Inside the Calile Hotel’s chic rooftop soiree this week
The Calile Hotel hosted a glamorous party on its rooftop this week, complete with celebs and french champagne. Read all about the social events and gossip from the week.
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THE SCOOP
GHOST WITH THE MOST
It doesn’t get much more glamorous than Rolls-Royce Brisbane hosting a rooftop soiree at Brisbane’s chic Calile Hotel. That’s exactly what they did on Thursday evening to celebrate the highly anticipated unveiling of the new model Rolls-Royce Ghost.
The star of the evening had been hoisted by crane onto the hotel’s rooftop stopping traffic in fashionable James Street. Whilst ogling the elegant new Ghost, the luxury brand’s most successful model, the exclusive gathering of 100 VIP’s was indulged with French champagne and signature gin-based Ghost cocktails.
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Calile chef Adam Lyons served up a selection of gourmet treats including champagne caviar oysters, lamb baklava and coconut pannacotta with pineapple salsa. Guests included singer Conrad Sewell and partner Jasmine Hingston, Her Supercar Life’s Rachael Reid, ASM Global’s Rod Pilbeam and wife Judy Pilbeam, Mediscrubs CEO Penny Dacey, influencer couple Michelle and Serkan Alan and Calile owners Cal Malouf and Catherine Malouf. If you happen to have a spare $630,000-plus, orders are now being taken for delivery in late April.
SOLD OUT IN STYLE
Brisbane Fashion Month (BFM) has cemented its position as this year’s ‘must attend’ event, with tickets for the finale runway show selling out in under an hour. “I think people are so excited to get out and see one another and connect with their community again – events like this are perfect for that,” BFM Director Laura Churchill says.
Those who missed out on tickets can still get their fashion fix and see the best of Queensland designers with all major runway events streamed live, starting with this Thursday’s Art + Fashion runway show at 7pm. “I’d love to see women getting together to have viewing parties of our runway live streams all around Australia. The talent we have to show is truly incredible and I can’t wait to see how it’s received by our audience,” Churchill says.
BEN’S NOT AGRO
Arguably the River City’s nicest fella and the man affectionately known as “Ben from Brisbane”, Ben Zabel has been one of the most visible identities at red carpet events since he got evicted from the Big Brother house in 2013. More accustomed to sitting in the audience (usually with mum Margaret by his side), he’s excited to be swapping to the other side of the curtain as host for the Agro Up Late! with Jamie Dunn show next month at Brisbane Powerhouse.
“I still can’t believe I’m working with Jamie Dunn. Ten years ago I was a flight attendant and my career highlight was serving Kamahl a hot chocolate.” enthused Zabel. And how did the oft out-on-the town Zabel cope with lockdown this year? “Lots of Netflix. It’s funny how Tiger King will always remind us of the worst months of our lives.’’ And 2020 in general? “I can’t believe we all stayed up and screamed ‘Happy New Year!’ for this!’’As for being back on the social scene Zabel describes it as “so strange’’. “The whole social etiquette has changed. For example, if you come within six feet of me I assume you’re wanting to date,’’ he jokes’’. Agro Up Late! runs October 6-11. Tickets: brisbanepowerhouse.org
FIERCE AND FAB
When it comes to giving a clap back to internet trolls, Brisbane singer/songwriter Ellen Reed has just delivered a masterclass with the release of her new single, Lycra. The song - and anthem for those in need of a good dose of self-confidence and self-love - packs a punch reminiscent to pop queen Lizzo. Reed, who co-wrote Lycra with friends Joshua Power and Lachlan Geraghty, said the song was inspired by those who targeted her following her appearance on The Voice in 2016.
“I was inspired by the online trolls and some media outlets having a go at my body and the way I looked. I wanted to take the ownership of my body back,” she said. “I am strong and fit and I feel so fierce and fabulous singing this song, I wanted to create something to make other people feel that amazing too!” The launch, at The Wickham in Brisbane, was an epic step back into the spotlight for Reed, whose last gig was headlining Brisbane’s Big Gay Day in early March. But now she’s back, there’s no stopping her. “I’m gearing up to release a bunch of new music and I am so excited to reveal the songs in the coming months and a few big surprises too.”
