Sydney’s society cliques: Ultimate guide to city’s ‘it’ crew
From the fashion set and business leaders to social darlings and influencers, here’s your ultimate guide to who is who in Sydney’s high society.
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It is an ever changing interconnected web that becomes more complicated by the day.
Sydney’s social cliques are deeply entrenched in the fabric of who we are as a city with who is hot and who is not rapidly evolving with the ebb and flow of societal connections.
Business or casual interactions often cross over to romance, friends sometimes fall out and scandal abounds. It is a competitive realm that some are born into and others strive to make the list.
It is made even more complicated by social media, which provides those not in the mix a front-row seat to the hottest events, private parties and scandals.
The Daily Telegraph has dug deep to see who is who in the society zoo of Sydney life, separating the list into various groups but noting that many crossover.
There’s the fashion set, that also play in high society, the business leaders, bona fide celebrities and media identities and the ‘influencers’ that live the high life filling out guest lists and working hard to make the social pages.
Social Diary founder and director Tiffany Farrington said the Sydney social scene can be “scary and daunting”, particularly when a newcomer.
“For the newbies, it’s firstly about getting on the guest list - knowing top publicists is helpful - then it’s about being bold, fun and making connections with chutzpah and natural charm,” Farrington said. “Once they get to know the red carpet regulars, they realise how tiny Sydney is - suddenly they can walk into any party and know most of the people there. That’s when it gets really fun and a whole lot less intimidating.”
Publicist and marketing director Sara Lloyd of PR firm Example has worked in the Sydney market for almost two decades and has seen many come and go on the social scene.
“Substance has never been more important — when we’re inviting and aligning with guests we look to their credentials, what they stand for, what they contribute, do their values align with our client’s message, and most importantly are they authentic, fun and can bring a vibe to the party?” she said.
“Some are, of course, born into it or have careers that naturally land them in the spotlight – actors, models, musicians, presenters. There are also those who work their way up, spending time building their personal brands and connections. If they’re authentic and interesting or offer a unique point of view, they’ll often maintain longevity.”
Camille Thioulouse, founder of The Societe talent and digital agency has also been working across the Sydney social scene for many years.
“As social media continues to be vital to a brand’s marketing strategy, brands are looking to engage with influencers who are authentically connected to their audience and have high engagement on social media, which converts to sales,” Thioulouse explained.
“Brands are moving away from using well known celebrities to spruik their products and are instead using influencers and socialites to market their products on their social media platforms as the sell through outcomes can be incredibly powerful.”
FASHION
CAMILLA FREEMAN TOPPER AND MARC FREEMAN
They are a brother and sister fashion duo, who have their fingers in many pies. Camilla particularly is heavily involved in the society scene, doing her bit to raise money for various charities.
ALYCE TRAN
The former The Daily Edited co-founder has firmly made her way into Sydney’s social scene, close friends with the likes of Nadia Fairfax, Deborah Symond-O’Neil and Rey Vakili and scoring invites in her own right to luxe events.
KATE WATERHOUSE
Daughter of racing identities Gay and Robbie Waterhouse, Kate and retired NRL star husband Luke Ricketson never put a foot wrong. She is besties with Nadia Fairfax and Rey Vakili.
REBECCA VALLANCE
A publicist-turned-fashion designer, Vallance is married to businessman David Gasan.
MICHAEL LO SORDO
A go-to fashion designer for celebrities and Sydney’s it-crowd. He has dressed the likes of Margot Robbie, Rosie-Huntington-Whitely, Rita Ora and Kim Kardashian. Lo Sordo recently created a standout dress worn by actor Ana de Armas in the James Bond film No Time to Die.
SOPHIE COOTE AND NIKKI CAMPBELL
The two Perth natives founded the highly successful Sir the label and moved to Sydney shortly after. Their connections in the social scene include everyone from Bambi Northwood-Blythe to Jordan Barrett.
KATHRYN EISMAN AND SIIMON REYNOLDS
After years living in the US, media identity Kathryn Eisman and marketing wizz Siimon Reynolds have well and truly set themselves back up in Sydney life.
ANNA PLUNKETT AND LUKE SALES
Romance Was Born duo are known as the darlings of the Aussie fashion business, dressing top celebrities here and abroad and known for their quirky, cutting edge take on design.
BUSINESS
ANTHONY BELL
A famed Sydney accountant who counts celebrities, politicians and other prominent Australians as his clients. Bell too has been in the spotlight for his various relationships and has two children with ex wife, former TV presenter Kelly Landry.
JUSTIN HEMMES
The top party boy of Sydney has calmed his ways over the past decade but is still much in demand with his restaurants and bars second to none across town. Hemmes dates younger model, Madeline Holtznagel, whose sister Simone is also well known here and abroad.
