It’s one of the warmest days of the year in July during an unforgivable Los Angeles heatwave and Flamingo Estate, the elusive hilltop ranch that looks like a Tarantino film come to life, is buzzing. Everyone is awaiting a special, top-secret visitor. The giveaway is a Rhythm of Love vinyl, conspicuously propped against a mid-century teakwood sideboard, ready for its mistress - the 80-million-records-sold, chart-topping musical legend Kylie Minogue, who now counts a number-one album in five consecutive decades - to sashay through the doors.
Holding the exclusive Flamingo Estate for a full day is no mean feat - Margot Robbie was an exception when she popped by to shoot the cover of British Vogue in 2021 - but there’s something extra special about playing host to Our Kylie. “It really just feels like an old friend is coming over,” says Richard Christiansen, Flamingo Estate’s owner. The entrepreneur worked on the star’s Kiss Me Once tour as an art director eight years ago; for his home to serve as the backdrop to Kylie’s seventh Vogue Australia cover is a full-circle moment. “Growing up in rural Australia, she was my entryway to the rest of the world and gave me permission to dream that I could leave the world I knew and dare to explore the rest. And dream big.”
Once in situ, the superstar flits around the grounds in new season looks from Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Marc Jacobs, styled by editor-in-chief Christine Centenera. “Christine is adorable - adorable!” Minogue coos over the phone from her Melbourne home a week later, Australia - an icon. I really hope it works out.”
