Meet 12 South Australia up-and-coming fashion designers
Inspired by mob wives, insects and Christianity these next wave South Aussie designers are set to make a name for themselves. See who made the cut.
Lifestyle
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South Australia is quite the fashion mecca.
The birthplace of internationally renowned couture house Paolo Sebastian, which was founded by Paul Vasileff in 2007, it is also home to Caleche Bridal House, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Other couture houses include Cristina Tridente’s brand couture+love+madness, GretaKate, Atelier Milano and then there’s ready-to-wear labels like Binny, House of Campbell, Kinney and Aston Studios – plus jewellery brands such as Elever and USE by Simon Williams.
These are the state’s top 12 up-and-coming brands and the designers behind them, a number of which featured at ADL Fashion Week and are also members of the South Australian Fashion Industry Association (SAFIA).
Eloisia D’Ambrosio
Brand: San Leucio Designs
Handle: @_sanleucio
With her late nonno a tailor and late nonna a dressmaker, its fair to say fashion design runs in Eloisia D’Ambrosio’s blood.
The 27-year-old has always been drawn to design which led her to study fashion at TAFE before launching her own label, San Leucio, last year.
“I’ve always known I wanted to start a business, so I first studied marketing at UniSA, but my heart was always drawn to fashion,” the northern suburbs resident said.
“I later studied fashion at TAFE SA, where I completely fell in love with the process.
“It felt natural — like I was meant to be there.”
A nod to her family’s Italian heritage, the name is derived from San Leucio del Sannio, a village in Naples, with D’Ambrosio drawing inspiration from 90s designs and Italian mob wives.
“Think 90s Italian silhouettes with structured, masculine tailoring and feminine elegance,” D’Ambrosio said.
“My designs are heavily influenced by movies and series like The Sopranos, Scarface, and Pulp Fiction. I immerse myself in the characters to envision what they would wear.
“I also take a lot of inspiration from 90s designs by brands like Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana — they’re iconic for a reason.”
Her tailoring skills shine in the line’s debut collection with D’Ambrosia’s Briscola Card dress paying homage to her Italian roots.
The process of bringing her designs to life starts with a curated mood board capturing the “vibe and direction” of the collection, she said.
Working with local pattern makers, D’Ambrosia said each garment was designed in SA before being manufactured in China due to Australia’s high production costs and wait times.
“When I first started my fashion brand I really wanted my products made in Australia. I did have a look around but it is really difficult,” she said.
“There is a huge shortage, there’s huge wait times. It is also really difficult because here in Australia, you have to source everything and send it to the factory.”
While there’s a “higher price tag” when it comes to slow fashion and small-batch orders in both countries, she is “absolutely happy” with her decision.
“People associate made in China with being cheap, that is so far from true,” she said.
“Of course there are brands like Shein and Temu, those fast fashion brands that, yes, that might be true.
“I work with highly skilled factories that deliver exceptional craftsmanship, and the costs reflect that quality.”
The sampling process can take months at a time with her staple tailored pants going through six rounds of sampling to get the fit “absolutely perfect”.
But San Leucio is more than just clothing, D’Ambrosia says. It’s about empowering women to feel “confident, sexy, and strong” in every piece they wear.
Currently taking a break from her marketing career, she has “big dreams” for the line.
“In the short term, I’d love to see celebrities like Hailey Bieber or Kendall Jenner wearing my designs — that would be a dream come true,” she said.
“In the next five years, I hope to have physical stores, show collections at Australian Fashion Week, and continue expanding my brand.
“My ultimate dream is to show at Milan Fashion Week – fingers crossed!”
Carly Morrison
Brand: Dream & Drive
Handle: @dream.and.drive
This brand is for women who see intimate apparel not as “a gift from him”, but as “a gift to myself”.
That’s the view of Dream & Drive founder Carly Morrison, a TAFE SA fashion school graduate who also studied lingerie design and pattern-making in Milan.
