The Adelaide designers making it easy and fun to shop local
ADELAIDE is brimming with creative minds, whether it’s in the fashion, beauty or arts industries. Here are the local designers and producers that are catching our eye.
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ADELAIDE is brimming with creative minds, whether it’s in the fashion, beauty or arts industries. Here are the local designers and producers that are catching our eye. And let us know the ones you love that are not on the list!
City
Oh Deer Sugar
When you walk into this bright and colourful store, you’ll be tempted to take a bite out of all the sweet-smelling cupcakes and doughnuts. But don’t let that fool you — while they look (and smell) good enough to eat, Oh Deer Sugar is strictly bath and body products. Sharni Rosser and Nikki Merritt started the small business in 2013, hand-making more than 160 products that fill the store. They call it the “non-edible bakery” that produces food for the skin. All products are vegan and cruelty-free.
Oh Deer Sugar, shop 26, Regent Arcade, city, ohdeersugar.com
Uhuru the Label
Kristyan Evele’s fashion career was inspired by a trip to Kenya, where she saw people being resourceful with clothing and fabrics. This led her to establish the label Uhuru, which is Swahili for ‘freedom and independence’. With support from Renew Adelaide, she opened a studio last July to share her passion for new ways to manage clothing. Her range includes tassel earrings (pictured) made with offcuts from recycled fabrics.
Uhuru the Label, 128 Hindley St, city, facebook.com/uhuruthelabel
Leatherworks Adelaide
If it’s quality leather bags, wallets, purses or belts you’re after, Leatherworks Adelaide has got you covered. Each piece is crafted using fine leather which is hand-cut and hand-finished using traditional and contemporary techniques. Rob McRae, the store’s principal designer and maker, was trained at the original JamFactory leather studio on Payneham Rd.
Leatherworks Adelaide, shop 4, Regent Arcade, city, leatherworksadelaide.com.au
Time to spruce up your home? Susan Frost Ceramics specialises in bowls, plates, mugs and vases of all shapes, sizes and colours from rich cream and lemon-yellow to vintage-green and inky-blue. Susan originally worked in a range of jobs including retail buying and admin, before taking up ceramics while living in the UK. She moved back to Australia in 2006 and three years later was accepted into the JamFactory Associate Program. Her pieces are made from Southern Ice porcelain and can be found at JamFactory’s Morphett St store.
JamFactory , 19 Morphett St, city, 8231 0005, jamfactory.com.au
Pip Kruger
Pip’s prints, tea towels and tote bags are characterised by imperfections and wobbly freehand lines. The freelance illustrator describes her work as “feel-good, quirky and positive” and is inspired by the world around her which she constantly records in pen and ink drawings. A selection of her works can be found at Urban Cow Studio, which displays artwork from more than 150 local artists and designers.
Urban Cow Studio, 10 Vaughan Pl, city, urbancow.com.au or shop Pip’s range direct at pipkruger.com
East
Thomas Yeend Design
GLASS designer Thomas Yeend is among 60 artists who have their wares on display at Brick + Mortar Creative in Norwood. Each bowl in his latest Gacha series is first hand-blown and then polished to a perfect finish at Adelaide’s JamFactory glass studio. The smaller, stackable Gacha bowls ($65) are perfect for serving, desserts or drinking, with the larger Jumbo Gacha ($180) ideal for fruit, salad or floral arrangements. “I believe people appreciate the time and skill that goes into learning the craft and creating the glasswork,” Yeend says.
49 George St, Norwood, thomasyeenddesign.com
Sally Phillips
BASED in Fullarton, Sally Phillips has grown her eponymous label from a small, home-based concern to a 60-piece range with interstate and overseas customers. Describing the label’s ethos as “timeless elegance with an edge”, Phillips says her style has evolved over time while retaining core principles of “exquisite fabrics and beautiful cuts”. “I think about what I need for the season; the places I need to be and the things I’d like to wear,” she says. “I think quite practically about the pieces and then aim to make them beautiful and special.”
1/380 Fullarton Rd, Fullarton, sallyphillips.com.au
Ettie Ink
AFTER a break in 2016 to appear on Season 4 of the Seven Network’s House Rules with husband Brooke, Michelle Fogden now has her Ettie Ink studio in the heart of Goodwood. Fogden sells her artwork and stationery from the studio. She also stocks an assortment of designer pots and plants.
89a Goodwood Rd, Goodwood, ettieink.com.au
Cemento by Joe
MAKING a concrete bowl for his mother to use as her dining table centrepiece sparked Joe DeSanctis’ business venture, Cemento by Joe. Other family members asked for their own and, encouraged by the response, DeSanctis launched his first collection of bowls and candle holders — starting from about $15 up to $100 — and custom-made indoor and outdoor tables. “I incorporate glass into my mix then I polish so the glass is coming through,” he says.