MIKE CANNON-BROOKES
Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes and wife Annie try to keep a low profile, stepping out for only the most exclusive of events.
JOHN SYMOND AND AMBER MCDONALD
Aussie Home Loans founder John ‘Aussie John’ Symond is married to Amber McDonald, who has two children from her previous relationship with Patrick Keating, the son of former Prime Minister Paul Keating.
ROXY JACENKO
From PR to reality star, Roxy Jacenko is the self-made millionaire who could sell ice to an Eskimo.
JAMES SYMOND
Nephew of John Symond and former chief executive of Aussie Home Loans.
MELANIE PERKINS
Founder and CEO of online design and publishing site, Canva, with a net worth of more than $9 billion.
MATT BARRIE
Tech entrepreneur Matt Barrie, 48, is the chief executive of freelancer.com.
CELEBRITY/MEDIA
LARRY EMDUR
The Morning Show co-host likes to keep his private life exactly that, private. He and wife Sylvie are known for their vast property portfolio and mixing with the top end of town.
KARL STEFANOVIC PLUS INFLUENCER WIFE JASMINE
Today host Karl Stefanovic has worked hard to build his ‘every man’ reputation. He does however love a party and is known for his expensive taste, not afraid to show off his luxe travels across the globe (pre Covid of course). Wife Jasmine owns a shoe business with Tamie Ingham and has been increasingly active in the influencer space on social media.
MICHAEL ‘WIPPA’ WIPFLI AND WIFE, LISA
Nova breakfast radio host Wippa is a well connected funnyman who has three kids – two sons and a daughter – to wife Lisa.
ANNA HEINRICH AND TIM ROBARDS
Golden couple of reality TV, Tim and Anna met when he was the Bachelor and she was a contestant. They are now married and have a daughter together, Elle. Anna is a lawyer while Tim is a chiropractor and former model.
KERRI-ANNE KENNERLEY
Old school fabulous, TV host KAK is an asset on any red carpet who is comfortable mixing in all circles, from politics to reality TV and everything in between.
Matthew ‘Matty J’ Johnson and Laura Byrne
Bachelor hunk Matty J and jewellery designer fiance Laura Byrne are part of the cool new guard making their way on the scene. Good looking, smart and connected, they are busy on social media and on mainstream platforms. Byrne hosts hugely successful podcast, Life Uncut, with former Bachelor contestant Brittany Hockley, who is new besties with actor Rebel Wilson.
KINGS CROSS
KYLE SANDILANDS AND TEGAN KYNASTON
King of radio Kyle Sandilands has his fingers in many business pies, including Nueva Drinks co that he runs with fiance Tegan. Besties with Simon Main and John Ibrahim.
SIMON MAIN
Stepson of Aussie entertainer Barry Crocker, Main famously went to jail for eight years for his part in what was then described as the world’s largest ecstasy haul. Main was once engaged to Hollywood star Nicolette Sheridan, of Desperate Housewives, and has been romantically linked in the past to Ruby Jacenko, sister of high profile publicist Roxy Jacenko. Operates brothels in Sydney and is close mates with Kyle Sandilands and John Ibrahim.
JOHN IBRAHIM AND SARAH BUDGE
Known as the King of the Cross, Ibrahim owns bars and clubs in Kings Cross and was famously the subject of TV drama, Underbelly: The Golden Mile. He has settled down with hospitality businesswoman Sarah Budge. The couple are parents to young son, Elvis. He was formally romantically linked to Lara Bingle before she became Lara Worthington on marrying Avatar star actor Sam Worthington.
SPORT
MICHAEL CLARKE
Former Australian Cricket Captain Clarke was previously married to high school sweetheart Kylie Clarke, nee Boldy. He was engaged to Lara Worthington, formerly Bingle, and most recently romantically linked to Pip Edwards.
SAM BURGESS
Now working as Russell Crowe’s assistant, Burgess has a strong relationship with the Hollywood star given he used to be the star player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
LANCE ‘BUDDY’ FRANKLIN AND WIFE JESINTA
Former Miss Universe contestant Jesinta (nee Campbell) and Sydney Swans star player Buddy are the cream of the crop of the Sydney social scene, largely because they are pretty selective with the events they attend. They keep their circle tight and are generally extremely private.
PAT CUMMINS
Aussie Cricket Captain Cummins grew up in Westmead and is now a big drawcard name on the social scene due to his sporting status. He and partner Becky Boston have a son together named Albie.
DAVID AND CANDICE WARNER
With cricketer David Warner spending much of the year on the road playing sport, Candice has become a big name on the Sydney social scene. Of course the former professional ironwoman and SAS Australia contestant is selective but always injects some glamour into an event. They have three children together.
SOCIAL/INFLUENCER
NADIA FAIRFAX
Went to the Australian Institute of Sport for gymnastics when younger and is the daughter of former footballer Russell Fairfax (no relation to Fairfax media empire). Nadia started working on fashion boutiques and doing apr internships before the influencer movement took off and she carved her path in that space.
