Best dressed: Adelaide’s most stylish people – part three
Style isn’t always easy to define, but you know it when you see it. And it can’t be bought. Here we look at the Adelaide people whose look is always on the money.
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There’s a lot of stylish individuals in Adelaide, which is why we just had to bring you a third instalment of our best-dressed list. Parts one and two included names such as Paolo Sebastian designer Paul Vasileff, Adelaide Fringe chief Heather Croall and Palas Jewellery founder Anna Dimond. Here’s who made the cut in part three:
MAGGIE QU
The owner of Votre Luxe, which sells preloved Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and more, loves a label, and if we had to give her one it would be – you guessed it – “stylish”.
Your look My muse is Coco Chanel. I think my look is simple, elegant and sometimes a bit rebellious.
Go-to fashion haunt?
David Jones, Myer, Burnside Village, King William Road, Hyde Park.
Who does your do?
Ken from Fukurou Hair on Wright Street.
Beauty fix?
Bala Laser Skin Clinic and JFL Health & Beauty on Glen Osmond Road.
What makes someone stylish?
A stylish person is someone with beautiful manners, who has conviction and confidence, a poised posture, warm personality and positive attitude.
Who is someone local who is super stylish?
Professor Nicola Spurrier. A classy lady who is calm and measured under pressure and wears her unique style well.
LIBBY O’DONOVAN
Star of the 2022 Adelaide Cabaret Festival world-premiere show Sister Elizabeth and winner of its Icon Award, this entertainer really knows how to rock a red carpet.
Your look
I go with however I feel. Sometimes I feel ultra femme, other times I want to butch it up. Ultimate style is op shopping and found clothing.
Go-to fashion haunt
Local op shop – wherever I go I try to op shop. I hate fast fashion.
Who does your do?
I do my own hair. I’ve done it for years. I’m on the lookout for new hairdresser. Hit me up!
Beauty fix?
I am a very simple girl when it comes to beauty – the best thing for my skin is a swim in the ocean.
What makes someone stylish?
Self-confidence.
Who’s got it in the bag?
Anyone who just goes for it.
SIHAM ELMAWEY
Clocking up a decade with C/MEO Collective, this designer really knows how to work a power suit. Simply stated, she’s the Adelaide global brand’s best advertisement.
Your look
My style is modern and classic. I have mix of feminine pieces in my wardrobe, but I also like to mix it up with some oversized, more masculine styles. I build my wardrobe piece by piece and it’s a true reflection of me, my personality and lifestyle.
Go-to fashion haunt?
BNKR, of course! I also still love finding gems at local vintage stores.
Who does your do?
Belissimo Hair for my blonde colour and cut and, for the best blow-dry in Adelaide, I see Kelly Allison at K’s of New York.
Beauty fix?
Rose at Elixir Skin Fitness – the Laser Genesis treatment is life changing. For a facial with instant results, I love seeing Mish at About Face Clinic at Somerton.
What makes someone stylish?
I feel someone’s style is a form of self-expression and personal identity, and helps convey their true personality. Everyone’s individuality makes them stylish in their own way!
Who’s got it in the bag?
I really love men’s fashion! All my blazers are men’s, for that oversized fit. I admire Louie Quilao’s style. He’s amazing at layering and pairing his outfits together for an effortless, stylish look.
DIANA JAQUILLARD
Form wins over fads every time for this graphic design guru, who believes fashion should be an expression of individuality. Case in point: she’s a walking work of art.
Your look
I think my style is individual, because I don’t generally follow current mainstream fashion – perhaps only with shoes. I prefer block colours and strong contemporary design. I think people should find a style of their own, according to their body shape, colouring and personality.
Go-to fashion haunt?
Melbourne is my fashion mecca, and Farfetch and Desigual online.
Who does your do?
Clip Joint on Melbourne Street, North Adelaide. My stylist is Ogi. But I colour my own hair because I want to mix my own shade.
Beauty fix?
Very little. I use good moisturisers and stay out of the sun.
What makes someone stylish?