Rhi Creative
WHEN it comes to receiving gifts, the greeting card is just as important as the present inside for Rhiannon Clohesy. The graphic designer started making a small range of fun greeting cards eight years ago, leading to her own brand, Rhi Creative. She is known for her vibrant cards, gift tags, calendars, diaries and other prints. She expanded her home business to a studio in Cumberland Park last year to cater for the growing demand for her stationery, which is stocked around Australia and the US.
426 Goodwood Rd, Cumberland Park, rhicreative.com.au
South
Healthy Paws Raw Nutrition
RAW food diets are on trend and dogs should jump on t he bandwagon as well, Healthy Paws Raw Nutrition producer Colleen Llewellyn says. After learning about all the nasties in store-bought dog treats, the Hackham West resident decided to make her own for pets Diesel, a husky, and Ishtar, a kelpie cross husky. She started selling her 100 per cent hormone, preservative and additive free treats, including beef jerky and doggie chocolate, so other dogs could too enjoy a nutritious diet. “I wanted to have something out there that people could buy to reward their dogs, but still be nutritionally beneficial,” Ms Llewellyn, 28, says. “The treats are made using dehydrators, in a jerky style, then I do weird things like salmon tails and salmon spines and stuff like that.” The treats start at $4 and are available on her Facebook page, local markets and The MarketplaceBoutique in Blackwood.
facebook.com/healthypawsrawnutrition
Kunani, Gotta Getta Gift Store
KEEPING squeaky clean and maintaining a fresh look is important for Kunani owner Nicole Hocking. Ms Hocking says there is a demand for soaps, skincare and cosmetics that are not harsh on the skin. “I think people prefer handmade, as opposed to factory made, because it is nicer to use,” Ms Hocking, 42, of Moana, says. “It doesn’t have all the parabens and the nasty stuff is taken out.” Ms Hocking, who is behind The Marketplace Boutique in Blackwood, says her specialty is soaps handmade using McCauls Olive Oils, produced in McLaren Vale. She says it is important to support local designers and producers to keep the local economy thriving. “We are the backbone of the state,” she says.
The Marketplace Boutique, Shop 3/243 Main Rd, Blackwood, themarketplaceboutique.vendecommerce.com
Charlie Buttons
Shiralee Cox says keeping handmade products unique and affordable is at the heart of her small business. Ms Cox, of Moana, makes jewellery and accessories from new and recycled fabrics under her brand, Charlie Buttons. Her most popular products are handmade earrings and headbands. “My customers vary a lot, from custom orders wanting me to create jewellery from their old wedding dress or simple studs earrings to match an outfit,” Ms Cox, 31, says. “I like to keep my prices affordable, so that the everyday mum can afford to spoil herself.” Ms Cox started her brand in 2016 at local markets in McLaren Vale and Moana as a way to calm herself. “Charlie Buttons is my down time and my outlet from motherhood,” she says. “I love my time to create and let my creative side design.”
facebook.com/charliebuttonshandmade
Endless Luxury Candles
Buying candles often was putting a hole in beautician Collette Alfar’s pocket, so she decided to make her own. About a year ago she started her brand, Endless Luxury Candles, which she sells online and from her Happy Valley beauty studio. Ms Alfar says her soy candles are all natural and have a long-lasting scent. “One day I just thought I would make my own candles, have a crack at it,” Ms Alfar, 41, of Happy Valley, says. “My (beauty) clients loved them and wanted me to make them some … so it became my hobby.” The most popular fragrances are champagne and strawberry, lime and coconut, moscato sangria and peaches and cream. They cost from $9 for 10 tea lights to $25 for large candles. “Everything here is made with love,” Ms Alfar says
endlessluxurycandles.weebly.com
K and K Decor
Morning coffee never looked so good thanks to designer Karyn Taylor. Ms Taylor makes quilted coffee cup wraps as part of her bedding and homewares business, K and K Decor, to make holding hot drinks easier. “They are little fabric straps for coffee cups and they can go on any size cup,” Ms Taylor, 26, of Port Noarlunga, says. “It stops you from burning your hands and it can also be used on frozen drinks as well.” Ms Taylor’s products include made-to-order quilts, dummy clips for babies and pillow cases. She says business has been on the rise since she launched in December 2017. She plans on attending markets this year to boost her profile.
North
Sail and Swan
When it comes to wedding invitations it’s all about pushing the envelope on that special day — and Sail and Swan does just that. The business, run by Andrews Farm entrepreneur Lauren Downton, specialises in customised wedding and birthday invitations, as well as unique stationery and other wedding needs. Each invitation is original and made in-house. Products include foil and wooden invitations. Mrs Downton says couples are often after something customised for the important occasion. “There’s lots of new and inventive technology out there and, because weddings are such a special day, there’s a need for our products,” Mrs Downton says. “Paper is a great medium, but these materials can just take it that step further to make it extra-special, which people love.” She has recently moved her studio from the north into a new space in the Adelaide CBD.
