Travelers: Merlette's Marina Cortbawi in Sydney
Marina Cortbawi is a citizen of the world. After studying in Paris and London, she moved to New York where she now has her studio in Brooklyn. Cortbawi is the creative mind behind the clothing label Merlette, a brand created for the woman on the go. We had a chat with Marina about her favorite places in Sydney only locals know about.
How would you define the city’s style?
Urban, laidback, active and vibrant.
Sydney.. 8 am, where to wake up?
I love either the inner city, like Chippendale and Paddington because they are walkable and amongst great galleries and cafes, but also not far from the East Sydney beaches. Sometimes I like to wake up on a beach too and for that I would say Bronte beach is unbeatable.
We should go with…
I would probably go with friends or family, if you go alone it can be great too - people are very friendly and it’s pretty easy to navigate.
When should we visit?
I think November - February are really nice and warm and when you would get the best out of the summer too. The fall can be really pleasant too as it’s not that cold, but it’s a long way to travel and there is nothing like a Sydney summer in my opinion.
Favorite neighbourhood?
Inner city – Paddington and Woollahra for the shops, bars, markets on a Saturday.
Where is brunch?
There are so many options – A1 in Paddington is one of my favorites though for the incredible coffee, and blue swimmer crab omelet is the stuff of dreams!
Favorite neighbourhood to shop for fashion, furniture and decor? Which stores?
Koskela furniture for décor, David Jones Elizabeth St and Parlour X for fashion.
What about vintage? Where are the hidden spots to shop?
Blue Spinach in Surry Hills which also has designer resale and it’s also worth checking out the markets.
Must-visit markets in the city?
Paddington and Rozelle on Saturdays and Glebe on Sundays.
Any other spots only locals would know?
Gordon’s Bay for snorkeling, Milk Beach for a secluded harbor swim. Newtown has may great restaurants and bars also, so many different cultures and cuisines to try. I think like to get out of the city too – so heading to the blue mountains for a day trip or to the beautiful Southern Highlands for lunch is always a good plan.
Your all-time favorite restaurant for lunch?
Sean’s Panorama in Bondi.
Best street food for a casual bite?
I love Dim Sum and Sydney has a lot of it. Also, I love to wonder down Spice Alley in Chippendale for South Asian street food – there are so many options and you can sit down and have a drink and spicy Laksa (this is my day one jet lag plan usually).
In the mood for dessert, where should we go?
Black Star Pastry for the Watermelon Cake.
How is Sydney an inspiration for you as a designer?
The natural elements are so different to what we have here in the US, and this will always be completely inspiring and yet familiar to me. I love going on a walk in the bush you see so many plants and animals, the colors and the smells are so uniquely Australian, and I miss it so much.
Needing inspiration. Any art galleries, museums or inspirational 'place to go?
I love the White Rabbit Gallery, NSW Art Gallery, Roslyn Oxley and the Olsen Gallery.
Where do we go for dinner with friends? And for a date?
I love ChinChin in Surry Hills for dinner with friends. For a date, I love Pilu at Freshwater Beach or Icebergs in Bondi Beach.
Where would you find the most creative people in Sydney and why?
I would say creative people are all over Sydney! Perhaps Surry Hills, Darlinghurst as that is where galleries are focused.
Any tourist traps to avoid?
There aren’t too many to be honest, even I love doing touristy things when I am back in Sydney such as the Ferry to the Zoo, Sydney fish markets for Oysters and wine, and walking through the historical Rocks area. Maybe avoid the Harbour Bridge climb and overpriced tourist trap restaurants that don’t do justice to Sydney’s reputation for incredible food - use the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide before booking restaurants and ask locals!
The thing you miss most when you’re away?
The blue skies, good coffee, ocean swims and the food just has so much more freshness and flavor that here in the US.
Sydney’s best kept secret?
