A few nights ago, I attended the season three launch of Netflix’s hit period-drama Bridgerton in NSW’s Southern Highlands.
Two of the show’s stars – Irish actor Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington, and British actor Luke Newton, cast as Colin Bridgerton (who has a massive glow-up in this series, but that’s a whole other story) – had flown out for the launch. I’ve loved watching Bridgerton from the start. There’s the fact it’s about love – and I’m a total romantic – then add the grand setting, beautiful gowns, dazzling jewels and handsome men and I was hooked from day one.
Coughlan is our cover star this month and, as she says in her interview, Bridgerton is all rather posh, which makes for some fabulous escapism. “Bridgerton often makes people think I’m fancy. In reality, I’m just a girl from a village in the west of Ireland. I’m not really fancy at all,” she tells our features writer Harriet Sim. Season three (out now) sees Coughlan come into her own after playing the role of a wallflower in seasons one and two. Perhaps this is the very thing that makes her so intriguing. We all love seeing a wallflower bloom.
This issue we are also thrilled to announce the winners of our inaugural Sustainability Awards, in partnership with Volvo. Turn to page 46 to meet these eco stars from categories spanning fashion to parenting. Celebrating brands, organisations and people who are working to create a better planet is something marie claire is passionate about. For me, the philosophy behind NZ label Maggie Marilyn (our fashion winner) sums it up: “Buy as you need, repair what you can and repurpose what you can’t.”
SHOP: Esse coat, $1,250. Toteme pants, $740. Celine bag and sunglasses. All jewellery from Pandora.
As I write this, I’ve just read that Molly Ticehurst is the 30th woman to be killed in Australia this year. Every four days, a woman is murdered by a current or former partner in our country. Less than 10 days before Molly’s death, five women and one man were brutally murdered in Sydney’s Bondi Junction, after a man went on a stabbing rampage. It was an ordinary Saturday afternoon and the victims could have been anyone. Only, that’s not entirely true – his behaviour indicated he was targeting women.
These were mothers, wives, daughters, friends, partners, sisters, carers. If this all makes you feel uncomfortable, it should. It makes me so angry yet I also feel totally exhausted. How much louder can we scream? The gender-based violence needs to stop. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Australia must do better,” and at marie claire we won’t stop fighting until we see change.
Finally, I also want to encourage you to sign Are Media’s petition for carers, because they are not valued enough. A primary carer will lose on average $175,000 in superannuation and $392,500 in lifetime earnings by the age of 67. Seven in 10 carers are female, which means women are primarily the ones who increase their financial vulnerability to look after someone they love. With your support, we’ll be asking the government to pay superannuation to recognised unpaid carers in Australia.
Please join us and sign the petition at change.org/costofcaring
See you next month.
Georgie
On My Autumn Wish List Right Now
01
Adidas Originals Gazelle Indoor leather and suede-trimmed nylon sneakers
from $280 at Net-A-Porter
The ‘Gazelle Indoor’ sneakers from adidas Originals first debuted in the 1970s as footwear for indoor sports, and over time, they’ve evolved into an iconic must-have for streetwear enthusiasts. This version features saffron nylon paired with suede and leather accents, all sitting atop gummed rubber soles.
02
Mango Double-breasted Wool Coat
from $499.95 at Mango
The epitome of winter chic, this wool mix coat blends elegance and warmth in a fashionable statement piece.
The ‘Dame’ jeans are crafted from denim in a highly adaptable ‘Fortune Cookie’ wash. Featuring a high rise and wide legs with stitched hems for a flawless cuff.
04
Veronica Beard’s ‘Draya’ T-shirt
from $370 at Net-A-Porter
Veronica Beard’s ‘Draya’ T-shirt is cut for a close fit from stretch cotton-jersey with a finely ribbed finish and neutral stripes throughout. The gold-tone button embellishments add a touch of polish along the shoulder.
05
Toteme scarf
from $330 at Net-A-Porter
The fringed scarf from TOTEME is a cozy essential for cooler weather, boasting a versatile hue that effortlessly complements any coat, jacket, or sweater. Crafted from soft wool in a generous size, it offers multiple styling options – wear it draped over your shoulders or wrapped snugly around your neck.
06
Everlane Tote Bag
from $435 at Everlane
Made of premium leather, the Studio Bag features functional details like an adjustable shoulder strap, a snap closure, and an interior and exterior pocket. Its roomy shape fits everything you need—plus all those just-in-case additions.
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