MECCA Talks

In today’s episode of MECCA Talks – recorded live and in front of a studio audience at MECCA George Street – Kate is joined by Professor Augustinus Bader and Charles Rosier, Co-Founders and CEO, respectively, of the brand responsible for Hollywood’s picture perfect complexions, Augustinus Bader.A globally recognized biomedical scientist and physician, and leading expert in the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, Professor Bader co-founded the line of “too good to be true” formulas with CEO Charles Rosier, an entrepreneurial, science-minded investor who put everything on the line – his home, his savings, and his reputation – to bring the Augustinus Bader brand to life, and fuel Professor Bader’s greater work in skin, science and epigenetics.The two go deep into the science of the brand – including the process of transforming Professor Bader’s astonishing medical breakthroughs in wound healing into a revolutionary skin-healing cream that appealed to the masses – and talk about how, with no marketing or PR, their products got into the hands of Don Johnson, Melanie Griffiths, Brad Pitt and Courtney Cox.Watch the conversation, filmed live at MECCA George Street, on the MECCA Memo.Shop Augustinus Bader's cult skincare - from Hollywood's favourite, The Rich Cream, to the brand's newest launch, The Retinol Serum, at MECCA.Host: Kate BlytheGuests: Professor Augustinus Bader and Charles RosierProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael LiberaleLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group 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.

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by the legendary Dr. Barbara Sturm, whose eponymous skincare brand supercharged celebrity-status skincare into the mainstream.Recorded in the service suites of Dr. Sturm’s London spa and boutique, this exclusive conversation covers Dr. Sturm’s journey from orthopaedics to skincare, the creation of the famous ‘vampire’ facial and ‘blood’ cream – also known as MC1 Cream – and how word got out around Hollywood about her game- (or shall we say skin-) changing brand. Hit play!Can't make it to Dr. Sturm's London clinic? Experience an exclusive Dr. Barbara Sturm facial at MECCA Aesthetica. For more information, click here.Products mentioned in this episode: Dr. Barbara Sturm Face CreamDr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream RichDr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic SerumDr. Barbara Sturm Glow DropsDr. Barbara Sturm Exoso-Metic Face Serum Dr. Barbara Sturm Deep Hydrating Face MaskHost: Kate BlytheGuest: Dr. Barbara SturmProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: 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!). 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.

In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with celebrated multidisciplinary designer and recipient of the 2023 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, Bethan Laura Wood.The MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission is a major series inviting internationally renowned female designers and architects to create a significant new work for the NGV Collection. Bethan’s radical approach to materiality, colour and pattern through furniture, objects and installations has garnered a cult following, and presence in galleries and museums across the world, including The Art Institute of Chicago, San Francisco’s MOMA and the Victoria and Albert Museum.Bethan’s piece, Kaleidoscope-O-Rama, was revealed last week as part of the NGV’s Triennial Exhibition, and is on display now until April 2024 at the NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, with free entry. Further information is available via the NGV website.Learn more on MECCA MEMO:WATCH: In The Chair with Bethan Laura WoodMeet the 2023 MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission ArtistHost: Kate BlytheGuest: Bethan Laura WoodProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: Michael LiberaleLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group 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.

In today’s episode, Kate is in New York visiting the Brooklyn HQ of Kavi and David Moltz, the creative brains (and noses) behind non-traditional fragrance house, D.S. & Durga. David, a musician and self-taught perfumer, alongside Kavi, an architect and designer, work together approaching scent like music or art – breaking the boundaries of the very exclusive, illusive and traditional fragrance industry while they’re at it. Over a cup of fresh-brewed tea (David’s other great passion), they spill the story of how their unexpected fragrances are imagined, why they were onto the viral ‘pistachio’ scent three years before anyone else and how, when it comes to your brand, saying no can be more important than saying yes.   Read more on MECCA MEMO:Pistachio is the ‘it’ fragrance note of 2023: here’s whyProducts mentioned in this episode:D.S.& Durga Pistachio EDP D.S.& Durga I Don’t Know What EDPD.S.& Durga Cowboy Grass EDPD.S. & Durga Rose Atlantic EDP D.S. & Durga Debaser EDP D.S & Durga Rockaway Beach EDP D.S. & Durga Durga EDP  D.S. & Durga St. VetyverD.S.& Durga Candles D.S. & Durga 85 Diesel CandleD.S. & Durga Radio Bombay EDP Host: Kate BlytheGuests: Kavi and David MoltzProducer: Kerri GordonEditors: Romy Erdos and Michael LiberaleLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group 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.

