You probably don't need more proof that Naarm is one of the coolest cities in the world. For anyone who has doubts, our favourite Melb stylist, Cecile Huynh, is here to show that there is no better place to be. She always manages to round up fashion we really want to have in our wardrobe, and today, she's got us in a clench with this edit of local brands that make such good pieces they're right at home alongside our international loves like Celine and Bottega Veneta.
And don't get us started on this location—we could wax lyrical for weeks. River Bend House was built by mid-century architect Alistair Knox and, after years of neglect, has been lovingly restored by the not-for-profit arts organization InPlace *insert prayer hands emoji here*. If this entire shoot isn't proof that Naarm is the best, we don't know what is.
Once you've made your New Year fashion wishlist and eyed all the beautiful details of this historical property, get to know the other star of the shoot, model Sparrow, better below. Her dry humour and deep reading recommendations come with some apt advice on what happiness means to her: "It doesn't have to be some grand ideal of love. It can just be something that makes you smile in that moment."
And an annoying but important reminder for all of us vegetarians, "parmesan cheese isn't vegetarian". Ughhh. Thanks, Sparrow.
But seriously, thanks to the amazing team for starting the year with this appropriate mood — inspiring and contemplative — and for the intro to all of these local brands. Oh, and we'd better not forget, hi to our newest pal, Photographer Agatha Snow, who came on board for the first time for this shoot. A pleasure!
Name: Sparrow
Star Sign: Libra
Where do you live, and where do you call home?
I live in Melbourne just a bit out from the CBD in Carlton North.
What does your ideal day in your hometown look like?
An ideal day would honestly just be one spent with friends. To me, people matter more than what we are doing or where we are, so I've spent a lot of time doing things outside of my comfort zone, and it's been really fun.
What is your idea of happiness?
I think I am the least fit person to answer this, but happiness is something that fulfils you. It will change from person to person, but it doesn't have to be some grand ideal of love. It can just be something that makes you smile in that moment.
What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Eat breakfast, and then rush to get ready. I am always sleeping in, and it tends to bite me in the neck every now and then.
What's the coolest or most interesting thing you've learned recently?
The first three things that come to mind are probably inappropriate, so a less fun fact that I learnt recently was that parmesan cheese isn't vegetarian.
How can we make the most of our time on Earth?
What, am I 80? I don't know. That was mean, I'm sorry.
What are you most looking forward to for next year?
I'm not sure yet.
What books/podcasts/shows are you enjoying at the moment?
I have recently read The Iliad and I plan on reading The Odyssey too but I've also been trying to get my hands on Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevski. I also watched the final season of Arcane.
Favourite song?
It changes a lot, really, but at the moment, my favourite is 'Not' by Big Thief.
Favourite movie?
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. It has been for years. It came out in 2010, and I just love it.
Best TikTok to sum up your current mood?
I don't really use TikTok much, to be honest.
When do you feel the most 'you'?
Either with loved ones or on stage.
Photos: Agatha Snow Fashion: Cecile Huynh Beauty: Tayla Alexander Photo Assistant: Fran Vidal Fashion Assistant: Paul Summers Features Editor: Chloe Hill
Sparrow is represented by Chadwick
Shot on location at River Bend House. A huge thanks you to InPlace & Eugene Howard for having us.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.