Bold in Boston!
Our Boston Apron in Sweet Pea adds a bold pop of color to the SHUK team while providing functional pockets and durable fabric for all-day comfort.
EXPRESS SHIPPING from $20
The blog for uniform styling tips, crew news, recipes, interviews and oh so much more.
27 May 2024
The Dinner Series: A family affair with Emma Kalfus
The Dinner Series is evenings spent in the homes of the makers, artists, and cooks who inspire us. Together, we explore the touchstones for magical moments - thoughtful design, and beautiful food.
Emma Kalfus is one of our style icons. Fashion editor at Vogue and co-founder of independent magazine SIDE-NOTE, Emma is informed by classic fashion and timeless pieces for her personal uniform. She shares her Sydney home with her husband Yoni Kalfus, owner of local hotspot Shuk cafe and their two daughters. Together inspired by travel and food, dinner at their place is vibrant, approachable and a time where the whole family can get their hands dirty. Read on for Emma’s style tips and a menu for a night in.
Emma, tell us about SIDE-NOTE!
SIDE-NOTE came about when Karla Clarke, now a long time friend and magazine fashion editor (we met working at InStyle Magazine over 10 years ago), approached me. We’d both stepped away from commercial magazines for a while and were working hard in the freelance world, but missing the opportunity to create and feel the satisfaction of producing work we were really proud of. It started as a digital magazine and has finally evolved to include a biannual print product too!
How would you describe your personal style?
I’ve always been classic in my approach to fashion and generally opt for separates in the form of pants/jeans or skirts paired back with cute tops or blazers. My style has remained fairly constant over time; I tend to wear a “uniform” and don’t buy in to many trends.
Where do you draw creative inspiration from?
Travel and food are the biggest inspiration for me and generally a large part of the reason I love to travel is to experience the local cuisine. I love visiting new coastlines, taking in what the locals are wearing and exploring artisan and flea markets.
For those looking to make it in fashion what’s one piece of advice?
Get stuck into it and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty or do the menial tasks. The more experience you get on the job the better in this industry.
You’re pretty close to the famous SHUK. What’s your favourite thing on the menu?
They have the best coffee in the area. I can’t go past their Shakshuka for breakfast and a Shawarma Wrap with Amba and Harissa at Shuk By The Beach for lunch. If you haven’t yet tried, you must!
Where did your family get such a love for cooking?
My husband is a chef by trade and has always loved to host at our place. We generally have people around 2-3 times a week and both our families love to talk and gather with food and wine being the central focus.
What do you look for in a quality?
Garment - In classic stylist form, I always leave getting myself dressed until the last minute and generally end up in my crewneck sweater or plain t-shirt and jeans.
Tableware - Nice starchy linens, great candles and silverware. I also love my LaCasa Home plates and bowls
Cookbook - Great photography always sucks me right in. I’ve just received Ellie Bouhadana’s new cookbook, Ellie’s Table, and we’ve already tried out a bunch of recipes
Dinner Party Wine - Champagne to start and generally in the cooler months I opt for something red, full-bodied and often South Australian. In celebration of our new family member/ my three week old son, we popped a magnum of Brimoncourt to start (yolo) and then moved on to a Henschke shiraz for mains.
Soundtrack your Dinner
Easy listening music is my personal favorite. I love the old stuff and if I’m ever stuck, I opt for one of the Rae’s lunch or dinner playlists. I also love some soul!