After returning home, Morrison launched her inclusive (bra sizes 8A to 22E), sustainable brand in 2015, opening a small atelier in Adelaide where “every single order is ethically handcrafted with painstaking attention to detail”.
“Whether a size 6 or 18, modern woman or vintage vixen, sex worker or the girl next door, we believe everyone deserves to experience the joy of slipping into luxurious, comfortable, and playful lingerie that fits like a dream, redefining what it means to be sexy, confident, and unapologetically yourself,” Morrison said.
Leon Kasperski, Christine George and Kalindu Dahanayake
Brand: Archives of Zobo
Handle: @archives_of_zobo
Founded in 2023 by Leon Kasperski, Christine George and Kalindu Dahanayake, this SA brand is about “style beyond trends”.
“We envisage the figure ‘Zobo’ as a person … always stylish but never ‘trendy’,” Kasperski said.
Zobo creations have what the designers call “gritty grandeur”, which Kasperski describes as “the pairing of quality finishes with a rugged feel, culminating in an effortlessly chic look”.
“Our SS24 collection was our most complete realisation of this ethos to date, as our pieces, communication with clients, and marketing portfolio was thoughtful in their approach and style,” he said.
“We are set to build upon this momentum in our AW25 collection in April, featuring alpaca garments, a striking set and a cosy cardigan; all in our bespoke silhouette.”
Cathy Karuga
Brand: Yaneth
Handle: @yaneth_au
Founder and designer Cathy Karuga, who has a background in engineering, said Yaneth (pronounced Ja-nette) is “crafted to empower”.
“Unique simplicity for the female gaze,” is how Karuga describes the label, catering to sizes 6 to 20, she started in late 2023.
There’s a focus on premium natural fabrics; in particular, containing fleece with Karuga living on a heritage wool growing property on the outskirts of the Barossa Valley.
But the made-in-Australia brand is sustainable on more ways than one.
Customers have the option of taking up an invitation to “discover the sophistication of circular consumption” by signing up for a monthly subscription service through which they hire outfits “enabling us to minimise our production runs and focus on maximising the life of each garment”.
Ethan Horasio – Generation God Clothing @generation.clo
Brand: Generation God Clothing
Handle: @generation.clo
Ethan Horasio started his clothing brand in November as a “broke 18-year-old” documenting his journey on social media where he’s since gained over 50,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram.
Based in Adelaide, Generation God Clothing is Australia’s “fastest growing” Christian streetwear brand, fusing fashion with faith.
His clothes also made an appearance on the Modern Renaissance Runway show at the University of Adelaide last year.
Now making thousands each month selling his garments, Horasio also shares inspirational content for aspiring entrepreneurs to chase their dreams.
Kira Bayliss
Brand: Kirabayliss
Handle: @kirabaylissclothing
SA artist Kira Bayliss is creating limited-edition wearable art with her fashion label as illustrated by the Haunting Blooms exhibition at ADL Fashion Week.
Kirabayliss designs were draped over models so that they became sculptures at the event staged at multi-arts hub The Mill. The evening included an Adelaide Ballet Company performance.
“I reached out to (co-founders and artistic directors) Sarah Humeniuk and Rejane Garcia … and it was so easy to collaborate,” Bayliss said.
“Watching ballerina Elia Noon dance was an absolute dream come true. It was a night to celebrate the arts.”
Bayliss said her “passion for people and the environment is woven into every step” as her brand continues to grow; she produces her pieces using organic fabrics and eco-friendly dyes.
“Each piece can be custom ordered, ensuring a unique expression of both her creativity and your personal style,” she said.
Josephine-Rose Arganese – Josephine Rose @josephinerosecollection_
Brand: Josephine Rose
Handle: @josephinerosecollection_
Founded in 2021, Josephine-Rose Arganese’s eponymous label is all about bold prints and statement colours with designs made for the “artistic, quirky and flirty girl”.
