MECCA Talks

In this episode of MECCA Talks, Kate and guest co-host Jen Horsley are joined by Michelle Feeney, founder of sustainable fragrance brand, Floral Street, and beholder of one of the most prolific careers in beauty.From working at the PR firm that inspired Absolutely Fabulous, to participating in the first ever London Fashion Week, putting Crème de la Mer on the map, raising millions for HIV/AIDS via M.A.C Cosmetics – and, of course, developing a sustainability-first fragrance brand like no other – this chat with Michelle is a must-listen for beauty historophiles, inspired scent-scapers, and those hoping to forge a path in the beauty industry.Brands and products mentioned in this episode: Floral Street Sunflower Pop EDP Floral Street Electric Rhubarb EDP Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid EDP Floral Street Lady Emma Candle Floral Street Wonderland Peony EDP Floral Street Sunflower Pop Candle Floral Street Arizona Bloom EDP Read more on The Memo:5 ways Floral Street’s Michelle Feeney shaped the beauty industry Hosts: Kate Blythe, Jen HorsleyGuest: Michelle FeeneyProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of MECCA Talks, Kate is joined by resident skincare expert Lucy Shaw to talk to the Emma Lewisham about her benchmark-setting, industry-changing, results-driven and science-backed eponymous skincare line.Based in New Zealand (and making waves around the world) Emma has succeeded in developing the world’s first carbon positive and circular-designed beauty brand, even getting the stamp of approval from her hero, Dr. Jane Goodall. Her efficacious, cutting edge and naturally derived formulas are safe for all skin types and life stages too, proving to the beauty industry that you really can have it all. From choosing her brand colours with MECCA in mind to publicly releasing the IP for her sustainable business model, this conversation with beauty’s biggest changemaker is not to be missed – hit play! Brands and products mentioned in this episode: Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum Emma Lewisham Supernatural Face Crème Riche Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Eye Crème Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser Emma Lewisham Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème Read more:Terracycle at MECCA MECCA MEETS… Emma Lewisham, skincare brand founderHosts: Kate Blythe, Lucy ShawGuest: Emma LewishamProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of MECCA Talks, Kate and Zara are joined by sustainability educator Clare Press, as well as Randi Christiansen, the co-founder of cult body care brand Nécessaire.As the fashion and beauty industries become more conscious and sustainable, we thought we’d bring in the professionals to share the steps they’re taking to leave a smaller footprint on the Earth (and a brighter impact on our day-to-day), as well as the tweaks we can make to be kinder to our planet via our wardrobes and beauty routines. From 03:42, Clare shares her experience becoming Vogue Australia’s first sustainability editor (a role she held from 2018 – 2020), discovering – and uncovering – the fashion supply chain, and going on to educate and empower others to better understand their wardrobes.Then from 32:44, Randi talks Kate through her career as an executive in the beauty industry, and how that – alongside her Scandinavian origins – led her to develop the climate-neutral, plastic-neutral, vegan, recyclable-packaged, skin-loving and eminently Instagrammable ‘It’ brand that is Nécessaire.Brands and products mentioned in this episode: Nécessaire The Body Wash EucalyptusNécessaire The Body Lotion Nécessaire The Body Serum Read more:Terracycle at MECCA The top 5 products from Nécessaire Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Clare Press, Randi ChristiansenProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of MECCA Talks, Kate and Zara are joined by Net-A-Porter founder, Imaginary Ventures founding partner and world-leading entrepreneur, Natalie Massenet.From honing her focus on the future (from her teens!) to building all-star teams, fostering unparalleled corporate culture and now, tapping into the ‘creator economy’, this conversation gives insight into the intelligence and razor-sharp instincts that resulted in Natalie being appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to the fashion and retail industries.Listen as Natalie touches on her time at Net-A-Porter, Farfetch and the British Fashion Council, and shares how she’s helping to amplify the next generation of household beauty, fashion and lifestyle brands (including the likes of SKIMS, Kosas, Nécessaire, Reformation, Everlane and Westman Atelier) through Imaginary Ventures, the venture capital firm she co-partners.If you’re of entrepreneurial spirit, a brand devotee or a shopaholic, this is an episode not to be missed!Brands and products mentioned in this episode: Westman Atelier Bonne Brow Defining Pencil Kosas NécessaireHosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Natalie Massenet Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrated creative Richard Christiansen’s home is not a restaurant, though Chrissy Teigen might have you fooled otherwise!  In this episode of MECCA Talks, Kate and Zara are joined by the man of many life chapters, whose quirky LA residence evolved into a salt-of-the-earth produce, wellness, home and body care brand during the pandemic – and fast resonated with Hollywood (including the aforementioned Chrissy, as well as likes of Oprah, Ellen, Martha Stewart and Hailey Bieber), and now, the rest of the world.  Listen as Christiansen generously shares the journey from his farm-style upbringing in rural NSW to a law career in London, to fashion, publishing and advertising in New York – and finally to the COVID-induced ‘pivot’ that turned everything on its head. This is the pleasure-filled story of Flamingo Estate, now available at MECCA. Brands and products mentioned in this episode: Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato CandleFlamingo Estate Garden Essentials Garden Soap SetFlamingo Estate Garden Essentials Body WashFlamingo Estate Clarity Mineral SoakShop all Flamingo Estate Read more on The MECCA Memo:Keen to try Flamingo Estate? Start with these 5 products Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Richard ChristiansenProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat.  MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The metaverse is real, and it’s about to change the way we work, socialise, and experience beauty. So – we best start talking about it! To do just that, Kate and Zara are joined by Jason Juma-Ross, (a.k.a. JJR), Director of Technology Strategy at Meta; the company formerly known as Facebook.JJR is a global leader in tech innovation, and the perfect person to explain exactly what the metaverse is (and will be), and how we can expect our lives to change over the course of the next decade.From actualising futuristic tech from ‘90s sci-fi films – to unpacking the way the internet was built with a male bias – this chat is an unintimidating introduction to the basics of Web3 and the future of experiential beauty. It’s one for the sceptics... and those already sporting a VR headset.Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Jason Juma-RossProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael LiberaleLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders - past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MECCA Talks discusses the winners of the 2022 MECCA Beauty Election, including a cult-favorite foundation and a whipped moisturizer. They also talk about their recent trip to Italy for a cosmetics trade show, their favorite beauty products, and the value of historic makeup palettes. They share personal experiences and tips on using the best beauty products of 2022.

