The Sydney ‘It’ girls that are influential, beautiful and filthy rich
MEET Sydney’s new A-team. Movers and shakers in fashion, business and design, this group of ‘It’ girls are not only intelligent, influential and interesting but also effortlessly beautiful — and many of them, filthy rich.
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MEET Sydney’s new A-team. Movers and shakers in fashion, business and design, this group of ‘It’ girls are not only intelligent, influential and interesting but also effortlessly beautiful — and, many of them, filthy rich.
While most are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, all of them are hell bent on creating a name for themselves.
“What’s probably different about these girls is that they are all a mix between a celebrity and socialite,” editor-in-chief of Vogue Australia Edwina McCann said.
“Unlike in the past when a socialite was just married to someone wealthy, or alternatively was just a celebrity, these girls combine a whole lot of factors and are independently successful.
“They have their own identities and are talented and driven women and are part of these family dynasties that people are fascinated with.”
In a world where “insta-fame” can be fleeting, there’s no need for these women to buy followers. If you lure them to your event, it will go from just another non-event to the most buzzed about party of the year. And if you get your clothing on their faultless bodies, it will sell out in minutes.
“These women are living the high life,” McCann said. “They can afford the clothes, they go to Europe on the big boats and they can afford the life they live, which makes them authentic. They are intelligent and interesting and that sets them apart from the rest.”
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MEET THE A-TEAM
Francesca Packer Barham
ABOUT: The surname says it all. The eldest granddaughter of media mogul Kerry Packer and the daughter of Gretel and British financier Nick Barham, Packer Barham is a fixture on the charity circuit and one of Sydney’s most intriguing bachelorette’s. Branded the ‘modern heiress,’ the 23-year-old is down-to-earth, well rounded, and “flamboyant,” according to close friends.
Packer-Barham is currently living in Knightsbridge, London where she is studying interior design at Inchbald College.
Unlike the other Packer women, ‘Chessie’ as she is known to close friends, isn’t living her life out of the spotlight. Best friends include PR queen Roxy Jacenko and man about town Christian Wilkins.
“The Packers generally don’t go to anything unless they have an invested interest so getting a Packer or even better Francesca, to your event will do wonders when it comes to your media coverage,” a publicist who did not wish to be named said.
LIKES: her three dogs — Louis, Elizabeth Taylor and Minnie Mouse, trips to uncle James Upper Hunter property Ellerston.
DISLIKES: Being treated like a meal ticket.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 434K
Deborah Symond O’Neil
ABOUT: The daughter of “Aussie John” Symond (whose net worth is valued at $580 million) was never going to lead a dull life. She flew relatively under the radar until she launched her now hugely successful luxe athleisure store Mode Sportif in 2016 and since has been on an ever increasing trajectory. Despite owning and running a store in Sydney, the multimillion-dollar heiress is rarely in town and is likely to be seen gallivanting around the world’s hottest destinations.
With a lust-worthy wardrobe rumoured to be worth a bomb and full of coveted items including a $200,000 bespoke blush Dior wedding dress, the perpetual globetrotter’s life is nothing short of lavish.
“Thanks to her father, Deborah is one of the most well connected young women in Sydney but is hellbent on making a name for herself,” an unnamed source said.
LIKES: Spritz O’Clock, braids, spin class at cycology and sitting on the board of numerous charities including the silver party.
DISLIKES: Daggy workout wear.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 19.8K
Melanie Grant
ABOUT: AS our celebrities go-to facialist, ‘skin whisperer’ Melanie Grant is the woman on call for Sydney’s A-list. With a loyal clientele which includes Lara Worthington, Nicole Trunfio, Georgia Fowler and Jessica Gomes, softly spoken Grant’s 20 years experience has seen her become BFF’s with many of those whose faces she is tending to.
LIKES: A knockout serum.
DISLIKES: Name dropping.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 32.4k
Clementine McVeigh
ABOUT: The wife of former Sydney Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh has made a name for herself and secured her spot as one of Sydney’s A-list thanks to her fashion.
The model mum opts for fur at the beach, uses a Louis Vuitton tote as her nappy bag and wears stylish turban’s to grab a quick coffee.
Myer have recently enlisted her for their upcoming spring racing campaign.
“Our shoppers definitely engages with Clementine and are inspired by her look,” Myer’s media spokeswoman Melissa Templeton said.
“Her engaging personality and warm smile connects with our customers and her style inspires shoppers to purchase.”
LIKES: Turbans, oversized sunglasses, dressing her daughters in designer threads.
