CLEO editor-in-chief Sarah Oakes chats about the new-look October issue.
I know everyone says they never win anything, but, seriously, I never win anything. Except for this month when I managed to score a voucher for (drum roll, please) $500 worth of plastic surgery.
I’m very anti-cosmetic surgery for about a zillion different reasons, including a passionate desire not to conform to someone else’s rigid idea of beauty, and, on a much smaller scale, a terrible fear of needles.
Just ’cause I’m not fond of surgical enhancements doesn’t mean I don’t love a good (natural) makeover, and you’ve probably noticed we’ve given CLEO one of those. But, while the voyeuristic side of me is genuinely fond of watching a transformation, I don’t dive into them too easily myself. So this wasn’t a decision we made lightly.
I’ve always suffered from a fear of change. A few weeks ago, I talked endlessly about chopping off my hair to an Alexa Chung-style bob, only to return from the hairdresser’s with a slight trim. After reading the backpacking story featured on page 204 of this issue, I was all about reassessing my life and booking that trip around the world I’ve never taken.Yep, still haven’t done it.
A natural risk-taker and good friend of mine told me there’s no science to conquering fears. You just have to face them. In her words: “If you’re afraid of spiders, Sarah, you just need to hold spiders.”
Easy. So here I am holding spiders. We’ve given CLEO its own Alexa Chung-style bob. You’ll find regular columns by Ruby Rose and Peaches Geldof, and there’ll be more contributors joining us next month. Also in this issue, you’ll find a feature on makeover master Nicole Richie, plus some truly inspiring and naturally beautiful Australian sportswomen on page 178 of the mag.
As intimidating as it seemed, I’m incredibly excited about all of the changes and what the hardworking team here has achieved.
Enjoy your month and this issue!
Your friend,
Sarah
xx