I think style is innate. A stylish person knows what suits them, knows how to combine items well, and doesn’t slavishly dress in clothes that don’t enhance them.
Who’s got it in the bag?
Eli Zaikos-Ridley is a very stylish friend. Eli has a very strongly-developed individual fashion sense, and is the proprietor of the fashion and home decor boutique, Paloma+Co on King William Rd, Hyde Park.
MARKUS HAMENCE
A jack of all trades and master of ceremonies at his Markus Hamence Presents sellout shows at The Regal Theatre, this edgy trendsetter always look the part and “extra”.
Your look
I like to find my own vibe. I play somewhere in between rock and glam, and I’m happy to mix up the gender stereotype too. My hair always tends to be the punctuation mark.
Go-to fashion haunt?
I’m partial to cool finds on Rundle Street or even fashion finds in record stores.
Who does your do?
Monica from Boho Studio does my hair and I push her talents to the extreme with my random requests.
Where do you et your groom on?
I’m all for organic skincare with lots of water and healthy eating. And a positive attitude to our body is the first step.
What makes someone stylish?
Someone who dresses to suit their personality stands out for all the right reasons. They are authentic inside and out.
Who’s got it in the bag?
I really admire anyone who takes a chance … Damian Porcaro does great looks and is always polished and I’m really enjoying Sam Costello’s aesthetic. My absolute icon is Willsy. She never fails to dazzle when she walks into a room.
ELSPETH HUSSEY
Whether she is presenting or reporting the news for the Seven Network or MCing events around town, this fashionista always manages to look picture perfect and polished.
Your look
Modern with classic staples and lots of white. I prefer relaxed pieces instead of structured, tailored ones.
Go-to fashion haunt?
Denim Iniquity on King William Road. It’s my go-to for special occasion pieces and everyday wear. The incredible staff set it apart from any other store.
Who does your do?
Clip Joint at Burnside. Mariah is a blonde expert!
Beauty fix?
I prefer hardworking at-home products over facials and in-salon treatments. Mecca is hard to beat.
What makes someone stylish?
Elegance and simplicity. When their style is at ease and the clothes do not overwhelm.
Who’s got it in the bag?
Lou Hewitson and her gorgeous mum Ros Ellery. They own Denim Iniquity and would have to be Adelaide’s chicest mother-daughter duo. They always look sleek and effortless.
BRIGETTE MITCHELL
Agent to supermodels Lily Nova and Akiima, the director of Finesse Models Australia is known and loved for her eye for talent and cool, rock chick style.
Your Look`
Post pandemic – loose and comfy. Still love a bit of sparkle though. Think Stevie Nicks-meets-Mama Cass!
Go-to fashion haunt?
Kennedys Boutique and Blondies Lifestyle at Aldinga Beach.
Who does your do?
Me.
Beauty fix?
My bathroom.
What makes someone stylish?
Their attitude! I believe it’s not what you wear but the way you wear it – as long as it’s age- appropriate.
Who’s got it in the bag?
I have always admired the style of the Sunday Mail’s Mirella Romano. Always very cool and confident. I’m also super-impressed with the style of Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor.
FILIP ‘WITH AN F’ ODZAK
No party in Adelaide is complete without Filip with an F, – whether he’s a VIP guest or DJ-ing. Also a sought-out stylist and designer, this legend is part of local fashion folklore.
Your look?
Dishevelled glamour Corona – both the virus and the beer – comfort.
Go-to fashion haunt?
I’m loving what the guys at NOWA are doing in Rundle Mall basement level in James Place and also Westfield Marion. I always impulse buy at USG store, and to get preppy I have my own Bow Tie Label to accessorise with.
Who does your do?
Eliza at Clip Joint, but she’s spent the entire pandemic having babies! I’m so excited to finally get a long-awaited trim!
Where do you get your groom on?
I pay weekly visits to my mum and dad’s ensuite in their house and browse the range of new products they have for me to try and not buy.
What makes someone stylish?
Confidence without the delusion, and looking natural.
Who’s got it in the bag?
The men on this list.
