Revealed: The 34 Adelaide socialites everyone wants at their A-list event
Being a “somebody” on the social scene is a bit like riding a rollercoaster, one minute you’re top of the A-list and the next … See who’s hot right now.
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Ask any public relations professional and they will tell you that there are people who will go to the opening of an envelope just to post it on Insta.
But there are also certain individuals – and couples – that organisers would do (almost) anything to have at their events.
Here are some of the latest – and greatest – movers and shakers you’ll see at all the best parties in Adelaide.
CHRIS KONTOS
While he’s not exactly new to the scene, this man about town – who divides his time between Adelaide and Melbourne – is a welcome addition to any guest list.
He knows how to get the party started and you also never know who he will bring as his plus one.
At a 2023 TAG Heuer event in Adelaide Chris Kontos was with Pip Edwards, and at this month’s ADL Fashion Week he had designers Effie Kats and Lana Wilkinson in tow.
ELI MOULTON AND JUSTIN JAMES
Is it even an event these days if these two aren’t there?
One of our secret squirrel sources, who regularly compiles guest lists, tells us Plus One Dress Hire owner Eli Moulton and US-born hospo hero Justin James are pretty much Adelaide’s “It Couple” right now.
“Everyone is waiting with bated breath to see what Justin will do next,” our source says of Restaurant Botanic’s former head chef.
CONNOR ROZEE AND MAISIE PACKER
When the Power captain and his fiancee Maisie Packer can find a babysitter for their beautiful little bub Audrey, they make an appearance at events.
Their most recent red-carpet date night was the Port Adelaide AFL/SANFL Best & Fairest at Adelaide Convention Centre, where they were, quite possibly, the cutest couple.
BROOKE BICKMORE
Next time you score an invite to a VIP brunch, lunch or dinner be sure to check out the plates.
If they are cool and a little quirky – with a handpainted lobster and the like – there’s a good chance they are by In The Round House, co-founded by Brooke.
BTW, if it’s a really hot event, such as the American Express delicious. Month Out – House Party at Aces or Vogue Codes In Conversation brekky at Sol, she will be there too.
ISAAC HUMPHRIES
He might be pictured at a Melbourne event, but a local PR guru tells us basketball star Isaac Humphries is the name everyone in Adelaide wants on their guest list.
They tell us he will be definitely be one to watch on the social scene in the coming months because “he’s so authentic”.
AVA BARRIE
Adelaide’s answer to Jennifer Lopez was one of the best-dressed at ADL Fashion Week, turning heads at the opening party in a daring dress that would do JLo proud.
Ava Barrie, who is a senior copywriter for Slice and passionate foodie, always makes the cut for restaurant and bar launches.
LETITIA FITZPATRICK, BEC LAWRENCE AND BRIGETTE MITCHELL
The owners of The Models and Finesse Models Australia collaborated on runways at AFL Fashion Week but it isn’t all work and no play for Letitia Fitzpatrick, Bec Lawrence and Brigette Mitchell.
The trio were also guests at the three-day festival’s launch party and can often be seen together at stylish soirees.
JESS DOVER
Since her stint on reality TV series House Rules, Jess Dover has been a regular on the red carpet here and interstate.
Now a model and influencer, the former primary school teacher is a favourite of event organisers who are, no doubt, hoping she will bring her actor beau Daniel MacPherson, of Neighbours and The Bill fame, as her plus one.
STAVROULA ADAMEITIS AND CARLA LIPPIS
Worried your event might be a bit on the beige side? Get an invite out to these besties ASAP, because if they RSVP “yes” your do will have instant street cred.
Stav Adameitis is the founder of Frida Las Vegas and the retro-inspired fashion brand’s best advertisement.
She also loves reminiscing about Magic Mountain and Hollywood Plaza “back in the day”. Carla Lippis, who fronts “post apocalyptic” rock band Mondo Psycho, is also a walking work of art and, like Stav, the life of the party.
KATYA KOMAROVA
Regardless of whether it’s a restaurant or fashion launch, model and handbag designer Katya Komarova is always on the guest list.
Her unique bags, which can be updated by adding chain, bamboo or beaded straps, are also a favourite with other A-listers like stylist Michelle Beltrame and designer Simone Standing.
JAYNE-ANNE POWER
The founder of Kennedy Parker shoes, Jayne-Anne Power loves supporting other entrepreneurs and small business owners.
She’s on Renew Adelaide’s VIP guest list and you’ll frequently see her at other events around town, including the recent launch of Frida Las Vegas in Adelaide Arcade.
ANNA AND PAUL VASILEFF
The founder of internationally renowned couture house Paolo Sebastian – who recently dressed Jessica Alba for an event at the White House – is always in demand.
With a busy diary, Paul Vasileff shows up at as many events as he can and makes time to chat to his fans.
Said fans, and event organisers, are always thrilled when his muse, wife Anna, is there too – wearing one of his stunning creations.
As one of our PR sources tells us: “When both Paul and Anna attend your soiree it’s very special.”
LAURA AND MAX SHARRAD
Like Paolo Sebastian’s Paul and Anna, leading Adelaide restaurateurs Laura and Max Sharrad are on every event organiser’s guest list.
But because they are both so busy, especially at city hotspot Fugazzi, they rarely attend VIP events together.
“They are so lovely and having them at your restaurant or bar opening is a big thing,” one industry insider tells us.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE …
When we were chatting to our PR contacts about who is so hot right now (to invite to a function), they told us there are also some Adelaide names that never go out of style.
They include actors Teresa Palmerand Sarah Snook– “If Sarah was in Adelaide and came to my event that would be amazing” – and supermodelsAdut Akech, Lily Nova and Akiima, who are also based overseas.
Top cricketer Travis Head and his wife Jessica Davies, AFL power couples Tex and Ellie Walkerand Rory and Bel Sloanealso got a mention, along with MasterChef’s Poh Ling Yeow.
“If you get those couples or Poh – who is so busy – to attend you’re doing well.”
And last, but by no means least, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Annabel Westare considered the top VIPs at any event … if they can make it individually or together.
“You know you’ve really made it when they are both in the room because she is really busy; still working as a lawyer and looking after all their children,” one of our sources says.
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