Artist and model Serena Wardell on growing up and slowing down

WORDS Cassandra Dimitroff PHOTOGRAPHY Mia Rankin PUBLISHED Thu, 10 Jul 2025 - 11:00 am

In partnership with Vacheron Constantin

What does it mean to move with time, instead of against it? For Serena Wardell, it looks like a book tucked into every travel bag, dinner soundtracked by her favourite songs, and the slow, grounding pull of making something with her hands.

Photographed by Mia Rankin in Vacheron Constantin to mark the Swiss Maison’s 270th anniversary, Wardell ponders the idea of legacy – an ode to the artists and artisans whose steady pursuit of excellence has shaped each timepiece. The artist and model grew up in a household where imagination was everything, and that instinct still drives her: to keep evolving, to keep learning, to keep close to the things that matter.

In a world that rarely slows down, what does stillness look like to you?

In a world that rarely slows down I find stillness in reading and making art. This is when I feel my most at peace and the chaos of the world around me halts for a moment. When I can, I paint, draw and write. And while I’m travelling or on-the-go, I will always have a book on me.

Left: GUCCI jacket, dress and boots; VACHERON CONSTANTIN Historiques 222 watch. Right: COURTNEY ZHENG bra and skirt; VACHERON CONSTANTIN Traditionnelle Moon Phase watch.

What moments in your day feel the most like “yours”?

I enjoy cooking myself dinner. The ritual of putting on my favourite songs on every speaker in the house while making my favourite meal really energises the mood for me after a long day. Otherwise a good book, candles and a hot bath will always feel like a ‘me’ moment.

CHRISTIAN DIOR dress; VACHERON CONSTANTIN Overseas Self-Winding watch.

Time is so often framed as something to race against – how do you reclaim it?

I have never feared getting old. I love to think about time as something to embrace. If you have good people around you and you have built a life that you enjoy being in, each year should become more and more exciting to experience. I truly value moments in time that teach you to grow. You cannot grow if time doesn’t pass.

Left: PRADA top, shorts and bag; VACHERON CONSTANTIN Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date watch. Right: VACHERON CONSTANTIN Égérie Self-Winding watch.

Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 270th anniversary – this year. What does the idea of legacy mean to you personally?

I think we’d all like to leave this earth being remembered in some way. As much as I'd like my legacy to be about my art, or fashion in some way, I'd also like to be known for being exceptionally kind and a contagiously wonderful human being!

Left: PRADA top and shorts; stylist's own socks; VACHERON CONSTANTIN Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date watch. Right: VACHERON CONSTANTIN Overseas Self-Winding watch.

A big part of Vacheron’s story has been its artists and artisans never-ending quest for excellence. What drives you to keep creating and evolving in your life?

I grew up in a creative household. My mother is an artist and my father is a curator. No matter what happens over the years, they are constantly reminding and encouraging me to continue creating art regardless of how good or bad I think I am. It keeps me inspired in every aspect of my life – not just with physically painting. The more I create, the more I want to learn and experience. And the better I become.

Left: HERMÈS cardigans, trousers and shoes; VACHERON CONSTANTIN Traditionnelle manual-winding watch. Right: LOUIS VUITTON top and pants; VACHERON CONSTANTIN Traditionnelle Tourbillon Retrograde Date Openface watch.

If you could freeze a moment in time, what would it be?

There are too many to choose. My first thought is from last week – I had my parents come to stay with my fiancé and I in Sydney. We were all sitting around the dinner table, giggling and just enjoying each others’ company. I wish to have that kind of love surround me for the rest of my life.