Welcome to the September issue of SALIFE, in which we explore the concept of luxury. While there may be a universal image of what the word means – beautiful homes, designer labels and sparkling jewellery – it’s also a deeply personal notion.
I’m not one to eschew all the typical indulgences, but for me, luxury has everything to do with experiences and the often not-so-tangible treats.
An hour to spare at an alfresco table outside Hey Jupiter with a glass of Champagne and bowl of French fries – a birthday treat to myself each year. A vase of freshly-cut flowers that sit just the right way.
But let’s broaden that definition for a moment. This month, you’ll find oodles of the finer things in life, starting with a trip to Hindmarsh Island for features editor Genevieve Meegan and photographer Ben Kelly.
The pair ventured to the holiday home of Adelaide arts producer Sarah Rohrsheim – a short 15-minute jaunt across by plane – to discover that a little bit of extravagance sure is fun, but the luxury of following one’s passion is what life really comes down to.
Forever one to embrace a very classic colour palette, I savoured the fashion team’s shoot this month, from show-shopping skirts to sleek suiting – head to toe in black. Just how I like it.
Sometimes, luxury is quite simply – or extravagantly – spoiling yourself. If that’s what you’re in the market for, our wrap up of some of the state’s best experiences from will have you flying high or relaxing in high-end sanctuary.
Sometimes, the finest things come from the kitchen – they do in chef Kane Pollard’s case at least. Kane opens the doors to his restaurant, Ondeen, where he has created masterpieces on a plate.
These aren’t your average weeknight recipes, but trust us, put aside some time to give them a go. My pick is the spectacular Ligurian honey cake, with its sumptuous layers and pretty petals. This one will definitely impress your guests.
Lastly, you’ll find a very special tribute to Ruth Irving, the woman behind One Tree Hill garden Al Ru Farm, along with her husband, Alan. Ruth created a botanical setting for countless weddings and happy memories, and just weeks before she passed away in August, Ruth opened up to writer Ben Kelly about her passion for this spectacular plot of land and all she grew within it.
As the tears flowed during their meeting, Ruth remarked, “I’m crying because of the joy of it. I’ve got a wonderful village around me and I’ve had a fabulous life. Focus on what you can change, and if you can’t do anything about it, why bother spending a minute on it?”
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And that, above everything, might just be the essence of real luxury.
We hope you enjoy this issue, and we’ll see you again in October for The Design Issue.
Zoe Rice, Editor SALIFE
