The Stylish Person's Guide to Sydney, According to St. Agni's Lara Fells

One of the best parts of fashion and beauty being such global industries is that you're constantly coming across interesting people from all over the globe — the types you'd love to get recommendations from when you're traveling to a new destination. So, we're asking them about their favorite food, shopping and wellness spots in their cities for you, so you can pencil them into your itinerary. Consider this your fashion and beauty person's guide to travel.

In recent years, there's been an Aussie takeover in fashion, the likes of which we haven't seen since Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's seminal 2000 film "Our Lips Are Sealed." Sydney is right up there with Copenhagen in buzzy fashion weeks holding their weight (and the public's attention) against the big four in New York, London, Milan and Paris, its designers gaining traction internationally and amassing followings for the lifestyle they propose — of easy dressing, of minimalism, of laid-back living.

A recent favorite export is St. Agni, founded by Lara and Matt Fells, which is actually based in Byron Bay in Northern New South Wales, about an hour and a half flight from Sydney. However, work brings Co-Founder and Designer Lara to the city, which is Australia's fashion hub, quite often. (St. Agni has shown as part of Australian Fashion Week, and the brand recently opened a store in the Paddington neighborhood.)

"Sydney attracts models, photographers and creatives from all over Australia and beyond," she says. "It's where many of our models are based and, consequently, where a lot of our photoshoots take place."

To Fells, where Sydney really shines is "in its unique offering of all the benefits of a city — shopping, restaurants, culture — along with the luxury of having the scenic coastline at its doorstep," she says. "I usually visit Sydney for work related purposes, but my favorite part is being amongst the hustle and bustle of the city. Coming from Byron Bay, which is much slower paced, it's a nice, refreshing contrast."

Should you be planning a trip down under, read on for Fells' quick-fire Sydney favorites for eating, relaxing, swimming and more.

Favorite place (or places) to get breakfast in Sydney?

It depends where I stay when I visit. If I'm staying at the Paramount Hotel, they have a great Café, the Paramount Coffee Project. Another favorite in Surry Hills is Bills.

Favorite place (or places) to get lunch?

I'm often on the go during this time, however, if I have time, I love to have a slow late lunch at Sean's Panorama in Bondi.

Favorite place (or places) to get coffee?

There's too many! Sydney has coffee sorted.

Favorite place (or places) to get dinner?

I love Greek cuisine — Apollo has a great ambience and delicious Greek. You can find great Italian at Il Baretto.

What's one tourist attraction you think is well worth the visit in Sydney?

The St. Agni Boutique in Paddington, of course! You need to see the Opera House and Bridge by the harbor to have complete the Sydney experience.

If you only had time to visit one museum or gallery while in Sydney, where would you go?

The Art Gallery of NSW has a great collection of Australian and international art. It's also home to the Brett Whiteley Studio.

What's your top wellness experience in Sydney?

There's nothing quite like a great facial or massage at The Calmm.

Best beach or pool in/around Sydney?

There are many! Of course Bondi Beach, which is often quite busy. There are also a lot of beautiful coves near the city, such as Gordons Bay. If you have time, visiting the Northern beaches is a must.

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