Inside the mind of Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart, one of the world's great self promoters, has been unveiled as a special guest for Sydney's Vivid festival.

Stewart was an influencer before the term even existed, and the American will join Vivid Sydney for an exclusive, one-off "In Conversation" event.

She will reflect on her career, the evolution of her personal brand and the changing face of food, design and home life.

She will also share "candid insights" into her most memorable moments in popular culture - although possibly not her stint in jail for insider trading - and what it really takes to stay relevant for over four decades.

“I have made some wonderful memories traveling to Australia over the years, so I am thrilled to return for Vivid Sydney," she said in a media release.

"The conversation will be fun and honest, covering many aspects of my life and career. I’m always looking for inspiration when I travel so I’m excited to see what Sydney has to offer.”

In Conversation with Martha Stewart will take place at International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Wednesday, May 28.

The first self-made female billionaire, Martha Stewart is an Emmy Award-winning television host, and best-selling writer of 101 books.

From her first book, Entertaining, published in 1982, Martha Stewart has remained a household name around the world. No easy feat.

Vivid Sydney festival director Gill Minervini says: “Vivid Sydney is unrivalled in its ability to offer exclusive, unmissable, and one-of-a-kind events to visitors.

"It’s incredibly exciting to welcome one of the most revered and fascinating minds to Sydney. We could not think of a better figure that encapsulates this year’s theme of Dream more than Martha Stewart.”

Image: Destination NSW 

Crimes set to pay for “winemaker” Martha Stewart

Much-loved convicted fraudster and former cigarette spruiker Martha Stewart is the latest celebrity to sign up with Australian-owned wine label 19 Crimes. 

The sales blurb for 19 Crimes claims 80-year-old Stewart played an active role in crafting the Martha's Chard (sounds like a vegetable recipe), a Californian chardonnay that will sell in the US for $11.99.

Stewart joins a fellow felon: rapper Snoop Dogg, as a 19 Crimes partner.

Stewart, dubbed the "domestic goddess of white-collar crime" is famous for her books and TV cooking shows in the US.

“The release of 19 Crimes Martha’s Chard comes as the brand has experienced explosive growth, delivering the No.1 US Wine Innovations in both 2020 and 2021 for our first California wines with global icon, Snoop Dogg,” said John Wardley, Treasury Wine Estates’ vice president of brand marketing. 

“Just like her creative collaborator and friend Snoop, Martha Stewart also embodies the spirit of 19 Crimes - disruption and culture creation. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome another absolute icon of modern American culture to the 19 Crimes family.” 

The publicity blurb goes into overdrive, saying: "Martha worked side by side with 19 Crimes to create a wine that breaks preconceived notions of California chardonnay – approachable and simultaneously as bold as her personality. "

A former model who appeared in ads for Tareyton cigarettes, in 2004,Stewart was convicted of felony charges related to a stock trading case and served five months in federal prison.