In partnership with Shona Joy
Paris in September hums with a particular kind of energy. Fashion Week is in full swing—the city moving to the ever-quickening rhythm of back-to-back shows, late nights, frantic taxi rides, and hurried coffees. But tucked away in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the pace slowed for a moment.
At La Société, RUSSH and Amanda Shadforth hosted an intimate dinner in honour of Shona Joy’s 25-year anniversary—a celebration of the brand’s legacy, its future, and the women who’ve shaped both. Around the table, twelve creatives, collaborators, and longtime friends of the label gathered over candlelight and classic French fare. Among them were RUSSH editor-in-chief Jess Blanch, Shona Joy CEO Danielle Haddrick, Violet Grace Atkinson, Jiawa Liu, Inka Williams, Beatrice Gutu, Andrea Ricci, and Megan MacKenzie. Between courses of escargot, steak tartare, handmade pasta, and fresh seafood, conversation flowed easily—drifting from fashion to travel and shared memories of the brand’s journey.
What began in 2000 at Sydney’s iconic Bondi and Paddington markets has grown into a globally recognised fashion house, stocked in Bloomingdale’s in the US, Harvey Nichols in Dubai, Selfridges in London, and so many more. Despite this monumental growth, at its heart, Shona Joy remains true to the values it was founded on: effortless design, timeless silhouettes, and a distinctly Australian sensibility.
In spite of the chaos of the city outside—the traffic, the shows, the noise of Fashion Week—the dinner felt calm and intentional; a celebration that affirmed the covetable identity founder Shona Joy Thatcher has built over 25 years. Her namesake label has evolved without ever losing sight of thoughtful design, consistency, and pieces that hold meaning. This night in Paris felt like one of them.
As dessert arrived and the night drifted into that sweet post-dinner haze, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a look back at what’s been. It was a nod to what’s still ahead, and the first page in what will surely be an incredible next chapter.