MAXWELL MASON
A regular at red carpet and networking events around Adelaide and beyond, this man about town has featured on British GQ’s best-dressed list. We can see why.
Your look
Casual Corporate. We’re talking RM Williams corporate.
Go-to fashion haunt?
Mr Choon and Beg Your Pardon, on Union Street, for great local suits.
Who does your do?
Frank, of course, the legend of Vardon Avenue
Where do you get your groom on?
I’m not much of a grooming kinda guy. Lots of sea swimming keeps me fresh!
What makes someone stylish?
It’s all about attitude and individually. I’m as happy to hit the op shops as to get back to Jermyn Street in London to top up on Gieves and Hawkes shirts.
Who’s got it in the bag?
I always love seeing Diana Jaquillard, she’s like a much younger Iris Apfel – lots of colour, lots of bold statements. For the men, I’m a big fan of John Carty from the Museum. He’s like an Indiana Jones of metropolitan Adelaide!
CRISTINA TRIDENTE
Adelaide’s Queen of couture creates dream dresses for brides and celebrities. A graduate of TAFE SA’s fashion course, she also mentors new talent. What could be more stylish?
Your look
Colourful, eclectic, a real mix of vintage, designer and affordable pieces. Plus my own label, couture+love+madness.
Go-to fashion haunt?
Zara and Bauhaus, for accessories.
Who does your do?
Janelle Zara.
Beauty fix?
M & Co Style Bar on Unley Road.
What makes someone stylish?
Someone who is confident in their own skin.
Who’s got it in the bag?
Ava Abiad is always so well put together and chic.
KIRSTEY WHICKER
Adelaide’s very own poster girl for Chanel, this East End identity stands out in a crowd. A fan of red lippy and black nails, she also loves supporting SA brands and businesses.
Your look
Less is more, simple but stylish.
Go-to for fashion haunt?
Rundle Street – Derma Department and Miss Gladys Sym Choon.
Who does your do?
The fabulous Paul at Raw Hair on Rundle Street.
Beauty fix?
Is this is trick question? CHANEL!
What makes someone stylish?
Being kind, believing in yourself and not worrying about what others think about you.
Who’s got it in the bag?
Well, that isn’t hard – my mum, Lynette. Secondly, it would have to be my friends (SA designers) Liza Emanuele and Sally Phillips.
REBECCA O’ROURKE
The managing director of O’Rourke PR puts local lifestyle brands in the spotlight. With movie star looks and style, she’s also had her fair share of the limelight.
Your look
I would describe my style as glamorous, feminine and chic, with a touch of sparkle and sequins, always! And I’ll always reach for luxe active wear or riding boots, jeans and a blazer on my off-duty days.
Go-to fashion haunts?
I often visit Burnside Village, King William Road for Wild Child Stylelab and Rundle Street for the likes of Aje and Miss Gladys Sym Choon. When it comes to local brands, Acler is my go-to. I love a vintage shop, too, and have been collecting since my teenage years.
Who does your do?
There’s one person I trust for colour and blow outs … and that’s my amazing hairdresser, Nicholas Tragos.
Beauty fix?
The gorgeous Amanda Nash of M & Co Style Bar is my MUA magician of more than a decade. MediPedi is fabulous and it’s the London Skin Clinic, for medical-grade facials.
What makes someone stylish?
I believe that stylish people confidently know who they are and what works for them. They turn heads in a room and their style and personality radiates from the inside.
Who’s got it in the bag?
My beautiful mum Eris. We call her Glam Gran and I often “borrow” pieces from her wardrobe. Then there’s our communications manager at O’Rourke PR and stylist Cimon Vozzo. I admire how she mixes high-end and seasonal, affordable fashion.
AMANDA BLAIR
Into preloved fashion way before the masses had even considered sustainable shopping, the founder of vintage treasure trove Dulcie’s is starting a new trend: The “toilet selfie”!
Your look
Eclectic. I only wear the things I love. Fashion it is about bringing me joy, comfort and statement pieces that tell a story.
Go-to fashion haunt?