From the sketch to the garment itself, everything is made in SA using mostly Australian-sourced fabrics like high quality knits, cottons and crepe fabrics.
As a slow fashion label, Arganese uses a made-to-order business model meaning each garment is made in small, limited edition quantities.
This not only makes each piece unique but also fights back against overproduction and over consumption by making sure all excess fabric finds a new home.
Her designs have even been worn by celebs including British singer and DJ Eliza Rosa, known for her hit single, B.O.T.A, at Groovin’ The Moo in 2023.
Arganese credits her grandmothers as her biggest style icons, drawing inspiration from the Barbie clothes made by her Nonna Rosa and her Nonna Guiseppina’s “ability to look stylish while embracing colour”.
Temaana Sanderson-Bromley
Brand: Mardlaapa Designs
Handle: @mardlaapa_designs
Temaana Sanderson-Bromley always dreamt of starting his own fashion brand and at 17-year-old he made it a reality, founding Mardlaapa Designs in 2021.
Taking a leap of faith, he poured around $750 of his own savings into buying 50 shirts to print on.
Since then, Mardlaapa (pronounced mud-lar-pa, meaning “little” in Adnyamathanha) has continued to thrive as a surf-inspired fashion brand blending Aboriginal artwork with modern designs.
He’s also a talented artist in his own right, designing South Adelaide Football Club’s 2023 First Nations guernsey.
A proud Adnymathanha, Narungga and Wangkurru Yarluyandi man, culture is “at the forefront of everything” he does.
“I have a strong connection to my country and my mob and I always look for a way to put respect in culture and put effort into it,” Sanderson-Bromley previously told The Advertiser.
Outside of running Mardlaapa, he is currently studying a Bachelor of Marine Wildlife Conservation at the University of Adelaide.
His passion for sustainability is at the core of his business with five per cent of profits from each product sold donated to environmental and wildlife causes.
Stitaa “Stit” Shreeram
Brand: From Me 2 U Clothing (FM2U)
Handle: @fm2uclothing
Viral TikTok star Stitaa Shreeram is a talented designer and entrepreneur specialising in ethical alternative fashion.
Based in Adelaide, she designs, handmakes and sells whimsy goth fashion inspired by fantasy including the likes of Morticia Addams through her brand, From Me 2 U Clothing (FM2U).
“FM2U is my whimsical ethically made fashion brand that I started four years ago, it has since grown to become my full time job,” Shreeram said.
“I love medieval and fantasy silhouettes. It’s truly my main inspiration and I just love clothing that makes you feel magical!”
It all started accidentally in 2020 when Shreeram found success painting and selling denim garments online.
“I started FM2U initially by accidentally spilling some paint on my jeans, and then I realised ‘hey! I could turn this drop of paint into a flower. Or better yet – I could paint whatever I wanted onto clothes!’,” she said.
Sustainability is at the heart of FM2U with each design manufactured in small batch runs to reduce waste.
While Shreeram started out solo, the business has now grown into a team of six tailors who help bring the designs and patterns to life.
“I usually start off by drawing some silhouettes and incorporating details that I think would be flattering on the body, and also exaggerated elements like really long sleeves or high slits,” she said.
“Then I begin making the pattern for it and sewing up some samples.
“After days and days of perfecting the pattern and doing some fittings; I then send my pattern and details over to my manufacturer who is able to produce my designs in bulk.”
As the brand has grown, Shreeram said “scaling appropriately while managing all the different parts of my business,” had been her biggest challenge.
With 2024 being FM2U’s biggest year so far, her “biggest goal” is to open her own bricks and mortar store within the next few years.
“I also want to expand into a proper warehouse for my products – and AFW would be a dream,” she said.
A portion of all sales are donated to Suicide Prevention Australia with FM2U raising $10,000 last year.
