Petta Chua, Sydney-based stylistCredit: Gavriel Maynard
Sydney-based stylist Petta Chua honed her keen eye for fashion during stints at Vogue Australia, GQ Australia and homegrown brands including Ksubi, Perks And Mini, Camilla and Marc.
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Sydney-based stylist Petta Chua honed her keen eye for fashion over an eight-year stint on Vogue Australia, where she started out as a fashion assistant before being elevated to contributing fashion editor. She was later appointed fashion director at Vogue’s stablemate men’s title GQ Australia, before returning to freelance styling. She has a great love for Australian fashion and has worked as a stylist for homegrown brands such as Ksubi, Perks And Mini, Camilla and Marc, Bianca Spender and Dinosaur Designs. Here Petta shares her take on Sydney style, and reveals the Sydney designers and craftspeople whose creations she most cherishes.
Where do you take friends who are visiting Sydney? “I'm a total Sydneyphile and love to share my city with travelling friends. I think the best treasures in Sydney are the less obvious ones: hidden local rock pools, pho in Bankstown, Lebanese sweet shops in Lakemba. There is plenty to discover off the beaten track.
“But you also have to head to the beaches when you’re in Sydney, right? If you go to Bondi, you should check out Albus Lumen’s Societé store on Glenayr Avenue — it’s beautiful [book an appointment here]. It really encompasses the idea of Australian luxury. Albus Lumen’s pieces are breathable and there’s attention to sustainability. The clothes are well made, elegant, easy and relaxed; you can dress them up really easily and dress them down really easily.”
What would you say sums up Sydney style? “I think it’s just the feeling of being sun-kissed after a day at the beach, stepping fresh out of the shower and putting on something that makes you feel confident in your skin. The key to ‘Sydney style’ is being able to go from the beach to dinner, and brands like Sir, Bassike and Matin do that transition so well.”
What is your favourite backdrop for a fashion shoot in your home town? “The magic of living in Sydney is that the world’s best set of beaches are only a 20-minute drive from the city centre. I grew up in Sydney’s west and I’d previously always lived in inner-city suburbs, but I moved east to Tamarama after a couple of years of intense travel at Vogue, when being away gave me the chance to fall in love with Sydney all over again. So when I returned I moved closer to the beaches, and it’s where I also end up shooting. It’s not out of laziness: you can’t live in a place like Tamarama or [neighbouring] Coogee and walk down to the beach at any time of day and not feel inspired.”
Albus Lumen’s Societé store Credit: Jiwon Kim
Australian fashion label Albus Lumen’s Societé store in Bondi.
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Albus Lumen’s Societé store Credit: Jiwon Kim
Australian fashion label Albus Lumen’s Societé store in Bondi.
Tamarama Beach Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW
Tamarama Beach, Eastern Suburbs Sydney
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Tamarama Beach Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW
Tamarama Beach, Eastern Suburbs Sydney
Do you have any favourite stores in the city centre? “Andrew McDonald Shoemaker in the Strand Arcade [a Victorian-era shopping arcade between Pitt and George streets in central Sydney]. Andrew hand-makes shoes and boots — he’s brilliant. There is ready-to-wear, so he does have shoes you can just walk in and buy straight off the wall, but I think the full experience is to see the lasts, choose the leather, choose your laces and your colour. [The process of making bespoke shoes or boots takes from six to 10 weeks; you can have your measurements taken at the store and have the finished shoes shipped to you.]
“In terms of buying something that you’re going to hold on to, a pair of his shoes or boots is such a keepsake of Sydney. I have three pairs, and they’ve aged incredibly well — or not aged at all.
“I also love Feit for handmade shoes — they have a great focus on sustainability and their vegan leather sneakers are my favourites.”
And outside the city centre? “The Intersection precinct [where Glenmore Road meets Oxford Street in Paddington, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs] is a good little trip to do. You can spend a couple of hours here and get a broad stroke of what Australian fashion looks like. You’ll find the boutiques for local labels such as Camilla and Marc, Dion Lee, KitX, Gorman, Zimmermann and many more here.”
Are there any cult Sydney stores you recommend seeking out? “[Melvin Tanaya and Lyna Ty’s men’s and women’s label] Song for the Mute is such an incredible space. The label has a cult following internationally, and its headquarters are tucked away in a street a couple of blocks off Broadway in Glebe [a 10-minute drive from the city centre in the Inner West], so you would never really know it was there unless you specifically went. And people do specifically go there: it’s the darling of so many rappers. People in music, in K-pop, they all love Song for the Mute.”
Where do you go to spot great street style? “The Inner West — Marrickville and Newtown — is where you’ll find the best Sydney street style. A lot of people say Bondi, but you see more unique style in Marrickville and Stanmore. There is an organic food market on Sundays where creative upcycling organisation Reverse Garbage is [at the Addison Road Community Centre complex in Marrickville], and you get a broad taste of Sydney style. I love Reverse Garbage. I spend a lot of time there with Jordan Gogos, the industrial artist, because he can turn anything into something magical; he’s a creative genius.”
When you want a break from the city, where do you go? “You can drive two hours down south from Sydney [to the South Coast] and be in the greenest rolling meadows, and a short distance from that would be some of the best NSW beaches. They have such good fresh food markets around there, too. Now when I’m with a friend in Sydney, they ask me what to do and I say we have to take a day trip to the Kiama Farmers’ Market [on Wednesday afternoons in Kiama] — they’re insane!”
The Intersection, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
The Intersection shopping precinct, Paddington
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The Intersection, Paddington Credit: Destination NSW
The Intersection shopping precinct, Paddington
Kiama Farmer's Markets, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
The Kiama Farmer's Market held every Wednesday at Surf Beach, located on Manning Street.
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Kiama Farmer's Markets, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW
The Kiama Farmer's Market held every Wednesday at Surf Beach, located on Manning Street.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.