Summer has officially arrived, and to celebrate the arrival of the sunny season, we escaped to the edge of Sydney with Akuol and Kiara and a rack of beautiful things.
This is your reminder that dusk at the beach isn’t just bikinis (though, yes, we’ve got some of those), it’s that magic window when the heat drops, the air softens, and layering feels possible again. A one-shoulder Valentino top with tights and aqua-hued heels on the sand? Absolutely. The cutest Miu Miu leather jacket to ward off the sea breeze as it gets chilly… yup!
Get to know Akuol and Kiara, and take note of their summer essentials below; then scroll through the gallery above and save it for inspiration the next time you’re beach-bound at sundown.
Name: Akuol
Star Sign: Aries
Where do you currently live, and where do you consider home?
I currently live in Sydney, but Canberra will always be home.
What are you most looking forward to during the summer months?
Christmas with my family!
Where do you go to escape the heat in Sydney?
My go-to place is home, where I can turn on the air conditioning and relax.
Have you discovered any hidden gems in Sydney recently?
Yes, there’s a massive tree near Pyrmont Park with a bench. I love going there to journal.
What’s your ideal summer day off?
A long bike ride with a bag of snacks.
What’s your go-to summer outfit?
Shorts and a cute t-shirt :)
Are there any books or podcasts you’re excited about?
I haven’t read The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama yet, but I’m definitely planning to.
What’s on your summer playlist?
'Hours in Silence' by Drake & 21 Savage.
Name: Kiara Leslie Masella
Star Sign: Taurus!!!
Where do you live now, and where do you consider home?
I live in Cronulla Sydney, which I have only moved to recently, but I love everything about it and definitely call it home.
What are you most looking forward to for summer?
I do quite a few small day trips up and down the coast with my partner and family. That screams summer to me and gets me excited every time I think about it.
Where’s your favourite place to escape the heat in Sydney?
The water is always my first escape! I love heading down to Blackwood’s Beach or popping over to the rock pools for a quick cool-off when it gets too hot.
Any spots you’ve recently discovered that feel like your secret Sydney gem?
Not a recent discovery, it’s an old but gold. Salmon Haul has always been one of my favourite gems.
What’s your ideal summer day off?
A morning workout, walk to a beach, breakfast and coffee by the water, then a refreshing jump in the ocean!!! Also the best after a day in the sun, an arvo nap and a sunset barbecue!
Your go-to summer outfit:
Always swimmers under some baggy 3-quarter shorts and whatever tank I can throw on easily, paired with my trusty Birkens. And always a big tote bag because I somehow carry my whole life with me.
Any books or podcasts you’re excited for?
I find myself coming back to a book gifted to me by my brother, Ikigai. I’m always inspired and excited to pick it up whenever I get the chance.
What’s on your summer playlist?
Tame Impala’s new album is definitely taking over my summer playlist! Plus 'Six Blade Knife' by Dire Straits and 'Sweet Life' by Frank Ocean, to name a few.
Photographer: Sophia Doak
Fashion: Sophia Stamellos
Makeup: Franka Deluca
Hair: Anne Russell
Assistant: Lex Mccrohan
Akuol is represented by Priscillas
Kiara is represented by The Scouted
We acknowledge the Gwegal & Dharawal people as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
