I have always imagined I would have this amazing light-filled space with tall, sheer curtains that moved in the summer breeze. And now I have it. I must have manifested this,” says Jocelyn Petroni in a tone of wonder.
It comes as little surprise, however, to a devoted clientele who subscribe to her singular brand of cutting-edge holistic treatments and impeccable manicures (she is, after all, one of only three Chanel-anointed manicurists globally) that she has expanded her namesake salon in Sydney’s Woollahra to the neighbouring property, a former art gallery.
From street level, an unassuming staircase does little to signal the oasis within. Reach the top and subliminally your experience is already underway: six-metre-high vaulted ceilings, blonde floorboards that run the length of the treatment room, and an abundance of natural light fill the lofty void. “One of my favourite movies is Midnight in Paris, and I really hope that our clients transport themselves into a dreamy state when they walk up the stairs into the salon,” says Joss, as she’s known to her clients and friends.
While the main area would never be considered your run-of-the-mill salon, peel off to the Gallery (as she’s affectionately dubbed it in a nod to its roots) and, like the facials she’s become known for, the space is supercharged luxury.
That translates to an enormous treatment room with grand double doors that open onto a terrace shaded by gum trees – a fine perch, notes Petroni, “for outdoor summer pedicures while sipping a glass of champagne”. Today, the space is filled with the woody aroma of sandalwood, which is switched up seasonally “to create the perfect ambience”, she says.
But beyond aesthetics, the signature of a Petroni treatment is the way it makes you feel. In the Gallery, the latest gold-standard treatment consists of a facial, manicure and pedicure carried out by three therapists simultaneously. “The treatment was designed for time-poor clients who like multi-tasking, with therapists working together in a slow rhythmic pace for deep peace and relaxation,” she says of the specialised service, which often incorporates holistic rituals, including reiki and shiatsu.
The results-driven treatments that made Petroni Sydney’s go-to facialist are still on high rotation, with a few high-tech additions. The 75-minute radiance facial with microdermabrasion is the latest feather in Petroni’s cap, a deep-dive exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells, promote cell turnover and instantly brighten all skin types. As are her world-class manicures. I opt for Pirate, a deep-rouge Chanel shade which Petroni paints with expert efficiency and detail. And right on cue, a summer draught sweeps through the double doors lifting the sheer white curtains like a bride’s veil. Attention to detail, indeed.
THE OUTLOOK IS BRIGHT
Petroni’s rules for a youthful complexion.
SEEK OUT SERUMS “Look for ingredients like lactic acid, which dissolves dead skin build-up, and vitamin A, which smooths texture and fine lines.”
DIARISE TREATMENTS “Facials slough away dry dead skin cells, which reveals fresher, smoother, dewy skin.”
DRINK UP “Having hydrated skin makes you look youthful, fresh and plump. Omnilux genuinely hydrates the skin by stimulating a healing/fluid response.”
Photographer: Duncan Killick
Styling: Nicole Bonython-Hines
Hair: Taylor James Redman
Make-up: Claire Thomson
Words by Remy Rippon for VOGUE AUSTRALIA.