watched the new David Attenborough documentary, A Life On Our Planet, which was incredibly informative and which inspired me to go vegetarian. I would recommend everyone put this on their must-watch list.
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Emma Watson. I’m a Harry Potter nerd.
What is your idea of Utopia?
My idea of Utopia is a world in which people are celebrated for their uniqueness—a world without bigotry and prejudice.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I am still trying to figure this one out.
Words to live by:
Be unapologetically yourself and try not to care what others think about it.
Features Editor: Madeleine Woon Photos: Oliver Begg Fashion: Teanne Vickers
Bakhita is represented by Rïŋ
Cailtin & Tess are represented by Priscillas
Tanisha is represented by FiveTwenty
Shaneiva is represented by Kult