Boardroom Briefing: She's Guilty, Bitcoin High, and Wimbledon
and the corporate girl's secret to free activewear
This week, we’re talking interest rates, mushrooms, tech meltdowns and tariffs, with a side of Barbie and Birkin. From boardrooms to the beach club in Mallorca, the stories you need (and the ones you want) are all here. Plus, we’re diving deep into the rise of Zimmerman which is all about how two Sydney sisters turned ruffles and resort wear into a global fashion empire (absolute goals!)
Consider this your reminder that being across the news doesn’t mean scrolling endlessly, it means reading Mode. Smart, stylish, and just enough to say something clever over cocktails.
🎙️ ICYMI
Boardroom Briefing
The Reserve Bank is holding the cash rate at 3.85%, defying market whispers of a 0.25% drop. The board said they want “a little more information” to confirm inflation is sustainably lower. So what? If you’ve got a mortgage, your repayments stay the same, for now. Mark August 12 in your calendar - that’s when we’ll know if relief is coming or if we’re staying in this holding pattern. (read the Capital Brief article to understand more)
The mushroom chef, Erin Patterson, has officially been found guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder after her now-infamous lunch laced with death cap mushrooms sent shockwaves through Australia. The jury wasn’t buying her “oops” defence. She's currently behind bars awaiting sentencing. (via abc)
Telstra confirms it will cut ~550 jobs (~ 2% of its 31,000 workforce) as part of a strategic “reset” of its Enterprise division and organisational structure, emphasising that the layoffs are not due to AI, and pledging support for affected employees through redeployment or redundancy packages. (via news.com)
Mercury Capital has put Are Media up for sale. Are Media publishes iconic Aussie titles like The Australian Women’s Weekly, New Idea and Better Homes & Gardens). CEO Jane Huxley says day‑to‑day operations and staff roles will remain unchanged during the process. (via news.com)
Bitcoin frenzy surges to new heights: Bitcoin smashed its all-time high of US $116,868 (A$176,740), fueled by ETF inflows, institutional interest, and on-chain activity—sparking a wave of enthusiasm across the crypto market and bolstering altcoins like Ethereum and Solana . (- via news.com)
Despite HESTA’s assurance that services had “resumed as scheduled,” hundreds of members are still unable to access their super following a seven‑week system outage. Reportedly delaying critical payments for surgeries, nursing-home fees and home deposits, with complaints of long wait times and poor communication. (via - ABC)
The EU’s lead privacy regulator (Ireland's DPC) has launched a fresh investigation into TikTok after the company admitted that some European user data was stored on Chinese servers, raising concerns over GDPR compliance and the lawfulness of cross-border data transfers under China’s jurisdiction. (- via ABC)
The ACCC has fined National Australia Bank a record A$751,200 for four breaches of the Consumer Data Right scheme (failing to accurately share customers’ credit limit data with accredited providers) impacting fintech services, though NAB has since rectified the issue and cooperated fully. (-via ABC)
Trump has announced a 30% tariff on EU and Mexican imports set to take effect on August 1, citing trade imbalances and fentanyl concerns, prompting threats of European retaliatory measures and sparking investor and political backlash. (- via Reuters)
Culture & influence
Meta just dropped €3 billion so you can wear the internet. The tech company has acquired a nearly 3% stake in EssilorLuxottica - the mega-company behind Ray-Ban, signalling they aren’t just flirting with wearables - they're ready to commit. (via BOF)
Tech faults at Wimbledon. In the quarter-final between Taylor Fritz and Karen Khachanov, Wimbledon’s electronic line-calling system screamed “fault” on a perfectly legal serve - and the Court 1 crowd booed. It’s the latest in a string of tech misfires. Wimbledon chair Debbie Jevans has defended the system, stating that it is more reliable than human line judges and minimises human error. (via The Independent)
Lila Moss has joined forces with Mattel to unveil the first-ever Barbie doll featuring diabetes accessories. Mattel says, “This addition enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie and encourages doll play that extends beyond a child’s own lived experience, thereby fostering a greater sense of inclusion and empathy – all pillars of the Barbie brand’s mission.” (via Luxegen)
Gird your loins, The Devil Wear’s Prada 2 cast has dropped. Along with Hathaway, Streep, Blunt and Tucci, you can also expect to see Lucy Liu, Simone Ashely, Pauline Chalamet and B.J Novak. (via Variety)
Justin Bieber surprised fans with the announcement of his first album in four years, Swag. Hailey’s response was iconic. Listen to the album here.
