Sisters’ catch-up in Bondi ahead of birth of Holtznagel baby

The start of February signals the end of languid summer holidays for the average Sydneysider. But for socialite sisters Simone and Madeline Holtznagel back to business looks like a long lunch in Totti’s Bondi.

The start of February signals the end of languid summer holidays for the average Sydneysider, and a return to the office desk and school drop offs.

For our esteemed social set, back to business looks like a long lunch in Totti’s Bondi private dining room on a Tuesday afternoon.

The Holtznagel sisters, Simone and Madeline, attended a glamorous event at the eastern suburbs institution hosted by their friend and Australian fashion designer Desiree Deravi.

It is the first public outing the sisters, who are both models and socialites, have attended in some months, as Simone, 30, is in the late stages of her first pregnancy.

“I haven’t been out much since I’ve been with child,” she joked.

Simone and Madeleine Holtznagel at Totti’s Bondi. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I have supported Desiree’s label S/W/F for years now, but I’ve especially been wearing it while pregnant,” she told The Daily Telegraph.

“Her dresses are all really beautiful and made from comfy, floaty fabrics.”

Simone Holtznagel and partner Jono Castano. Picture: Supplied

The 30-year-old glamour model and her partner, celebrity personal trainer Jono Castano, are expecting the arrival of their daughter in seven weeks.

“I don’t want to wish the time away because I’m so grateful I was able to fall pregnant naturally, but I am ready for my clothes to fit me again,” Simone said.

“I’m so ready to be the fun aunty and spoil her with all the presents,” Madeline added. “Our other sister is having a baby any day now too so it’s a very exciting time.”

Younger sister Madeline, of course, is a regular at the Italian restaurant favoured by local and international celebrities. It doesn’t hurt that it’s owned by her longtime boyfriend, billionaire Merviale magnate Justin Hemmes, either.

Madeline Holtznagel and Justin Hemmes at a Melbourne Cup lunch at Ivy Pool Club in Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I’m here at least once a week,” she laughed, citing the lobster and prawn pastas as her go-to dishes. “The cucumber is massively slept on.”

Madeline, 27, added that she’s recently returned to Sydney, after spending the school holidays in Narooma on the South Coast.

Her boyfriend Hemmes co-parents two young daughters, Alexa, and Saachi, with his model ex Kate Fowler, Georgia Fowler’s older sister.

The 51-year-old has often described the small coastal town, where he owns five large properties including his 60ha Glasshouse Rocks estate, as his “second home”.