REY VAKILI
Sister of Hoda Waterhouse now married to Tom (and therefore sister in law to Kate Waterhouse) Rey is the younger of these two family dynasties. She previously studied at Harvard, was assistant to Anna Wintour at US Vogue and dated Australian presenter Jason Dundas. Now dates Johnny Ingham, brother of Tamie Ingham and part of the Ingham chook family.
JADE YARBROUGH
Sister to Jasmine Stefanovic, who is married to TV host Karl, recently started her own interior styling business Merci Maison and has been romantically linked in the past to top Aussie male model, Jordan Barrett.
CAROLINE TRAN
Sister of Alyce Tran, Caroline was previously fashion director at Harper’s Bazaar magazine and since the mag went on hiatus she has become in demand as a creative director and stylist. Also making a name as an influencer as she works with various brands.
CARMEN HAMILTON
An OG blogger, her boyfriend is Ben Mills who owns Shelter in Double Bay. Has shied away from the spotlight to instead focus on creative endeavours and was last on Instagram in June, 2021.
KRISTIN FISHER
A business woman and social queen and ‘life of the party’ who is originally from Perth and built her business after her bestie, beauty writer Leigh Campbell shared her best kept secret KFE (Kristin Fisher Eyebrows). Fisher has two children with her ex, F45 trainer and owner Chris Barnes.
CARTIA MALLAN
Social media creator and podcaster – she hosts Common Chaos with her bestie model and influencer Ashton Wood. With more than 500,000 followers in Instagram alone, Cartia works with brands including Dior, Louis Vuitton and YSL and is known for connecting with her audience on issues like heartbreak, beauty and is a mental health advocate. The 22-year-old previously dated model turned actor Josh Heuston.
YAN YAN CHAN AND BOYFRIEND NATHAN JOLIFFE
Nathan dated SAS contestant and former Miss Universe Australia Erin McNaught prior to Yan, who is a fashion influencer.
TOM COLE
Double Bay hairdresser Tom Cole made headlines over his split from now ex wife Maria Rota when he had an affair with eyebrow queen Kristin Fisher.
COOL KIDS
CAMILLA FRANKS
Enduringly cool, original kaftan queen Camilla has transformed her fashion business into a global success story with international stars from Sophia Vergara to Robbie Williams wearing her clothing. She is very well connected with a fabulously colourful personality that makes her the life of any party. Based between Sydney and Wales with artist husband JP Jones, the couple have a young daughter together.
PIP EDWARDS
Building her powerhouse brand PE Nation hasn’t slowed her down, Edwards still manages to juggle it all – a successful career, parenthood and making regular social appearances. Her statement fashion like no other makes her coveted. She’s also dated some of Australia’s most eligible bachelors, including most recently cricket great Michael Clarke and rugby union footballer Adam Ashley Cooper.
DAIMON DOWNEY
Former member of chart topping group, Sneaky Sound System, Downey has always been a party animal. Now firmly ensconced in life as an artist and sometime DJ, Downey is in a relationship with Georgia Gorman, with whom he has a child. He previously dated Sarah Jane Clarke from Sass & Bide.
JOSH HEUSTON
Model and influencer turned actor, Heuston has a huge presence on social media. He previously dated influencer Cartia Mallan. Heuston grew up in Campbelltown and was working as a bartender when he was scouted to become a model. He has since worked with the likes of Fendi and Burberry. Acting-wise he is known for Dive Club and will play Dusty in the new Heartbreak High series.
GEORGIA FOWLER AND PARTNER NATHAN DALAH
Nathan isn’t even 30 and he’s created an incredible business with Fishbowl, Fish Shop and now Fish Mrkt with friends. Started dating Georgia when they met through friends and they just had a baby, Dylan.
MAURICE TERZINI
The original old school cool kids leader – restaurateur and fashion-Mr Terzini recently announced his engagement to edgy jewellery designer Emma Abrahams after splitting from partner of many years, Lucy Hinkfuss.
JORDY BURROWS
Used to run Bondi’s Bucketlist and has been in the hospitality industry for many years. Burrows dated American actor Nat Kelly and had a shotgun wedding but split shortly after and now he’s single and a very wanted man.
MILLY GATTEGNO AND BOYFRIEND DARREN MCMULLEN
This couple met years ago when McMullen was a host on MTV and Milly was a publicist for the music broadcaster. She is now a talent manager at IMG while McMullen is focusing on acting. Milly also is one half of super cool DJ duo, The Faders DJs, with fashion executive Suhana Lye.
DINA BROADHURST
Artist Dina mixes in cool circles and used to date Nick Broadhurst from Sneaky Sound System. Broadhurst too is a former publicist who is close friends with the likes of Pip Edwards, Jodi Anasta and model Izi Simundic (of Australia’s Next Top Model fame).