From star signs to tarot cards and crystals, we’re exploring the new frontier of self-care with Yasmin Sewell, founder of wellness-meets-fragrance brand, Vyrao, and Alice Bell, NYC’s chicest astrologer and our go-to person for anything star- (and sun, and moon!) related.First, Yasmin joins Kate and Zara in the studio to take us on her journey from Sydney to London, where she opened inimitable fashion boutique Yasmin Cho in her early twenties, and later became one of fashion’s top tastemakers for the likes of Browns, Liberty and Farfetch. Then, of course, we jump into the present, where Yasmin finds herself homing in on her long-time passion for energetic healing, connection and master perfumery through Vyrao – a fragrance brand unlike any other.Zara then jumps on the line with Alice, a US Vogue fashion assistant-turned-astrologer whose initial interest in better understanding her identity, purpose, quirks and love life became a full-time career. Between chart readings, mentoring, education, digital content, brand partnerships and her podcast, Alice is giving us the 411 on Astrology 101 – and, how best to handle Mercury’s current retrograde. Products mentioned in this episode: Vyrao Witchy Woo EDP Vyrao Free 00 EDP Vyrao I Am Verdant EDP Vyrao Georgette EDP Vyrao Magnetic 70 EDP Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector RMS Beauty Lip2CheekRead more on The MECCA Memo:Meet the first 5 scents from vibe-enhancing perfumery, Vyrao 4 modern astrologers on how their star signs influence their beauty routines Mercury retrograde is here: channel your calmest self with these astrologist-approved candles Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Yasmin Sewell, Alice BellProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, we’re transporting you to Paris – no passport necessary! Join us on Kate’s recent trip to the city of love, flowers, fragrance and pastries for a sit-down chat with L’Officine Universelle Buly 1803 (also known as just Buly) co-founder, Victoire de Taillac.Get inspired by the eclectic, time-travelling worldliness of de Taillac and her partner, Ramdane Touhami, who reinvigorated and reinvented a 19th century apothecary that once flourished by way of its “vinegar with a thousand virtues.”De Taillac also talks about her time at prolific Parisian fashion boutique, Colette, tells us what makes Buly’s unique water-based fragrances so good, and shares the tourist and patisserie-flecked joys of Paris post-pandemic. Products mentioned in this episode: Officine Universelle Buly Eau Triple Mexican Tuberose Perfume Officine Universelle Buly Huile Antique Scottish Lichen Dry Body Oil Officine Universelle Buly Huile Lait Virginal Berkane Orange Blossom Body Milk Officine Universelle Buly Opiat Dentaire Mint Coriander Cucumber Toothpaste Officine Universelle Buly Pommade Virginale Face Moisturiser Officine Universelle Buly Scented Candle Sacre Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Bio-Energising Cell Repair Balm 111SKIN Read more:Alcohol-free perfumes are a thing: everything you need to know about the water-based alternative Why this French apothecary brand is our new obsession Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Victoire de TaillacProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded elements of this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate and Zara tap into their TikTok ‘For You’ pages to unpack two internet success stories: ‘the Euphoria foundation’ and Carla Rockmore.The first story we hear is that of the Chantecaille Future Skin foundation, a MECCA icon that flew off our shelves the moment Euphoria makeup designer Donni Davy mentioned it was her go-to base on the HBO show. Alex Chantecaille, VP of sales and promotions at Chantecaille (and daughter of the brand’s founder, Sylvie), shares her reaction to the 13-year-old foundation’s newfound virality, and tells us how the brand is – and always was – making waves in formulation and environmental philanthropy. Then, Carla Rockmore – or as Vogue likes to call her, ‘the real-life Carrie Bradshaw’ – joins Kate and Zara from her now-famous closet to talk TikTok success at age 54, pivoting from jewellery designer to content creator when the pandemic left her in a pickle, and utilising fashion and social media as a form of self-expression. This conversation had us falling in love with Carla all over again!Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review!Products mentioned in this episode: Chantecaille Future Skin Chantecaille Vital EssenceChantecaille Mascara Faux Cils Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask Chantecaille Stress Repair Concentrate + Chantecaille Pure Rosewater Chantecaille Just Skin Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops Westman Atelier Lip Suede Hourglass 1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner 3 Pack Read more:Here’s how to recreate Euphoria S2’s biggest trends  MECCA COLLECTIVA: Carla Rockmore approaches beauty with as much energy as her TikToksCarla Rockmore on TikTokHosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Alex Chantecaille, Carla RockmoreProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past, present and emerging. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.