From iconic fluffy jackets to sculptural bags and bold streetwear, these local labels are putting South Australian style on the map.
Paris who? Milan what? This month, Adelaide is the one serving the looks.
ADL Fashion Week (8-12 October) is back with its biggest, loudest, most extra version yet – five whole days of runway shows, pop-ups, parties and ‘I need that in my wardrobe’ moments.
The city is set to transform into one giant runway, with Rundle Mall, heritage hotels and hidden laneways hosting SA’s brightest fashion talent.
And the best part? Fashion Week puts SA designers firmly in the spotlight. So it’s a great reminder to support local labels all year round.
Why SA’s fashion scene matters
Here’s the thing: behind all the sequins and spotlights, fashion in SA is serious business. We’re talking more than 2,500 locals employed and $218 million pumped into the economy every year – and that’s before you even count retail.
It’s literally our second-biggest creative sector after wine, which explains why we’re equally good at pulling a polished fit and pouring a pinot gris.
Not sure where to start? Here are some local labels worth your cash (and closet space).
Five SA designers you need to know
Bubish
You know those fluffy jackets that make you look like a million bucks even when you’ve just ducked out for sushi? That’s Bubish. Their faux-fur coats are so plush you’ll have strangers asking to pat you (consent, please). Cruelty-free, ridiculously glam, and destined to become your ‘I’ve got nothing to wear’ saviour.
Iris & Wool
Turns out merino isn’t just for farmers’ markets and nana’s knitting. Iris & Wool takes the best stuff from SA sheep and spins it into slinky dresses, sleek knits and investment pieces you’ll keep forever. Add a Woolmark tick of approval and suddenly you’re strutting in something that’s both chic and sheep.
Acler
Acler is among the homegrown labels gone global – but they’re still ours. Their tailoring is sharp enough to cut glass and their draping deserves its own exhibition. At ADL Fashion Week they’re dropping their Resort ’26 collection, so yes – you could technically be wearing it before your cousin in Sydney even knows it exists. Flex.
The Wolf Gang
Think bold prints, slick cuts and accessories that scream ‘I don’t wait in line’. The Wolf Gang is streetwear with luxury DNA, and it’s got international clout without losing its Adelaide soul. Wear it to brunch, wear it to the club, wear it to absolutely outdress your mates – that’s the Wolf Gang guarantee.
Katya Komarova
Imagine if Lego and luxury leather had a baby. That’s Katya Komarova’s stitch-free, snap-together bags. Swap a strap, fold it flat for travel, rebuild it to match your outfit – these bags are the definition of smart fashion. Minimalist, sustainable, endlessly remixable. Basically the Mary Poppins bag for cool people.
10 more local labels to love
Five designers not enough? Then we’ve got good news – SA’s got plenty more labels worth stalking on insta and snapping up in store:
- Studio Lexi – Chic, sleek occasionwear that guarantees you’ll look on point in every wedding or party pic.
- VAN BRUSSEL – Sculptural pieces that make you look like you’ve wandered straight out of a Vogue editorial.
- Archives of Zobo – Unisex “rugged luxe” pieces that fuse street and sophistication, built for anyone bold enough to wear them.
- House of Campbell – suiting, frocks and statement pieces that flip tradition on its head with bold prints, quirky textiles and serious staying power.
- Blakesby Hats – Timeless, hand-shaped headwear crafted with vintage blocks, old-world techniques and a serious love of style.
- Byrd Studio – Ethically crafted veg-tan leather bags and belts that age like fine wine, because you (and your wardrobe) deserve heirloom quality.
- Andorwith – Surfwear that’s sustainable and cool. Like if Patagonia moved to the Yorke Peninsula and discovered TikTok.
- Curvature – Size-inclusive, made-to-order fashion (sizes 6 to 30) that proves “one size fits all” was always a lie.
- ORTC – Norwood’s answer to preppy athleisure, growing so fast your little cousin probably already owns the hoodie.
- Frock Me Out – Ethically made in Adelaide, with killer prints and cuts that love your curves.
Why it matters (and why your wardrobe will thank you)
Every time you buy from a South Aussie label, you’re not just adding another killer piece to your closet – you’re helping designers hire more staff, open more stores, and take their collections global.
Brand SA‘s Buy SA. For SA. campaign reminds us that supporting local helps keep profits here, and also assists great South Aussie brands to establish a strong base.
Put simply, each buy helps SA’s next generation of designers step up alongside big names like couture+love+madness or Paolo Sebastian.
So when ADL Fashion Week – run by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency – takes over the city this October, don’t just lurk for Insta content. Hit the runways, shop the pop-ups, raid the boutiques, and actually wear the vibe.
Adelaide’s biggest fashion week ever isn’t just about watching the show – it’s about making sure the afterparty ends up in your wardrobe.
Find the full ADL Fashion Week program here. For more information on Brand SA’s Buy SA. For SA. campaign, click here.