My entire wardrobe is vintage, and the obvious location of choice is Dulcie’s, but Facebook Marketplace is a constant source of inspiration. I am at the stage in life where I am not looking to add and contribute to the fast-fashion landfill problem we are environmentally creating, but trying to reuse, recycle and up cycle amazing fashion that just needs a new
forever home.
Who does your do?
Hoochie Mamma, Goodwood, home of the original wolf cut!
Beauty fix?
A Touch of Beauty for facial treatments, and nothing makes me happier than moisturiser – quite frankly, I am a skin care s**t.
What makes someone stylish?
Confidence in their own skin and being totally comfortable with their own sense of style. Not following a trend, but rather setting their own.
Who’s got it in the bag?
The late, great arts identity and pioneer Frank Ford AM, who always looked magnificent in a velvet jacket.
JAMES PETER MICHAEL
There’s nothing cookie-cutter about this individual, who breaks the mould and embodies that “I don’t know how they do it” elusive thing known as inimitable style.
Your look
As a queer, non-binary individual, my style is very personal and important to who I am. I love simple, monochromatic looks, but also adore eccentric looks and absolutely love, love, love a themed ensemble.
Go-to fashion haunt?
A flat shop and pre loved boutiques are my favourite to browse for new styles.
Who does your do?
My friend Lisa Robertson from Pipsqueek in Saigon does my hair.
What makes someone stylish?
Your style should be your own signature look that encompasses every part of your journey from birth to now. Supporting local independent and minority run brands is a smart move. Also nothing can beat a big pair of designer glasses to finish any look especially at night.
Who’s got it in the bag?
My biggest style icons in Adelaide are my friends. Bibbe Zee, Anri Mau, Iris Mcerlean, Jana Fuss and Julia Siriotis are some who have helped shape my style and refine it over the years.
ANNALISA LIPPIS
What could be more stylish than having your own eponymous designer shoe brand and a cult following for your Instagram identity Nonna’s Judging You – which also has merch.
Your look
I fluctuate from Health Goth Rock Chic to Electric Tutti Frutti Dreams.
Go-to fashion haunt?
For something unique and artistic, it’s Anti-Fragile on Hutt Street. Gorgeous one-off pieces.
Who does your do?
Archie & Co.
Beauty fix?
The beauty mecca in Adelaide is Mecca, of course. If I have a special occasion I speed dial
@thexai.co. They always transform me into a beauty.
What makes someone stylish?
Knowing what suits one’s body shape and continually allowing oneself to evolve and play with style, colour and look.
Who’s got it in the bag?
Performer Carla Lippis. She knows how to put together outfits and always has an amazing, chic, cool, edgy style – no matter the occasion.
CARLA LIPPIS
Playing Angel in How to Kill Your Husband at this year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival, this dynamic diva knows the devil is in the detail when it comes to looking hot.
Your look
In terms of my onstage look, I’ve permanently ditched the sequins and returned to the “Tailored Goth” that has always lived inside me. For my day to day, I have a vast collection of boilersuits and Adidas Gazelles in every colour.
Go-to fashion haunt?
Recently I started working with costume designer Renate Henschke, who designed my outfit for my recent WOMADelaide show. Renate is a master craftswoman who has the eye, knowledge and sensitivity of a true artist.
Who does your do?
I’ve had the same hairdresser in Adelaide for many years, the wonderful Daniel Lepore who owns Palladeum Hair on Queen Street in Croydon. Daniel is not only a mate, he’s a brilliant precision cutter and an absolute delight.
Beauty fix?
I have a collection of make-up that will probably outlive me! I get so much joy out of my collection. My favourite lipsticks are the Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour – I own every single shade in the range. For colour and formulation, you cant go past the renegade that is Pat McGrath.
What makes someone stylish?
Someone who understands how to work with what they’ve got, and dress however they want, despite their age and cultural background. We all have an inner fashion pendulum – the more it swings, the more interesting it is.
Who’s got it in the bag?