DISLIKES: Sitting with the other WAG’s at the game.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 80K
Jaimee Belle Kennedy
ABOUT: The wife of James Kennedy, the founder and CEO of Kennedy Luxury Group, Jaimee Belle Kennedy is the epitome of polished.
Having signed a new five year sponsorship deal which includes Kennedy receiving naming rights for Kennedy Oaks Day, Jaimee Bell and her husband have become the Mr and Mrs of racing.
“Jaimee is just 25-years-old with the world at her feed and an enormous business behind her,” a close friend said.
“She is dynamic and despite being based in Australia, has a huge global reach.”
LIKES: High-end and couture fashion, tiaras, timepieces and her malamute dog Henry.
DISLIKES: Following trends and flat shoes, being late, seafood.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 16K
Nicky Oatley
ABOUT: This pretty and super smart woman is a an Oatley — Australia’s winemaking and yacht racing dynasty. The granddaughter of Robert ‘Bob’ Oatley (worth $910 million) is an integral part of the Oatley family empire and is brand manager of family owned Hamilton Island.
Having recently split from her husband, Troy Tindall, the Nicky has dropped his surname, filed for a divorce and has become one of Sydney’s most eligible bachelorette’s.
Oatley is described by her pals as being a straight-shooter, super smart, kooky, takes no sh*t and has zero time for fluffy people.
LIKES: Her two miniature Italian Greyhounds Luca and Isla, gardening at her Double Bay cottage and a fierce blonde + blow-dry by celebrity stylist Ash Crocker.
DISLIKES: Cheaters, freeloaders and people asking her age (no one knows how old she is).
SOCIAL MEDIA: 3,621
Rey-Hanna Vakili
ABOUT: This gorgeous and pampered sister of Hoda Waterhouse is the girl you would say has it all. With beauty and brains, Rey-Hanna Vakili is currently studying her MBA at Stanford University. Model Jason Dundas’ former flame is part of the Vogue pack having once been Anna Wintour’s assistant, solidifying her socialite status.
“Rey is way more than just being a beautiful face,” Top Aussie designer Rebecca Vallance said. “She has a really great commercial outcome.”
“The phone starts ringing hot the minute she wears something by Rebecca Vallance.”
LIKES: Fashion stylist, Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, Whitney Houston’s I Want To Dance
With Somebody, Barak Obama (whom she recently met).
DISLIKES: The terms ‘socialite’ and ‘"It" girl’.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 26.9K
Nadia Fairfax
ABOUT: The daughter of former Rugby League player of the 70s and 80s, Russell Fairfax, Nadia is known as being the life of the party. So much so, she’s even created her own hashtag #partywithnardy.
Considered one of the country’s top influencers, the former gymnast is a staple on the fashion week front rows and A-list events in Australia and NYC. The 28-year-old lives half the year here and the other half in NYC.
“Nadia is the absolute queen of working a room and becomes BFF with everyone she meets,” a top publicist said. “She is the common link between many of Sydney’s A-listers.”
LIKES: Sport of any kind — The Roosters and Wallabies in particular. Spending time with her family (she’s super close to her mum and dad).
DISLIKES: Getting old (age is in question. Friends believe she is 30), people telling her she’s too thin.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 181K
Montarna McDonald
ABOUT: "It" girl and muse, Montarna McDonald is one of Sydney’s best known and loved PR powerhouses.
The 28-year-old, who founded her agency — The Audience Agency — at the tender age of 23, knows all the right people in all the right places and is fast becoming one of Sydney’s social sets most recognisable faces.
LIKES: Anywhere dog — friendly (her french bulldog Harper is always by her side), a perfectly put together outfit (check her Instagram and thank us later), travelling, the hustle of the PR world and a crisp glass of Chardonnay.
DISLIKES: Delayed flights. Incompetency. Bad coffee. Relaxing — this girl is go go go.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 15.5K
Poppy O’Neil
ABOUT: Deborah Symond-O’Neil’s interior designer sister in law flies under the radar, but is one of our most influential and inspiring ladies. Refreshingly, her Instagram feed — an interior lover’s dream — features just two images of herself.
The owner of poco designs, O’Neil has been touted one of our most dynamic industry leaders.
LIKES: The value of the unexpected in an interior, over scaled greenery, fashion sneakers which are her standard work attire.
DISLIKES: Playing it safe, bad lighting.
SOCIAL MEDIA: 37.5K
Originally published as The Sydney ‘It’ girls that are influential, beautiful and filthy rich
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