Fashion Avenue 2012, Adelaide

In a sea of trustworthy designs focused on high profit margins and fast production turnaround, the truly inspired artists stand out. So it's easy to see why of the interstate designers brought to Fashion Avenue 2012, Camilla was a clear highlight. Her firework of a collection added Sydney sheen to a Brazilian flamboyance, mixing boomerang necklaces with bright feathers and prints. You didn't know where to start looking, not because everything was wrong, but because it was so perfect.

Joining Camilla on the print path were Lisa Ho and Gorman, with fun but wearable pieces currently available in stores. Meanwhile Alannah Hill and Alex Perry, who can usually be trusted for beautiful - albeit frou frou - frocks, seemed to dampen their ranges for the Adelaide market. Lucette, Joveeba and Tigerlily didn't break any ground, although Tigerlily included some high-waisted bikinis I couldn't help but appreciate. (I've previously declared my love for the navel hiders.)

Click through to facebook to see the full galleries.

Alannah Hill | Lisa Ho

Gorman | Lucette

Joveeba | Tigerlily

Alex Perry | Camilla

Camilla

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The Loft Upstairs lookbook

All clothes from The Loft Upstairs

Styling: Lael Woodham

Hair and makeup: Christina Barbaro and Becki Mounsey

Model: Harriet, unsigned

Photos and post-processing: Chanelle Leslie

The mezzanine in Adelaide Arcade is really coming to life, what with several adorable boutiques having opened there in the past few months. One of those stores you might recognise as previously living in North Adelaide: The Loft Upstairs. What I love about the vintage and consignment boutique is that its clothes don't have that awkward, stuffy look that you find haunting many popular vintage stores - and its consignment section is a melange of new and vintage designer picks. So it's no surprise that I was thrilled to shoot their lookbook, and even more thrilled to shoot new face Harriet Wakefield. The 16-year-old natural beauty has a Blake Lively-esque face, and believe it or not, this was her first time in front of the lens. More photos on Facebook.

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Test shoot | Gina

FROM Rihanna to Angelina Jolie, my gorgeous model Gina has gotten every comparison under the sun. (I think she looks like Jourdan Dunn from some angles.) But this half-Indonesian, half-Australian local is set to make a name all on her own, particularly in the Asian modelling market, where she's had the most experience.

She'll be a bridesmaid in a wedding I'm shooting in September, and with the stunning bride in the combination, I know it will be a dream job for me.

Photography and styling | Chanelle Leslie (new website!)

Hair and makeup | Larissa Jones

Model | Gina, unsigned

Some clothing courtesy of Pedal and Thread

(How cute is the bike?! I loved it so much I bought it on the spot.)

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testing one two

Hair/makeup: Amanda Grace Nash | Model: Helen | Styling/photography/post-processing: Chanelle Leslie


Topshop sheer dress (for sale; comment if you're keen) over vintage red dress, Doc Marten boots | Sportsgirl hoodie, Asos bra, 18th Amendment flares | Vintage basketball top, Free People belt, vintage skirt

Did a quick test with new face Helen not too long ago, and was very pleased with the results. I didn't have my favourite lens (Canon 28mm f/1.8 USM) with me on the day and had to make do with my $135 (spare change in the photography world) 50mm f/1.8, but that goes to show you don't always need a flashy kit for good images. Hell, I checked on eBay the other day and my camera is going for as little as  $300.

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Westfield Marion Fashion Translation Parades

Last Thursday I went to the spring/summer parade down at Marion, which I haven't been to years but must go more often - it was the first time I've set foot in the new General Pants there, can you believe it! (That's what happens when you don't own a vehicle!) I thought I'd share a few images of key trends on the high street from the front row.

Bardot and Dotti


Bardot and Dotti | Supre

Blaq | Witchery

Blaq and Witchery | Country Road 

Saba

Valleygirl | Forever New

Betts and Zu | Sass and Bide (styled by Sam Dorning)
Myer

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