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by adored makeup artist, creative director and founder and CEO of Violette_FR, Violette. Launching into MECCA this week, Violette talks about the very beginnings of her brand and ‘”irreverent” beauty ethos – from mixing her own colours and textures on set to changing the way we all make and consume beauty content – and shares how her studies in fine art, Parisian sensibility, and years of direction and development for some of beauty’s biggest players led her to create a brand that makes beauty fun, effortless, empowering and chic, all at once. To say we’re obsessed would be an understatement. Hit play! Read more on MECCA MEMO:Violette Uses This One Beauty Product Morning, Noon and NightProducts mentioned in this episode: VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Blush VIOLETTE_FR Yeux Paint Matte VIOLETTE_FR Bisou Balm VIOLETTE_FR Boum-Boum Milk VIOLETTE_FR Petal Bouche Matte VIOLETTE_FR Avec Amour Oil Perfume Host: Kate Blythe Guest: VioletteProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: 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!). 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.

In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate is joined by supermodel, movie star, editor, mother-of-two, beauty obsessive, and Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Rose Inc., Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.Recorded in the Townhouse Suite of Los Angeles’ historic Sunset Tower Hotel, Rosie shares the story of growing up in Devon as a magazine obsessive, getting her big break at the modelling agency she interned at when she was 16, and how – with a career as a supermodel and movie star under her belt – all roads led her to beauty.Rosie’s love for beauty and design – coupled with her desire for high-performance innovation, two decades in the makeup chair and experience with acne-prone skin – has resulted in a brand that delivers on modern formulations that feel as good as they look (and leave your skin better off). Hit play to hear all about it.Click here to watch Rosie answer our burning questions in our newest video series, In The Chair! Products mentioned in this episode: Rose Inc Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Colour Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum Rose Inc Softlight Luminous Hydrating Concealer Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer Rose Inc Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum Rose Inc The Complexion Brush Gift Set Rose Inc Number 7 Fan Eyeshadow Brush  Host: Kate Blythe Guest: Rosie Huntington-WhiteleyProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: 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!). 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. 

In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate is joined by Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis. With a degree in biomedical and pharmaceutical science, a master’s in international business and a history of severe acne and reconstructive facial surgery, Nicolas created Allies of Skin from a desire to rebuild his own confidence, and to demystify skincare, making it simple, accessible and – above all else – efficacious.Nicolas’ unbelievably smooth, glassy skin is proof enough that the brand delivers on the words printed on each bottle (and the science-backed formulas within them) – however, if you’re searching for more, you’ll discover famous fans in the likes of Hailey Bieber, Kaia Gerber, Niall Horan, January Jones and Henry Golding. Having launched in 2016 with just three products, Allies of Skin has reached cult status in record time – hit play to find out why.Content warning: This episode touches on themes of mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know requires support, help is available via Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14.Products mentioned in this episode: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum Allies of Skin Multi Acids & Retinoid Brightening Sleeping FacialAllies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum Allies of Skin 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum Allies of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Treatment Mist Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser Allies of Skin CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream Host: Kate Blythe Guest: Nicolas TravisProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: 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!). 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.

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by Christine Chang, co-founder and co-CEO of Glow Recipe, the fruit-forward skincare brand that has taken the world – and TikTok – by storm. Over a glass of wine and a sheet mask – with their Korean heritage and successful careers in beauty alike – Christine and her best friend, co-founder Sarah Lee, developed Glow Recipe, a skincare brand that creates gentle yet effective formulas to deliver clinically proven results in a fun, fruity, sensorially delightful way. Their now-iconic Watermelon Glow Dew Drops pioneered the virality of beauty products on TikTok, forever changing the way we share, trial, shop and love beauty. Hit play!Products mentioned:Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops™Glow Recipe Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops™ Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Lip Pop  Read more on The Memo: Turning a friendship into a beauty empire with glow recipe’s Christine Chang & Sarah Lee Five in five: multi-masking with glow recipe founders Christine Chang and Sarah Lee I tried glow recipe for the first time – and now I understand the TikTok hype!Host: Kate BlytheProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: 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.

In today’s episode, we’re demystifying menopause with specialist and women’s hormone and mental health advocate, Dr Fatima Khan. The process of menopause has the power to change the way that women look – and more importantly, feel – but for far too long the conversation around these changes and how to embrace them has remained hush.  Dr Khan completed her medical training in the UK from Imperial College London in 2007 achieving a Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery. She also achieved a Bachelor in Science in Pharmacology and Therapeutics with publication of her research. In addition, Dr Khan has an Advanced Menopause Certification accredited from the British Menopausal Society and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.In conversation with Kate, Dr Khan brings to light the changes that occur to one’s hair, nails, skin, body and mind during menopause, and shares her top recommendations to support, manage and embrace those changes.For more personalised advice about menopause, perimenopause and mental health, please contact your medical health practitioner. Learn more about Dr Fatima Khan here.It’s time to talk menopause – hit play!Host: Kate BlytheProducer: Kerri GordonEditor: 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.