The news may feel like one huge doom-scroll with reports of heatwaves scorching the global north, but meanwhile down here in the southern hemisphere we're pulling on an extra pair of socks, facing chilly commutes to work and drizzly weekends where we’d rather not leave the house. Spending more days than we'd care to admit horizontal on the couch or deep in an angsty Lana Del Rey playlist.
So what better way to warm these grey days than a reminder that lazing around at home can actually be fun, courtesy of a fashion story starring two sweet souls making the most of Sydney's colder months.
We said a brief hello to NZ model Isla Cutts back in May, a runway favourite we bumped into more times than we can count at Sydney Fashion Week. She's joined here today by Chicago local Angelina Cakuls, who's traded the Windy City for Woolloomooloo.
We pried out an honest impression of Sydney from the two outsiders-turned-locals, then racked their brains for book recs, playlist staples, and other handy tips to optimise your winter downtime on the couch.
Small things that bring big joy? For Isla it's sunlight in her hair, while Angelina's all about a slower approach, doing things without feeling rushed. Basically... jump on the couch, pour a warm drink and enjoy this shoot.
Isla Cutts
Where do you live now and where do you consider home?
I am currently living between Sydney and Auckland travelling and working. I consider home to be wherever my friends are.
What was your impression of Sydney before arriving, and how has that changed after spending time here?
My first impression of Sydney was extremely hot! Went to all my castings dying of heat. And now I think of it as a fun second home where I can be most myself.
How was Sydney Fashion Week for you? Were there any stand out moments?
I had a great time, I felt super relaxed and as Australians would say, I made heaps of mates.
How do you wind down after a big week, like Fashion Week?
Put my heels into storage for the rest of the year. Have a long shower to get out all that hairspray and makeup, watch a good movie and order Uber Eats.
What books have you been reading lately?
I just finished Nightmares and Dreamscapes by Stephen King and am now reading Bread of Angels by Patti Smith.
What's on your current playlist?
Lots of Lou Reed, Patti Smith, and Belle and Sebastian.
What is your idea of happiness?
Going on a long road trip with a great playlist and my friends singing in the backseat with me.
If you could say something to your 16-year-old self, what would it be?
Have patience, cool things are coming!
What's something small that brings you a huge amount of joy?
Sunlight in my hair.
Angelina Cakuls
Where do you live now and where do you consider home?
I currently live in Woolloomooloo! But I’m originally from the suburbs of Chicago, which is where I consider home.
What was your impression of Sydney before arriving, and how has that changed after spending time here?
I didn’t know much about Sydney before arriving. I just knew it was somewhere I had always wanted to visit because of the beautiful beaches and the Sydney Opera House. After spending time here, I’ve realized that while those things are wonderful perks, Sydney is so much more than that. There’s an incredible sense of community everywhere you go, local coffee shops on every corner, and a lifestyle that encourages you to get outside and be present. It’s somewhere I’ve really fallen in love with, and it’s crazy to think that a place that once felt so unfamiliar now holds so many amazing memories and connections with such lovely people. I can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for the time I’ve spent here.
How was Sydney Fashion Week for you? Were there any stand out moments?
It was such a great experience, and I found it incredibly inspiring! There were lots of memorable moments, but looking back, the ones that stand out most are the opportunities I had to connect with people across the industry. It can be hard to meet new people when you move across the world, so I really enjoyed connecting with models, hair and makeup artists, and other creatives. Those conversations ended up being some of my favorite parts of the week!
How do you wind down after a big week, like Fashion Week?
Winding down after Fashion Week was unique because I found it hard to balance the need to rest with my urge to continue exploring the amazing city I live in. For that reason, I tried to do a bit of both. I went on a coastal walk, found new cafes to try with a friend, caught up with friends and family back home, and spent a lot of time reflecting through journaling. I’d probably follow a similar routine after any big week, minus the coastal walks - one of the many perks of living in Sydney!
What books have you been reading lately?
I like to read just one book at a time, so my current read is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig! Before that, I read The Margot Affair by Sanaë Lemoine and Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
What's on your current playlist?
A little bit of everything! Here are some of my recent favorites:
'Didn’t I' by Darondo
'Rein Me In' by Sam Fender, Olivia Dean
'Going to California' by Led Zeppelin
'Prom' by SZA
'Omen' by Disclosure, Sam Smith
'High Horse' by Kacey Musgraves
'Clocks' by Coldplay
'Losing You' by Solange
'Dancing Barefoot' by Patti Smith
What is your idea of happiness?
To me, happiness is being present and feeling aligned. It’s doing work that excites me, nurturing my relationships, giving back, and taking care of my health. But it’s also appreciating the moments in between: seeing a beautiful sunset, finding something good at an op shop, receiving a photo of my cats from my family back home, sharing dinner with my housemates, sleeping in on a Sunday, or getting a particularly foamy flat white.
If you could say something to your 16-year-old self, what would it be?
It’s okay to change your mind!
What's something small that brings you a huge amount of joy?
Doing things without feeling or being rushed.
Photographer: Sarah Adamson
Fashion: Monique Moynihan
Beauty: Claire Thomson
Features Editor: Chloe Hill
Isla & Angelina are represented by Priscillas
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
