Cruising with Carolyn-
To friends and family we are simply known as the wives! (Even George calls her wife, and I wonder if he really knows her actual name). Meet Carolyn Hrovat, the woman I proudly call BFF and Muse! From an early age I think I've dragged her in to all my creative schemes- from Art school to now!! And sometimes I think she just says YES so I stop bugging her! (of course she does!)
Actually I don’t even know where to start. This life- our life, is a journey we have really shared together since we met in our teens. Funny, sad, emotional, unbearable, unbelievable, down trodden, riding high, low, birth, death and marriage, and a connection that will see us through to the term of our natural lives.
Apparently I have a lot to say - this according to my other half (George kindly entertains all of this)- and well my wife - I can't top her- she has even more! And the wonderful thing is we've never needed to compete - we speak for each other and the loyalty is unheard of - I mean it's through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. Unbreakable.
We live a parallel life in the strangest ways - our parents were and are our idols - both sets. Siblings are well, siblings- and then there's the go to Big M (brother) - living life large in Surfers Paradise, where this charade once began, and somehow he still manages to get dragged into the carry on which has become “The wives”.
I LOVE this woman!! She is everything to me and looks bloody gorgeous in a SMOKK!-
Meet the insanely gorgeous inside and out Carolyn-
How does smokks favorite model feel about them-
Aside from them being the stylish brain child of my best friend!-they are pretty, practical & easy to wear, (and have all important pockets!)
Where do you live and why?
In the South of France near to Monaco, because it's the most beautiful & chicest place in the world-it's fun and exciting, and I love the sun!
Prior to buying a property here and permanently relocating, I would come down several times per year over a 10 year period, the visits initially inspired in the name of following the Formula One race and attending the Cannes Film Festival each May.
Where did you do your acting degree?
I did a year at the 'Actors Centre' in Sydney, Australia, but then I was accepted into the 'Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting' in New York City - 3 of the best years of my life, what a ball! I can not describe it! With alumni like Marlon Brando, Harvey Keitel & Robert De Niro you can imagine my excitement at studying there. Upon graduating I joined a theatre repertory and worked with them Off-Off-Broadway for a few years before moving to the UK.
What does luxury mean to you?
A comfortable ambient surrounding, well cut clothes, eating seafood by the sea, good health, sweet friends, not feeling cold! all of these things are a luxury-to me.
5 things your suitcase does not leave home without?
-50+ sunblock for face-even if I'm going to London in winter
-Perfume, I love Acqua di Parma's 'Mirto di Panarea', and Tom Ford's 'Neroli Portofino' in particular.
-Books. At the moment I am very into reading/educating myself with psychology books about personality disorders, don't ask! LOL!!!!
-Phone charger
-Gym trainers
Train or plane?
Train
Favorite country?
It is a close competition between Italy and France for me. Italy leads I would say because i think it's more dramatic and beautiful, and both of my parents are Italian, so I can speak the language and I identify with the culture entirely. However I live in France (very close to the border of Italy) and I am a total francophile, so I guess I have to figure this out!
Summers most luxurious purchase?
For me this year, it is my pink Fendi cat eye sunglasses
Best thing about traveling?
Nothing, I hate the literal act of travelling, it's boring and I can not stand public transport of any kind. Not to sound like one of those annoying 'been there done that' people, but I have travelled so extensively over the last 15 years that I could care less to do more of it...living and working on the Riviera is like a permanent holiday, and I'm so happy here that I don't like leaving!
How do you feel when you wear a smokk?
Feminine for a change
Favorite shampoo?
Phyto for curly hair
Must have beauty products?
Bioderma all the way
The perfect way to sun bathe?
Covered in olive oil
What makes you laugh?
So many things, I'm always laughing. Maybe mostly my well chosen friends! They are all mental & really entertain me, nothing ordinary or dull about any of them!
Best sunblock?
Bioderma makes a nice one with a golden tint.
Best beach in the world?
Paloma beach in St Jean Cap Ferrat around the way from me-for true Mediterranean glamour & emerald sea,
And a beach in Antigua that i can not recall the name of!
5 favorite things you love right right now?
1-My scooter/His motorbike - I feel an immense sense of freedom when i ride along up high on the cliffs here, sun beaming down and turquoise water surrounding me, it is like flying! On Sundays I switch to the back of my boyfriends 1000 CC motorbike, still like flying but in a frightening way lol! I just love wheels and freedom basically.
2-Fresh light purple roses from my local saturday morning market
3-My boyfriend
4-French & Georgian wine
5-That is is finally summer!
Best memory as a kid-
There are many great memories, but I like the funny ones - around the age of 5-I cut off the hair of every single doll I owned at the time, super short-and there must have been close to 100 of them i had a 'toy room' and it was loaded with dolls of every size. My mum was a hairdresser & my inspiration, I used her professional scissors to do it as well-it may have been the only time she ever shouted at me, but being a natural rebel I was high on fun.
What you love/d most about your mum?
Too many things to list, but she had to have been the least judgmental person I have ever known -still to this day, and i have met a lot of people! She was very 'live and let live' and everyone - without exception- loved her, a super kind and soft woman.
Favorite sport?
Formula 1
Beach or Snow?
Beach of course are you crazy? Why would anyone want to feel cold
The wife code!!!
What you love most about your BFF/Wife hahaha !!
Her blind faith & blind loyalty. Plus her amazing bottomless listening skills even when I repeat myself or talk crap!
Your most valuable lesson?
That you can hold on to absolutely nothing, everything will change, and pass, always.
Best meal ever?
Waaaay too many to choose from but the one that I recall most is a fish at the restaurant 'Da Vincenzo' in Positano - Italy. Everything on the plate, indescribable. Although I'm not a 'foodie' at all, I could have toast with avocado & be almost as happy. If it's healthy then I like it.
