If there’s a perfect poster girl for living authentically, it’s British-born, Sydney-based actress, Samantha Allsop — our Winter Issue coverstar. True authenticity, after all — as our Editor-in-chief wrote in her opening letter to this very magazine — is about choosing your values and living in alignment with them. This is something Allsop has done since a young age — deciding on a path that felt true to her, and pursuing her goals with intention and unwavering resolve. The result is a life she feels good about living.
In this issue, as well as our illuminating cover story with Allsop, we also speak to others whose pursuit of an authentic life has led them on remarkable paths. Matthew Ridge and David Ring have both shown immense bravery and resilience in reinventing themselves, and, in seeking a different way forward, found lives they’re proud of. Elsewhere, we look at authenticity through a different lens — delving into the preservation of true, authentic craftsmanship, speaking to globally revered creatives who are eschewing digitalisation in favour of tactile, hands-on artistry.
We also offer an extensive edit of everything worth enjoying this winter — from relishing Central Otago’s many spoils, to what to wear — both on and off the slopes, alongside a dedicated Watch and Jewellery special that is sure to inspire.
You’ll find an extensive round-up of the many compelling reasons to get out of the house to support our local hospitality industry this winter, and, as always, we lay out the design trends worth buying into, the latest in wellbeing, and a whole winter’s worth of books, films, shows, and live events to fill your cultural calendar.
If we have one hope for this issue, it’s that it inspires you to seek inspiration in the real world. The digital realm is an increasingly fraught and frightening place, demanding constant posturing and performance, but what we often fail to remember is that we have a choice to exist outside of it. In stepping offline, living in congruence with our values becomes much simpler.
So, fight the hunger for visibility, and embrace your true essence. After all, in an age of hyper-conformity, authenticity is the ultimate act of rebellion.
Our Winter Issue is available at all good newsagents and supermarkets, or simply subscribe to the magazine below.
