Gold Coast Fashion: Byron Bay’s Spell and The Gypsy Collective

NEVER underestimate the dedication of a fashion fan. Byron Bay label Spell and the Gypsy Collective has won the kind of loyalty that fills sporting stadiums.

A piece from the Byron label Spell and the Gypsy Blue Skies collection.

NEVER underestimate the dedication of a fashion fan.

Byron Bay label Spell and the Gypsy Collective has won the kind of loyalty that fills sporting stadiums.

Founders Elizabeth Abegg and Isabella Pennefather (Spelly) watched as the label blossomed from market stall to staggeringly successful sister act.

Now there are almost 750,000 followers watching the brand’s every move on Instagram alone.

“We do have an amazing community, that’s for sure, and some of them can get very passionate about certain pieces,” creative director Elizabeth says.

A piece from the Byron label Spell and the Gypsy Blue Skies collection.

“Recently we did a recut of some of our favourite (and customer favourite) prints and it pretty much sold out in a minute.

“It was pouring with rain and Spelly and I went and hung out with the customers as they waited for our Byron store to open.

“Everyone was in such great spirits even though some people had come from Sydney and had been camping out since midnight.”

A piece from the Byron label Spell and the Gypsy Blue Skies collection.

For membership into Spell’s stylish bohemian tribe, start by snapping up one of their dreamy feminine maxis.

While floaty fabrics and peek-a-boo lace conjure an endless summer, clever styling will see the look through winter.

“That’s what we love about designing our clothes — they are pieces that can stand alone or they can be totally accessorised,” Elizabeth says.

A piece from the Byron label Spell and the Gypsy Blue Skies collection.

“We love to add a cool coat, some edgy boots or denim flares to make (lace) a bit less dainty.”

While a Parisian backdrop fit the bill for Spell’s Blue Skies collection featured here, the label’s look is still informed by its home in the Arts & Industry Estate of Byron Bay.

“We employ a team of almost 15 people who work in Byron Bay in our design studio, from pattern makers to textile designers to tech drawers and production,” Elizabeth says.

A piece from the Byron label Spell and the Gypsy Blue Skies collection.

“It means that we get to spend most of our year right here in Byron Bay rather than spending months in another country trying to get samples right.

“It makes the whole process that much more authentic because the designs really do flow from the lifestyle we have here.

“I think years of really pushing boundaries with fabrics and techniques has meant that each collection we grow a little more.

A piece from the Byron label Spell and the Gypsy Blue Skies collection.

“But then we try to flip it on its head … in spring we’ve used the clothes we wore when we were five years old as inspiration.

“We have all these photos of Spelly and I in frilly dresses wearing skirts on our heads as veils.

“Often maturing can be about being nostalgic.”

A piece from the Byron label Spell and the Gypsy Blue Skies collection.