Save the date, Mecca is opening it’s Bourke St flagship on August 8. In addition to stocking over 200 of our favourite beauty brands (Glossier, Hourglass, Dries Van Noten, to name a few) the new Flagship will also offer 80 (yes, 80) services. (via RUSSH)
Beauty & fashion
Jane Birkin’s original Heremes Birkin sold for 8.6 million euros in Paris after more than 10 minutes of spirited bidding - making it the most valuable handbag sold at auction. (- via Vogue)
Kylie Jenner’s Khy just dropped the swimwear collab of the season with Frankies Bikinis, “like two girls dreaming up their perfect swim drawer” said Frankies founder Francesca Aiello. This collab is rewriting the rules of competition. Rather than competing in a crowded market, they two brands have teamed up, for more reach, more relevance, and more revenue. Watch this space: girlhood is trending, and co-creation is the new domination. (via Elle)
Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand Rhode has taken over Gran Folies beach club in Mallorca, splashing everything in signature gray-and-yellow Lemontini vibe - from sun loungers and towels to ice creams and inflatables. This is world-building 101. Rhode isn’t marketing a product- it’s immersing fans in a feeling. For beauty brands and beyond, the bar has moved: you’re no longer selling a serum, you’re inviting customers into your universe. (via WWD)
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France vs Fast Fashion: Shein has been slapped with a €40 million fine by France for faking its sales. After a year-long investigation, French officials found that most of the “discounts” on Shein’s French site were non-existent. (via Euronews)
💌 ANONYMOUS TIP
The Corporate Girly’s Secret to Free Activewear
This one’s for the girlies who loves to wear their activewear everywhere - from Monday’s barre class to waiting at the airport lounge for your Friday FIFO commute.
Lululemon has a Quality Promise that quietly guarantees replacements for “performance wear and tear.” Translation? If your favourite leggings are pilling, seams unravel, or they just don’t perform like they used to, you might be eligible for a free replacement…even years later.
No receipt? No problem. Head in-store, bring the item, and kindly ask if it qualifies under their Quality Promise. It’s not a refund or a return, just a subtle upgrade for the pieces you actually wear on repeat.
It’s not a hack, it’s just knowing your rights as a busy professional who expects her wardrobe to work as hard as she does.
Let the girls know.
Read conditions here: Lululemon Quality Promise
📝 DEEP DIVE
Zimmerman: From Paddington markets to global domination
Before it was the go-to label for It-girls hopping from Capri to Coachella, Zimmerman started in a Sydney garage. Sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann took a vision of romantic, sun-drenched femininity and turned it into one of Australia’s most globally adored fashion empires.
In 1991, Nicky Zimmermann started making clothes in her parents’ Sydney garage and selling them at Paddington Markets. Her big break came with a two-page spread Vogue Australia that turned weekend stalls into orders from boutiques around the country. She said she “could feel some real momentum” which led to the opening of their first, humble store in Darlinghurst.
Then came the game-changer: her sister Simone joined. Nicky focused on creative, Simone ran the business. They have credited the brand’s longevity and the success of to that exact balance.
So, what is the DNA of Zimmerman that makes it so special?
1. Instantly recognisable designs
Whether it’s a scalloped-edge bikini or a ruffled linen dress, the brand’s DNA is unmistakable: sophisticated silhouettes, romantic prints, and unapologetically feminine cuts. This isn’t by chance. From the beginning, ZIMMERMANN has stayed fiercely committed to its aesthetic - clever use of colour, intricate detail, and an effortless balance of softness and strength.
💡 Why it works: In a saturated market, strong recognition is currency. Zimmerman’s consistency means customers know what to expect and fuels long-term brand power.
2. Inventing a category, not just a collection
Zimmerman didn’t just join the swimwear scene - they redefined it. Originally a ready-to-wear label, the sisters made a bold, early decision to fuse fashion with swimwear, blurring the line between holiday and high fashion. Their sculptural bikinis and bold prints redefined what it meant to dress for summer with outfits that looked like they belong in Vogue than at the local surf shop.
💡 Why it works: By pairing elevated design with resortwear ease, Zimmermann carved out a new niche in the heavily saturated market. The swim component not only set the label apart creatively, but also proved commercially savvy. It expanded their reach, deepened their aesthetic, and positioned Zimmermann as the go-to name in luxe, feminine holiday dressing.
3. Scaling with purpose
From a Darlinghurst boutique to flagship stores in NYC, London and Beverly Hills and a majority sale to private equity firm - Zimmerman has been able to scale without ever loosing sight of its original vision and mission. The brand has maintained control over its aesthetic even while expanding into kidswear, accessories, and more.
💡 Why it works: Their chosen product expansions and global locations feel like a natural evolution - every move intentional, thoughtfully aligned with the brand’s DNA.
👜 STYLE SESSION
Once the weather turns cold, I feel like the fun in our outfits starts to fade. The colour palette gets darker, the moods get heavier, and suddenly we’re all buried in black knits and back-to-back meetings.
So consider this your reminder: the chill doesn’t mean you have to dim the energy. Wear the cow shoes, book the Friday lunch, and wear a blazer that makes your waist look snatched. Cold weather doesn’t cancel fun - it just needs a little more creativity.
Aspen tennis bracelet, Saint Valentine, $175 - Use our code MODEOFFICE20 for 20% off!
Zubi multi pony heels, Tony Bianco, $150 - currently on sale!
✨ MOOD BOARD
We’re manifesting this for you: you’ve booked your annual leave with military precision, packed your carry-on with only the essentials, and now you’re with your bestie, sipping champagne.
Salt in your hair, emails on mute. The Med is the backdrop, but the main character? You.
💻 JOB BOARD
We know the job market can be tough - we’re here to help.
The dream job we didn’t know existed
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💭 TELL US WHAT YOU WANT
As being a Mode Girl, we know you don’t want finance bro news written by finance bros…but we want to more about what you do want. We would be so grateful if you took <5mins to fill out our survey.
Smart is the new status.
See you next week,
Adrianna & Maddi x