Skip to navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerHelp using this website - Accessibility statement
  • Advertisement

    Philippa Coates

    Life & Leisure deputy editor

    Philippa Coates is deputy editor of The Australian Financial Review's lifestyle liftout, published online and in print. She is based in our Sydney newsroom. Connect with Philippa on Twitter. Email Philippa at pcoates@afr.com

    Philippa Coates

    May

    How this Australian went from ski bum to CEO of a Canadian ski resort

    The much-loved Big White in British Columbia has been family owned for decades. Third-generation Peter Plimmer had to earn his stripes to take up the mantle.

    January

    Fifty and fabulous: Why this Piaget watch is a collector’s item

    Slightly radical, radiantly feminine, the Limelight Gala was a hit from the moment it was released.

    December 2023

    They have completed 60 Sydney to Hobart races between them: Andoo Comanche bowman Sven Runow, left, and Midnight Rambler skipper Ed Psaltis

    How size doesn’t count in the Sydney to Hobart race

    One crews on a maxi, the other skippers a 36-footer, but Sven Runow and Ed Psaltis share the same mad passion for Australia’s most notorious yachting challenge.

    Premax founder Randall Cooper, at his Melbourne office and physiotherapy practice.

    Why the New York Knicks and Arsenal love this Australian brand

    Randall Cooper started Premax skincare as a side interest to his busy sports physiotherapy practice. Now he’s got the world’s best athletes making orders.

    Caroline-Marie Scheufele works in product development at Chopard, the Swiss watch and jewellery brand founded in 1860.

    Meet the 28yo at the heart of Swiss luxury brand Chopard

    On her first visit to Australia, Caroline-Marie Scheufele is warming to her new role at the venerable family business.

    Advertisement

    November 2023

    The festive rituals of six high-flyers from around the world

    Family is at the heart of celebrations for these globetrotters – no matter who, or where, they are.

    October 2023

    The Ribbon, which houses the new IMAX cinema, has been built between two arms of the Western Distributor.

    What it’s like to stay at the new W Sydney between two expressways

    After construction dramas then the pandemic, the $1 billion Ribbon built for the glamorous hotel has opened. Life & Leisure stayed on opening night.

    May 2023

    Jai Lyons, the innovative head mixologist at Barangaroo House.

    A Pornstar martini made from kitchen waste? Just wait till you try it

    The bar manager at Sydney’s popular Barangaroo House reckons customers can’t get enough of his sometimes unusual recipes.

    How a living ‘jungle’ helped this Aussie show become a touring hit

    As a major donor to dance theatre troupe Shaun Parker & Company, Penny Hunstead wasn’t expecting to find herself as a set designer.

    Archibald finalist Eliza Gosse with her mother, Jules Gosse, in her Woolloomooloo studio in Sydney.

    Do you talk to your mum every day? These three high achievers do

    Successful mothers, successful children. All apparently happy with their lot, and getting along famously. What are their secrets?

    March 2023

    ‘Power to control’: why this chef is hooked on jiu-jitsu

    Aside from the kitchens at his three restaurants, Alessandro Pavoni’s other happy place is the gym.

    • Updated

    February 2023

    This boss loved skydiving. Then she took it a step further

    When not leading the Asia-Pacific division of global tech company, Charlie Hales likes jumping out of small planes – and learning to pilot them.

    January 2023

    Siobhan Stagg: “I think that people should invest as much time and energy in developing their mindset and performance psychology as they do on actually developing their craft and their technical skills.”

    How a $100 gift to a girl in Mildura led to international opera fame

    Victorian-born soprano Siobhan Stagg is in huge demand from opera companies and orchestras worldwide. But her career could just as easily never happened.

    How tarot cards help this company founder (even when hiring)

    For Savage River writer and producer Polly Staniford, tarot card reading has parallels to the craft of storytelling.

    December 2022

    Knife maker Mathieu Dechamps.

    Want a unique gift? Try these six great Australian artisans

    If you’re after something one of a kind this Christmas, why not go direct to the source? Consider the wares from these six talented Australian makers.

    Advertisement
    For high jewellery creative director Eugenia Bruni, nothing beats spending a traditional Christmas with her family at their home in Valenza, Italy.

    How six high-flyers are celebrating Christmas in style

    From wreaths of chilli peppers in LA and glasses of mulled wine to round off a Finnish feast in the Australian heat, the season is what your background makes of it.

    November 2022

    Taco Tin is the place to have delicious tacos and burritos on the mountain.

    For the best snow and food in North America, there’s one place to go

    A former “draft-dodger” town in Canada’s British Columbia, and its neighbouring ski mountain, have become drawcards for foodies chasing great skiing.

    President, CEO, creative director: this luxury brand boss does it all

    Nicolas Bos understands the importance of beauty and artistry in jewellery. But as head of Van Cleef & Arpels, he also knows how to keep the coffers full.

    Italian jewellery brand celebs love takes on Australia and the world

    The word is finally out about the gems made by family business Pasquale Bruni.

    The Qantas flight that no amount of frequent flyer points could buy

    The flight from Charleville to Longreach and Cloncurry via Winton hadn’t happened for 100 years. And it’s not likely to happen again anytime soon.