Order custom invitations and more at sailandswan.com
Bahar Collektion
Kurdish migrant Bahar Salehi has come a long way since a tent fire which nearly claimed her life at just six months of age. Now living in St Agnes, she’s a budding entrepreneur making handmade jewellery for her emerging Bahar Collektion brand. It puts a modern spin on traditional Kurdish earrings and necklaces. “It just began as a hobby, but it’s gone international,” she says.
Bruthahood and Family Streetwear
If you’re after fashion with a social conscience while supporting a local designer, try Bruthahood and Sistahood Family Streetwear. The clothing line is the brainchild of Christopher Calyun, who runs the label out of the Stretton Centre in Munno Para. Mr Calyun started the business in May last year sparked by his passion for supporting local Aboriginal youth. “Through sport is the traditional way of reaching Aboriginal youth,” Mr Calyun says. “That’s the usual way — but I thought a clothing brand would build self-confidence.”
facebook.com/ bruthahoodenterprize
Jewellery CAD Concepts
In need of a new sparkler? Or want an older piece brought back to life? With 18 years industry experience, Robert Grech and his Hope Valley team have designed and created bespoke jewellery for special occasions since 2012. You can get rings for engagements and weddings, along with pendants and earrings. They also remodel the old to new. The company uses CAD software where customers can design their own jewellery, converting an image or an idea into reality.
admin@jewellerycad concepts.com or 0416 124 420
Paul Segat Woodturning
For anyone after a new bowl, tray or pen made from locally sourced and recycled wood, Paul Segat Woodturning is the place to go. A regular attraction at Campbelltown’s Moonlight Markets, Paul works from his Windsor Gardens base and hand-turns all his products. Paul uses many wood varieties including desert oak, ironbark, pine, jarrah and red gum. He has the passion and the ability to transform pieces and logs of wood into stunning creative works of art. “Each piece made is unique and brings its own wealth of character and style to suit any environment,” he says.
segat@adam.com.au or 0418 857 866
West
Port Blooms
The latest arrival to Port Adelaide’s thriving business scene, Port Blooms opened on Commercial Rd in January. It is one of the only shops in SA to sell preserved roses, which can last for up to three years – even longer if kept away from water and direct sunlight, says owner Melissa Clark. “I buy them from a wholesaler in Mile End and they are hand preserved in a process similar to embalming,” Ms Clark says. Port Blooms – in the heart of the heritage precinct – offers some lovely gift options which can be bundled together. “We have fresh flowers, plants, chocolates, Tilley products (candles, bath bombs, soaps etc) and jewellery,” she said.
72 Commercial Road, Port Adelaide, facebook.com/portblooms
Touche de Paris
Touche de Paris brings a touch of Parisian style to Jetty Rd. Owner Helen Brinkworth travels to Paris each year to fill her store with the latest styles fresh from the Champs Élysées. The store is effortlessly chic and has a range of stunning handbags and accessories including sunglasses, scarves, watches, hats and gloves. Touche de Paris is the rare combination of being stylish as well as reasonably priced.
62 Jetty Rd, Glenelg, touchedeparis.com.au
Cult and Harper
This uber-cool store in Port Adelaide was opened by artist Lisa King and music producer Jarrad Jackson last year. From the street, you wouldn’t necessarily pick it for a retail store given its inconspicuous frontage. But up the stairs and past one of King’s signature fashion-inspired murals is a quirky shop with racks of vintage-inspired men and women’s clothing and accessories. The vibe is downtown Los Angeles and many of the store’s wares – including sunglasses and graphic tees – are direct from California and London.
Level 1, 168 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide, cultandharper.com
Semaphore Pets and Garden
Semaphore Pets and Garden is a must-visit on the seaside strip. The shop has a gorgeous outdoor nursery filled with colourful plants, big and small, and garden statues. Inside is a pet lover’s dream filled with every kind of accessory you could ever want for your fur-baby as well as a range of gifts and homewares. Semaphore Pets and Garden is a family store owned by super-friendly locals Steve and Nadine Crampton, who often put their hand up to support community events in Semaphore. It’s also worth a visit to meet Semaphore’s resident celebrity alpaca, Audrey, and her friends Stella the Macaw and Reggie the duck.
119a Semaphore Rd, Semaphore, facebook.com/Semaphore-Garden-and-Pets-157156454351699
The Ivy Room
There is something for everyone at the Ivy Room. Be it bags, jewellery, homewares, body products, candles and baby gifts, this local store has it all. It stocks a large range of brands, including Australian-designed Louenhide bags, Sydney-based Arthur Ave children’s clothes and jewellery from Melbourne’s Rock Finders Keepers. The Ivy Room is the perfect place to find that unique gift you won’t find elsewhere.
59A Jetty Road, Glenelg, theivyroom.com.au
We certainly haven’t listed them all — Tell us your favourite local designer or producer in the comments below?
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