MECCA Talks

As part of our support for women in the arts and through our partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria, each year MECCA partners with an Australian-based female artist to design beautifully festive, limited-edition packaging for the holiday period, while also contributing to the NGV’s acquisition of a major piece of their work. In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate is joined by our 2022 artist, Nadia Hernández.

Born in Mérida, Venezuela and currently living and working in Melbourne, Nadia expresses her experience as a Venezuelan woman living far from home through various creative disciplines and mediums. Bursting with colour and energy, her work explores political narratives and family stories while celebrating culture, identity and togetherness with radiating positivity. We’re so honoured to feature it on this year’s packaging! Hit play to hear Nadia’s incredible story.

Products mentioned:

NARS Powermatte Lipstick

Cultured Fortitude Face Mist 

Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady EDP

Comme des Garçons Black EDT

Read more:

WATCH: Behing MECCA’S 2022 Holiday packaging with artist Nadia Hernández

Discover the artists behind our holiday packaging through the years

See Nadia’s work at the The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square

Host: Kate Blythe

Guest: Nadia Hernández

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Editor: 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, Kate chats to groundbreaking Mexican architect and inaugural MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission artist, Tatiana Bilbao. As the founder of one of the few sole female-led architectural practices operating at a global scale, Tatiana highlights the positive impact of women on the profession.

Her installation – now showing at the National Gallery of Victoria until January 29 2023 – is a physical expression of her aim to free architecture from the conventions of the of the 20th century and explore the impacts of the commodification and privatisation of domestic labour (especially on women). It combines textiles with architectural structure, while drawing on her studio’s use of collage, sketching and model making. Hit play to hear more about Tatiana’s pioneering projects.

Read more:

How MECCA is advancing gender equality through the education of women and girls  

Announcing: The MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission

Watch: The making of our inaugural MECCA X NGV Women In Design Commission installation

Visit the installation at the NGV

Host: Kate Blythe

Guest: Tatiano Bilbao

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Editor: 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, Kate is joined by fearless feminist writer, broadcaster and speaker (and skincare enthusiast!) Clementine Ford.

A social justice champion and challenger of cultural norms and ideas around gender equality, marriage, female happiness and public health, Clementine is a true thought leader, and, as per her first book, the ultimate example of ‘Fight(ing) Like A Girl’.

In the week of the International Day of the Girl's 10th anniversary, Clementine talks about the inequalities women and girls face from childhood through to adulthood, her ‘coloured history’ as a social commentator, reframing her perspective on beauty and challenging the concept of marriage, as she plans to explore in her upcoming book, ‘I Don’t’.

Listen, take note, and speak up!

CONTENT WARNING: this episode touches on themes of rape, assault and violence.

Read more:

Discover MECCA M-POWER

Listen to the 'Dear Clementine' podcast

Follow Clementine Ford on Instagram

Host: Kate Blythe

Guest: Clementine Ford

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Editor: 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. https://bit.ly/3mctrAI

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, and in celebration of 25 years of MECCA, Kate hands over hosting duties to MECCA founder Jo Horgan for a supremely special conversation with creative genius, beauty industry legend and the man behind NARS Cosmetics, Mr François Nars.

In the rare interview, Nars shares the inception of some of the beauty industry’s most popular and bestselling products (think NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, 'Laguna' Bronzer and 'Orgasm' Blush). He reflects on an unparalleled, decades-spanning career – and candidly shares the path that led him there. And, Nars shares memories of painting – and photographing – some of the world’s most recognisable faces: Kate Moss, Tilda Swinton, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, Sigourney Weaver and Liv Tyler among them.

Like the 25-year-long partnership between NARS and MECCA, this episode is one for the beauty history books. Hit play!

Brands and products mentioned in this episode:

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

NARS Orgasm Blush

NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder

NARS Lipstick

Read more:

The man behind NARS: François Nars on creativity, perfectionism and the almighty Orgasm

An expert guide to NARS foundations and bases

One beauty brand, two beauty icons: why NARS Orgasm Blush and Sheer Glow Foundation are our MVPs

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Jo Horgan

Guest: Mr François Nars

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Audio Engineer: Max Solomon

Editor: 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 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 Horsley

Guest: Michelle Feeney

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Editor: 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 founder

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Lucy Shaw

Guest: Emma Lewisham

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Editor: 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 Eucalyptus

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Nécessaire The Body Serum

Read more:

Terracycle at MECCA

The top 5 products from Nécessaire

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Clare Press, Randi Christiansen

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.

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

Nécessaire

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: 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 Candle

Flamingo Estate Garden Essentials Garden Soap Set

Flamingo Estate Garden Essentials Body Wash

Flamingo Estate Clarity Mineral Soak

Shop all Flamingo Estate

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

Keen to try Flamingo Estate? Start with these 5 products

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Richard Christiansen

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.

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 Wong

Guests: Jason Juma-Ross

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.