Ella Steventon
Brand: Smart & Humble
Handle: @thesmartandhumble
A self-taught graphic designer, Ella Steventon, is the brains behind Adelaide-based streetwear label Smart & Humble.
It all began in 2022 as a way for the then 19-year-old to express her creativity by combining her passion for graphic design and fashion.
“I’ve always been a creative person and always loved having my own individual style and being able to express it,” Steventon said.
“I think the idea of creating something that is authentic to me and being able to share it is something I’ve been working towards for a while and so combining my love for fashion and graphic design seemed like the way to go for me.”
From the logos to the materials used, everything is designed entirely by Steventon who draws most designs by hand or on her phone.
The 21-year-old barista describes her aesthetic, which is constantly evolving, as “fun, bright, playful, energetic and bold”.
She also runs her own graphic design business, Steve Studio, on the side working with local business including Bloom Therapy, Suki Studios and social media sensation Homeboy.
While running the businesses can be stressful, being able to connect with other small business owners in Adelaide has been incredible, Steventon said.
“My biggest highlight so far is being able to go to lots of cool Adelaide fashion markets and have my products on physical display for people,” she said.
“I’ve also loved meeting heaps of cool small business owners like me and being able to learn from them or look up to them.”
Looking ahead, the young designer hopes to have her own studio space for her creative works and experiment with “more complicated” garments.
“I’d love to fully design a cool going out top or experiment with more accessories and niche pieces that you don’t normally see small clothing brands having.”
Cadell Canute
Handle: @cadell.canute
At 14, Cadell Canute began altering and sewing clothes before developing her own patterns during lockdown in 2020.
Now an independent fashion designer, she designs and makes her pieces here in Adelaide using recycled, scrap, vintage and new materials with each garment having its own origin story.
Spirals, mesh and ruffles are key features in her S24 collection which includes her handsewn Calla Lilly Jewellery collection inspired by “lilies that grew in a river bed I used to walk past with my mum as a child”.
Sustainability is an integral part of her brand with the “one-off bespoke nature” of her ethically-made statement pieces encouraging “increased wear, care and appreciation” for a lifetime.
Mallory Leckey @malloryleckey
Handle: @malloryleckey
If you love nature and sustainable fashion, you’ll love Mallory Leckey’s designs.
The 23-year-old from Lobethal creates and sells handpainted and printed nature inspired tanks featuring insects and animals.
“In terms of aesthetic, I’m super inspired by nature and its tiny inhabitants,” Leckey said.
“Each tank top features original handpainted designs, with insects and natural elements as the main motifs.”
No two designs are alike with each piece handpainted and made-to-order by Leckey herself.
“The entire process can take up to a month but it is a labour of love, and I take great pride in creating something truly one of a kind,” she said.
Leckey sells her pieces through Depop which she began using three years ago as a way to sell preloved clothes, and currently has over 29,000 followers on the platform.
“I never would have thought it would come this far from selling tanks to friends then selling out multiple drops to the USA and Italy.
“I’ve always loved creative fashion and uni really fostered that relationship that I had so I decided to play around with it.
“I hand painted on pants, shorts, tanks, tote bags basically anything that was fashion related.”
She also shares a behind the scenes look at her design process and life as a small-business owner with her 23,000 TikTok followers which has been pivotal to building the brand.
“I’ve created a small community of bug lovers through my paintings and tanks,” Leckey said.
“I also sold 30 tanks in 10 minutes for one of my drops. People set reminders so they don’t miss out on a hand painted tank.
“I reached 2 million views on Pinterest from one of my pins and Depop created an ad on TikTok from one of my videos.”
Close to hitting the milestone of selling 1000 tanks, her main goal for 2025 is to launch a website and branch out from tanks to sell a wider range of clothing options.
Further down the track, she’d love to have her own studio and start selling at markets and pop-up events.
“I currently paint, sew, pack and ship everything from my very small room,” she said.
“When I have an upcoming drop I have to expand into my parents sunroom as there isn’t enough space!”
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