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Last Word

August

This fashionista wants wailing and pasta at her funeral – but no black

New York-based media veteran Laura Brown doesn’t spend much time thinking about the great unknown; it’s going to come anyway.

  • Lauren Sams

May

At her funeral, says Saskia Havekes:  “No one is to play Ave Maria and definitely no white coffin. Those two things I can absolutely say no to.” Illustration by Sam Bennett

Society florist to sign off with a signature flower

Grandiflora founder Saskia Havekes plans to be dressed in white, with a floral scent and a magnolia bloom.

  • Benjamen Judd

March

Jac Hunt, the co-founder of fashion label Jac + Jack. Illustration by Sam Bennett

This fashion founder’s send-off will be a funeral pyre and limericks

With a strong affinity to India, Jac Hunt, the co-founder of Jac+Jack, would incorporate Hindu traditions into her last hurrah.

  • Matthew Drummond

October 2023

Black Diamondz luxury property concierge owner Monika Tu. Illustration by Sam Bennett.

TV realtor wants party to remember but not ’til she’s 105

Monika Tu is the owner of Black Diamondz luxury property concierge and appears on Luxe Listings Sydney. She wants to go out in serious style.

  • Lauren Sams

August 2023

Pip Edwards. Illustration by Sam Bennett,

This fashion designer has already set the dress code for her funeral

Pip Edwards knows the best part of skiing is the après-ski. Après her life? She has plans for that, too.

  • Lauren Sams
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May 2023

Surfboard shaper and designer Hayden Cox, photographed at his Hayden Shapes studio in Mona Vale, Sydney. Illustration by Sam Bennett

What to expect at this surfboard designer’s final paddle-out

Hayden Cox would like to be cremated in Tom Ford, along with a wetsuit just in case there’s one final break to something bigger that lies beyond.

  • Hayden Cox

March 2023

Gab Waller.

Bury this luxury shopper in Chanel – but please hold the phone

LA-based Gab Waller spends her days sourcing luxury products for high-net-worth clients. When it all ends, she has a few requests.

October 2022

Camilla Freeman-Topper.

Why this top fashion designer wants to be buried in her birthday suit

Camilla Freeman-Topper, of fashion label Camilla and Marc, admits she wouldn’t be able to decide on her last-ever outfit. The solution? Go without one.

  • Camilla Freeman-Topper

August 2022

Definitely not a suit: tailor Patrick Johnson’s final going-out attire

For his last hurrah, the man behind the P. Johnson fashion brand would like to wear an Egyptian tunic and a lot of gold.

  • Patrick Johnson

May 2022

Maurice Terzini. Illustrations by Sam Bennett

Martinis but not too many: how Maurice Terzini wants to be remembered

When last drinks are called for this restaurateur, he’ll be dressed in Brioni. The food will be simple and beautiful, but there’ll be no background music.

  • Maurice Terzini

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/last-word-6g09