Industry aghast as Harper’s BAZAAR shocker makes it to print. Plus, snarky rumour about Norwegian princess’ love life – and eastern elites take on the wild (inner) west: THE GROUP CHAT

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Party princess’ white Christmas

The visit of Ingrid Alexandra, often referred to as Norway’s “party princess,” undeniably infused a touch of royal flair into daily university experiences at the University of Sydney.

Photographs depict the 21-year-old cheerfully participating in traditional student activities at a festive boat party during the recent holiday season, while she begins her three-year journey studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree.

It’s said that Ingrid seems dedicated to her academic pursuits, but there’s a common humorous remark among students that her art degree functions more as a ‘course for finding a husband’.

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If that’s her ulterior motive, I wish her luck. Sadly, it didn’t work out that way for me.

Sharing a college campus with an actual royal family member can indeed be quite intriguing, although it’s not always entirely pleasant, considering the distraction factor.

It has been mentioned that students at St Andrew’s College have discreetly started acting as a protective group for her. Known locally as Ingrid’s “paparazzi posse”, they are determined to safeguard her from the worldwide media following the revelation that she had been visiting Newtown, one of Sydney’s remaining vibrant nightlife districts after the lockout laws affected Kings Cross.

In an audacious and remarkable move, a group of compassionate students encircled a photographer’s vehicle following reports of him chasing the young royal.

The attempts didn’t fully work out as planned: Soon enough, pictures surfaced showing Ingrid leaving a nearby pub still wearing her identification tag – certainly not discreet.

Subsequently, authorities were summoned to a mini-golf bar with a Holey Moley theme in Darlinghurst, following an incident where a recognized photographer was said to have pursued someone in an Uber.

I do not suggest the photographer did anything illegal.

On previous occasions, the police were summoned to ensure the safety of Her Royal Highness, as both the university and St Andrew’s College sought their help in managing the intense media attention.

Even though it was thought that Ingrid would fit in seamlessly among the other international students, hints of what appears to be special or privileged attention have begun to appear.

On a Monday, two identical BMWs, often seen accompanying the Governor-General and preferred by King Frederik and Queen Mary during official events, were sent to pick up the small princess following a five-hour celebration aboard a boat in Sydney Harbor.

In July, the party was nicknamed “Winter in July” because Ingrid wore clothing typically reserved for the Arctic instead of what one would wear on a regular Australian winter day. Later, she and her college friends were taken to the Marlborough Hotel, also known as the Marly, where the Norwegian royal was observed treating her new acquaintances by buying them drinks at the bar.

After that, the festivities shifted to the Cooper’s Hotel. When the students departed at closing time, they appeared quite disheveled. It’s uncertain whether Ingrid continued to join in the fun or had retired for the night beforehand.

During orientation week (O-Week), students will participate in a quick introduction to university social life aimed at building connections before the academic grind sets in.

Harper’s bizarre

Each time a fresh edition of Harper’s BAZAAR comes out, my phone seems to be buzzing consistently – and I couldn’t be happier about it!

Under the Switzer family’s innovative shift as signified by the title’s ‘groundbreaking new approach’, dissatisfied sources take pleasure in scrutinizing each detail, searching for the newest mistake or faux pas.

They never have to look far.

Instead of focusing on the content, people are surprised by what was left out in this month’s main feature (a detailed 19-page article) about local celebrity Isla Fisher.

After wrapping up her divorce with ex-spouse Sacha Baron Cohen, Fisher granted an ‘exclusive’ interview to BAZAAR that primarily focused on other topics, with the significant breakup being subtly addressed in the fourth part of the article.

A different, less impactful tale was criticized by a fashion industry insider regarding Harper’s work. They were accused of burying the main point after securing an exclusive interview with Isla.

Another remarked, “It might have been an option, but if they had done that, it wouldn’t have been Bazaar under Switzer, right?

The photograph session of Fisher is receiving criticism as well – it’s not because it’s overly provocative, but rather it appears to be more suitable for a professional networking site like LinkedIn, rather than a high-end fashion magazine, according to one media insider.

The images are more corporate rather than fashionable like couture… they fall short of the glamorous, high-end fashion landscapes that previously solidified Bazaar’s prestigious image.

In 2021, the company renowned for its financial services, Switzer, acquired the Australian rights to Harper’s BAZAAR. Now, Maureen Jordan and her husband Peter Switzer lead the brand, while their son Alex oversees the publishing division.

‘They’re not journalists or editors – they’re accountants,’ a former staffer once said.

If the response to the August edition is a clue, it seems that the fashion community continues to be skeptical about the Switzers’ concept for BAZAAR.

Socialites head west

Eastern suburbs types tend to break out in hives if they go beyond Edgecliff Station.

Nevertheless, news is spreading gradually that the refurbished inner west district has become a secure haven for people who view Totti’s as an affordable dining option.

Example example: The trendy new hangout is Harriet’s Bar, located at the Montague Hotel. If you’re up-to-date, you might refer to it as simply “The Monty.

The idea for this venture belongs to Mitchell and Harriet Waugh, known as a power couple in the pub industry, who run Bistro Moncur in Woollahra and The Royal Hotel in Paddington. Now they are venturing into a new territory – Marrickville, a place well-known as the Prime Minister’s neighborhood.

On the previous Sunday, a lively soft-opening event attracted a stylish gathering of notables. Among them were Deborah Symond O’Neil and Poppy Tzaneros, known as ‘It’ girls, Maree Andrews, a well-known philanthropist, and Terry Biviano and Anthony Minichiello, who have been tirelessly working on their renovation projects in Vaucluse.

According to Instagram, the evening featured live music, an abundance of cocktails, and lively dance performances on tables.

One social influencer nonchalantly commented, ‘It’s always great to help friends,’ while sipping a cocktail. ‘However, making the trip to Marrickville? I can assure you it will be a one-time occasion.’

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2025-08-07 17:34