NEW DIRECTION
Home is where the heart is for White Label Noba’s Tracey Watkins who has pivoted into a new direction as a ‘lifestyle brand’ that will see smaller curated collections and a new ‘Home’ collection. “I took a huge leap of faith and founded White Label Noba from my kitchen bench, and in doing so, ‘found myself’ surrounded by an incredible sisterhood,” Watkins says. “Moving forward, instead of following fashion seasons, we’ve relaunched our boutiques with small, curated collections of WLN’s luxe lifestyle range and bringing back favourites from the Love-Love range.’’
Her Hawthorne and Ascot boutiques will sell WLN Home, a small curation of homeware products and floristry. “My hope in offering our clients more is to fill our lives with joy, surrounded by things that bring love and warmth,’’ she says.
EVENT OF THE WEEK
Pink Ribbon Cup Raceday, Aquis Park, Gold Coast
The Goldy’s most anticipated raceday event since Magic Millions in January, the Pink Ribbon Cup Raceday drew 3,000 punters through the gates at Aquis Park raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation for breast cancer research. One of the hottest tickets was an uber-fashionable lunch in the racecourse’s pink-themed Events Centre.
The event’s Fashions on the Field comp saw Kel Flanders and John Edwards awarded best dressed and Simon Costello win the Most Inspirational category. Kudos to event organiser and NBCF ambassador Robyn Cameron for delivering a magnificent event that keeps getting better every year.
Pictures: Danni Milligan / Kerri Cryer
More event social snaps at couriermail/damienanthonyrossi
LOOK OF THE WEEK
Event: Pink Ribbon Cup Raceday
Name: Robyn Cameron
Suburb: Ashmore
Occupation: Academic (Griffith University)
Dress: Lisa Brown Designs
Hat: Wendy Louise Diggles of Belle Folie
Shoes: Nine West
Clutch: Collette
Earrings: Wayne Cooper
Style Icon: Audrey Hepburn
Picture: Danni Milligan
INSIDE MY WARDROBE: RACHEL THAIDAY
She’s a Brisbane Racing Club Ambassador and rarely puts a step wrong in the fashion stakes, but it hasn’t always been that way for Rachel Thaiday.
“I remember getting my first ever spray tan before a Broncos end of year ball and I turned orange,” she said laughing, adding that she doesn’t partake in the ‘faux glow’ much these days.
Instead you’ll find her juggling many hats - mum, personal trainer, blogger and podcaster and fashionista, especially when she’s trackside.
How would you describe your personal style?
Understated, classic, timeless, things that just make me feel like the best version of me.
Has your style changed much over time?
Absolutely it has, I think you truly own your style to a degree but it grows with you right as you evolve as a woman.
When did you become interested in fashion?
I have always loved fashion; I am a woman and it happens naturally for some of us plus having two little girls, it’s now nice to share more with them and watch their own style come to life.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look?
Ripped jean shorts, white tee shirt, white staple sneakers, sunglasses and a messy bun.
Do you have a favourite fragrance?
Jo Malone’s Pomegranate.
Is there a trend you like right now?
Slip silk dresses, sneakers/sandals and a jumper or tee over the top.
What are your favourite labels?
Anine Bing is a favourite along with Philippe Model for sneakers; Silk Laundry; Get Robed and Une Piece.
What’s the best fashion advice you’ve received?
Be you, no one else can wear that. And nice knickers are a non-negotiable.
Shoes or handbags?
Shoes most definitely, I think I own about 45 pairs but that’s mainly sneakers and trainers as I am a Personal Trainer by trade. I love Nikes.
Jeans or dresses?
Jeans but don’t get me wrong I love a beautiful dress.
Summer or winter fashion?
Summer. I love summer; tanned skin and crisp white oversize shirt, ripped denim shorts and a big hat. It never gets old for me.
What’s your most recent purchase?
A t-shirt and a frilly skirt for summer.
Biggest fashion indulgence?
My leather jacket that I love. I believe a good leather jacket is always an investment piece as you will have it for years.
What is your most sentimental item?
My leopard print pony hair Giuseppe Zanotti heels. I have had them for years and they are the most comfortable heels I have, not only that, I have so many fun memories in them.
Any cringeworthy outfits or trends in the past?
Apparently I wore too much black in the past, and I remember getting my first ever spray tan before a Broncos end of year ball and I turned orange, both of which are trends I do not tend to do much of anymore.
What do you love about racing fashion?
It’s all about understated class and beauty. People love dressing up for the races and it always shows off your own personal style I believe.
What are your race day handbag ‘must-haves’?
I always carry lip balm for the end of the day; perfume; a race guide; mints; and depending on my shoe situation a spare Band-aid never goes astray, either for me or someone in need on the day.