MIKEY NOLAN (DOUBLE RAINBOUU)
A former creative director for Ksubi, which was back then Tsubi, Nolan is well regarded in fashion circles as well as for mixing with the cool kids. He is a former Bang Gang DJ, which was once managed by Modular Records and also included Dan Single, Damian Hesse and the late Ajax.
SOCIETY
DEBORAH SYMOND O’NEIL
Daughter of millionaire entrepreneur John ‘Aussie’ Symond, Deborah has carved out a name in fashion with her boutique Mode Sportif and is also very active as an influencer and in the charity scene. Married to Ned O’Neil, of the Point Piper property developer family helmed by Denis O’Neil.
TAMIE INGHAM AND CHEF GUILLAUME BRAHIMI
Chicken heiress Tamie runs a small shoe label with Karl Stefanovic’s wife, Jasmine. She and celebrity chef Brahimi, a former French rugby player, are a hot couple around town.
NICKY OATLEY
From Oatley family (wine), who own Hamilton Island, Nicky represents old money at its best, is private and never flaunts her wealth. Married to financier Jonathan Pearce.
LOU HAY
Fashionista Lou has carved out a successful career as an influencer while maintaining integrity on the social scene. She is engaged to Toby O’Neil, brother-in-law of Deborah Symond and also of the Point Piper O’Neil family. The couple’s wedding in April will be one of the hottest invites on the calendar this year.
FRANCESCA BARHAM PACKER
Granddaughter of the late media mogul Kerry Packer, Francesca attempts unsuccessfully to keep a low profile but is also known for splashing out. Her lavish 26th birthday party on a luxury boat on Sydney Harbour is an example of that. The daughter of Gretel Packer and Nick Barham, her uncle is James Packer and her grandmother is Ros Packer.
MICHAEL PORTER AND BILLY MITCHELL
Hot couple Michael and Billy prefer to keep a low profile but are extremely well connected. Porter is heir to the condom kingdom, Four Seasons, where he works as marketing director, while Mitchell is in luxe fashion and is currently marketing executive at Armani.
CHARLIE AND NOW EX ELLIE AITKEN
Once society darlings, fund manager Charlie covered the business while Ellie was all over the social and attended various events and charity fundraisers. They split after more than 20 years of marriage last year, causing quite the stir as shockwaves were felt through Sydney’s society set. He then confirmed he was dating the wife of the fund’s top investor, Holly Nasser. Her ex is Chris Nasser.
TOM WATERHOUSE AND WIFE HODA
Son of horse racing veterans Gai and Robbie Waterhouse, Tom runs his own betting firm. He and wife Hoda are currently based in the UK.
TIM HOLMES A COURT AND GIRLFRIEND AMANDA VALMORBIDA
Nephew of Janet Holmes a Court, who is one of Australia’s wealthiest women, and son of Peter Holmes a Court, who owned a share of the South Sydney Rabbitohs with Russell Crowe. Tim was part owner of Double Bay hotspot Pelicano until the end of last year and is engaged to Amanda Valmorbida, part of the Lavazza coffee family from Melbourne.
BOBBY OATLEY AND XANTHE WETZLER
Bobby is Nicky’s cousin and is married to Xanthe who is trying to forge her path as a stylist.
MONICA SAUNDERS-WEINBERG
Monica is the daughter of billionaire philanthropist John Saunders, who co-founded Westfield with Frank Lowy. She has been chair of the Gold Committee raising funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital for several years, a position she has handed to Joshua Penn for 2022.
OLIVIA BOND
Husband is Jeremy Bond, grandson of the late Alan Bond. Olivia runs a bespoke diamond jewellery business, which is a go-to in the Eastern Suburbs.
KATE BOND
Kate Bond is originally Kate Fisher – Kristin Fisher’s sister – and her husband is Banjo Bond, grandson of Alan Bond and sister in law to Olivia Bond.
MODELS
MONTANA COX
Formerly on Australia’s Next Top Model, Monty as she’s affectionately known mixes in the right social circles and keeps a level head on her shoulders. She previously dated Jamie Valmorbida, brother of Amanda Valmorbida and again part of the Lavazza coffee family from Melbourne.
MATILDA DODS
Model represented by Priscillas who is well connected in the fashion set.
TAHNEE ATKINSON
Also part of the Australia’s Next Top Model alumni, Tahnee is Miss Congeniality and loved by many for her curves and her carefree and kind personality. She is close friends with model Jordan Barrett.
SIMONE HOLTZNAGEL
Curvaceous former Guess model with an international profile, Simone is much loved for her raw and honest approach to life.
Her younger sister, also a model, Madeline, dates billionaire hospitality businessman Justin Hemmes.
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