n February 29 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, celebrated the top 50 creatives in the country at the inaugural VL50 AWARDS presented by Mobilia alongside supporting partners Range Rover, and creative mind. The event brought Australia’s most influential talent in interior design, architecture, product design, landscape design and art together for an unforgettable night — and one of the biggest moments in ’s 57 year history. See all the lensed by the incredible fashion photographer Georges Antoni on page 42. This issue salutes the LEADING WOMEN shaping the world with their innovative and thought-provoking creative practices. We recognise industry including Urquiola, India Mahdavi and Kelly Wearstler, and such as Jodie Fried and Sally Pottharst, who are the brains behind Australian rug company Armadillo and two of the most kind women whom I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. This female-led focus continues with homes that highlight the of VL50 stars Mardi Doherty of Studio Doherty and Phoebe Nicol. Our cover home belongs to CRITERIA founder Rachael Fry, who is responsible for bringing some of the best international designers to the country — most recently her gallery became the exclusive Australian stockist of Pierre Yovanovitch Mobilier. I’ve always admired Rachael’s eye for detail and have discussed shooting her home for years, but being the perfectionist she is, she waited until it felt ready. It is one of my favourites to date: a home filled with colour, texture, collectibles and personal touches (like the ocky strap bed frame on page 96), and with gardens by VL50 Landscape Designer of the Year, Paul Bangay.
