Major women’s retailer closes Queen St Mall store
Country Road vacated their Queen Street Mall store in late July, and now another major women’s retailer has made the decision to close their Brisbane CBD store too.
U on Sunday
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Sportsgirl’s website may say they’re looking forward to “seeing your faces” but not if you’re a shopper in Brisbane’s CBD.
The 72-year-old brand, a subsidiary of the Sussan Group, is the second iconic retailer to leave the Queen Street Mall in as many months after Country Road vacated the iconic National Australia Bank building in late July.
When we approached Sportsgirl for comment, they remained tight-lipped about the future of their Queensland stores.
“Sportsgirl are not commenting on any plans whilst Victoria is in lockdown,” a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, ever wondered what it’s like inside a fashion designer’s wardrobe?
This week we caught up with Brisbane bespoke dressmaker Isabella Longginou whose wardrobe - a kaleidoscope of colour and prints - is mostly her own creations.
Longginou, who studied fashion design at TAFE Queensland, comes from a long line of dressmakers. Her nonna, Clelia, worked as a seamstress and her mother, Delisa, also studied fashion design and now works alongside Isabella in her new Windsor studio.
How would you describe your style?
It’s girly and feminine with lots of frills and colour, and I like a lot of fullness in my pieces. It’s not masculine at all and there’s no neutral colours or straight up and down silhouettes.
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Do you have a favourite fashion highlights?
I was part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane and with everything I’ve done to get to where I am today, that was a highlight and biggest memory.
When did you know you wanted to be a designer?
I actually wanted to be a fashion stylist, although it was called an image consultant back then. There weren’t any courses at the time so I studied fashion design at TAFE because I thought it might open some doors into styling. While studying I loved design and pattern making, and creating things. My mum used to do what I’m doing now, and so did my Nonna so it was definitely in my genes. My mum, Delisa, works with me in the studio most days. She helps with pattern making and the delicate hand sewing and it’s really nice to be able to work together.
Who are your style icons?
I don’t really have a style icon; but there are designers that I’m inspired by, especially Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino. I feel like my stuff is a mixture of both of their styles; it’s fun, bold and bright but also really feminine with sexy shapes and silhouettes.
Where did you get your gold cross necklace?
This chain was my Nonna’s and was passed down to me. It’s a really special piece and I like to think that she would be so proud if she knew I have followed in her footsteps.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
I would say it dates back to before I was making things for myself and it’s a Sass & Bide dress. It has rope and metal around the neck and it’s really tight and short. It’s definitely a lot different to my current style but I was younger then.
And the most recent additions?
PE Nation activewear and I bought some Ralph Lauren button up shirts last week to wear around the studio.
What are your wardrobe essentials?
My IL Puffy White Shirt; white sneakers; a black blazer or leather jacket and a pair of nude-coloured stilettos; I know everyone is about the block heel at the moment, but I think every woman needs a pair of point-toe stilettos.
Do you remember your worst fashion faux pas?
It would be something I made myself after I finished studying. It was off the shoulder with tulle or a frill around the neckline; it was a really baggy dress that I cinched in at the waist, and raglan sleeves. I wouldn’t do something like that again but you have to experiment.
How much of your wardrobe have you made yourself?
I’d say 99 per cent of my wardrobe is my stuff, it’s basically everything other than jeans, gym gear and denim shirts because I don’t make anything with buttons.
Do you have a favourite accessory?
Headbands and hoops earrings. Hoops can dress up any outfit without being too much of a statement earring and a headband is an elegant way of dressing up an outfit or hiding dirty hair.
What are your favourite brands, besides your own?
When I do need to purchase pieces outside of my label, Country Road is a favourite, I am a sucker for their t-shirts (white, grey, black) and casual wear. PE Nation has also become a favourite because I find myself living in athletic wear mid week and my friends from El Zapato for their super modern and chic sandals.
Bags or shoes?
Shoes.
Minimalist or clothes hoarder?
Clothes hoarder.
If you could dress one famous person - past or present - who would it be?
I think being able to design and make an outfit for Margot Robbie would be super cool. Or (American model) Hailey Bieber.