I have many, many stylish friends and family members here in Adelaide. My mother Connie, and sister Annalisa, embody classic elegance. My dear friend, performance artist Ida Cassar, makes the mundane spectacular. Ex Adelaidean and designer/artist Stavroula Ademeitis, aka Frida Las Vegas, takes colour and camp to dizzying heights.
EMMAH MONEY
An ambassador and fundraiser for the Cure4CF Foundation, motivational speaker, model and more, this gorgeous girl with a heart of gold always looks a million dollars.
Your look
I like my look to be reflective of my personality. As a bright and bubbly person, I love to go for playful looks that can start with a pop of colour and class and go to risque and edgy.
Go-to fashion haunt?
Zara and Kookai are two of my favourite places to shop.
Who does your do?
The beautiful girls at Soult The Salon in Port Noarlunga gave me the ultimate make over using Yovanka Loria hair extensions which changed my entire look. Thanks to the my hair team, bad hair days are a thing of the past.
Beauty fix?
The girls at Eve on 21 are my number one for all my beauty treatments. I visit them monthly for a range of treatments but my favourite has to be a microderm with LED light therapy to keep my skin glowing.
What makes someone stylish?
Confidence is key. If you have self confidence I think that you can wear anything and be stylish. It’s not always about the clothes you wear, but how you feel when you wear them.
Who’s got it in the bag?
In Adelaide, we have so many beautiful, stylish women with so many different looks. We are really lucky to have a great range of diverse women to look to for style!
FAYE BILLMYER
On the catwalk for local label Kennedys at one of Finesse Models Australia’s May I Be Seen events, this gorgeous glamazon is easy to spot in her signature style – leopard print.
Your look
I’m a lover of animal print.
Go-to fashion haunt?
Op shops. People are always amazed when I tell them about my finds!
Who does you do?
Phillip at Deja Vu Hair on Brighton Road.
Beauty fix?
I get massages at Thai By Tai Massage on Sturt Road. In my late seventies, I also have to tell you that I am a client of Dr Robin Chok at Kent Town – for Botox and fillers.
What makes someone stylish?
Someone who knows what suits them and wears that, rather than the latest trends.
Who’s got it in the bag?
Tanya Powell is the epitome of elegance. She is beautiful inside and out. Her personality is expressed through her exquisite taste in clothing.
GABRIELLE LEONELLO
This fashionista just celebrated a significant birthday – not that you’d know it by looking at her. Something tells us 2022 is the year the director of Little Lion PR is going to roar.
Your look
Classic with a twist.
Go-to fashion haunt
Ella & Elka at College Park and Votre Luxe on King William Road.
Who does your do?
TJs Style Bar.
Beauty fix?
TJs Style Bar
What makes someone stylish?
How they make someone feel.
Who’s got it in the bag?
So many women in my life. Standouts include Michelle Minnello, CEO of Occupational Therapy For Children, and Liza Emanuele
EMILY BEATON
After making a name for herself with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, this retired netball great is now championing SA labels in a marketing role with Australian Fashion Group.
Your look
My style is ever-evolving and I’ve been more experimental since working at Australian Fashion Group. I’m a classic, neutral dresser at heart, but love to have fun with colour, cut-outs and unexpected details and silhouettes.
Go-to fashion haunt?
BKNR – fashionbunker.com. Whatever my mood or occasion, I always find what I need.
Who does your do?
I get my hair done in the country! I travel to the Riverland to get my hair done at Jarahs in Berri. They’re the best.
Beauty fix?
I’m very low key with beauty, although I fake tan weekly. My go-to is Eleffect from Mecca.
What makes someone stylish?
I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many beautiful, stylish women at AFG. Observing them, I realise that style is an extension of who you are and another way to communicate that. The most stylish women I know, while having an incredible eye for design, colour and proportion, are being authentically themselves. There’s nothing more beautiful than that.
Who’s got it in the bag?
The most stylish person I know is Siham Elmawey, the head designer of C/MEO Collective and Finders Keepers. She looks incredible everyday and it’s seemingly effortless! I love wearing anything she designs because I feel like I’m stealing some of her style.
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