With winter behind us, warmer days imminent, and hemlines creeping higher, the final eight weeks of the year bring a distinct air of excitement and ease. Suddenly, a sun-drenched aperitif after work feels within reach, as do long lunches, holiday gatherings and an excuse to bring our treasured party frocks out of retirement.
To mark the festive season's arrival, we teamed up with a crew of talented Sydney creatives for an exclusive shoot featuring new face Monique at Chic Management. Hailing from the sunny shores of the Gold Coast, Monique has quickly captured attention in the local fashion scene—thanks in part to her wide-set eyes and charming tooth gap, both of which are reminiscent of iconic Brit Georgia May Jagger.
Armed with a handful of looks from the likes of Valentino, Courtney Zheng and Lee Mathews, the team took to the suburbs and set out to capture the spirit of an Australian summer: a little undone and dressed up just enough.
Once the last look was shot, we caught up with Monique to chat Sydney versus the Gold Coast, her current reality TV obsession and everything in between.
If this doesn’t get you excited for summer, we don’t know what will.
Name: Monique Haywood
Star sign: Scorpio… Everything they say about us is true.
Where do you live now and where do you consider home?
I live in Sydney but I grew up on the Gold Coast. I consider Sydney home now, but the Gold Coast will always have a special place in my heart.
Have you read any great books lately, or watched anything notable?
I’m reading The Art of War and I’m watching Celebrity Traitors UK… I am obsessed with that show.
What has your time in Sydney been like, and how different is it from the Gold Coast?
I love Sydney so much, there’s always so much to do. I find the biggest difference is how fast pace Sydney is and how much it has to offer.
What are your favourite things to do on a sunny day off in Sydney?
I will get an iced coffee and take my cavoodle Winston to the markets in search of a delicious sourdough.
What would happen if you had to give up social media for a week?
Literally the world would end. No, I'm just joking. That’s a tough one. I feel like I spend more time on social media than I’d like to admit, so a week break might be good for me.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I make a cup of tea, give my dog Winston lots of attention, check my emails and plan out my day.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I’m definitely a night owl. I’m not a very good morning person, getting out of bed feels like torture. But if I have an early morning I need to be heavily caffeinated.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Fake it till you make it or catch flights, not feelings… whichever works for you.
What is your idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is being surrounded by people you love, and finding the balance of doing what you love in your own time.
What are you most looking forward to for next year?
I’m looking forward to what next year brings. I've learnt life is unpredictable and to just go with it. Whatever it is I hope it involves more travel.
Photographer: Sophia Doak
Fashion: Annabel Dickson
Features Editor: Amberley Colby
Monique is represented by Chic Management
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
