The Loft at Hotel Richmond (The Loft) will be a vibrant central hub for ADL Fashion Week (AFW), offering one- of-a-kind fashion experiences from 11 – 13 October 2024.

Melbourne-based designers, Effie Kats and Lana Wilkinson, will visit Adelaide for the first time to unveil iconic Australian-made ready-to-wear collections and five new shoes respectively. World-renowned designer and local favourite, Paolo Sebastian, will offer a rare chance to purchase archival couture pieces, alongside upcoming luxury sustainable brand Yaneth.

Taking over Hotel Richmond’s First Bar, The Loft will be a stylish, versatile space designed to encapsulate the essence of each brand. With designer appearances and ticketed consumer and industry events, The Loft promises to elevate the AFW experience.

Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) Executive Manager Marketing and Tourism, Michael Rossi, highlights the broader vision behind The
Loft.

“The Loft is a curated inspirational space visitors can experience throughout the festival, not only to showcase local talent such as Paolo Sebastian and Yaneth, but to introduce new brands not widely seen in South Australia through designers Effie Kats and Lana Wilkinson,” says Michael.

“Introducing these brands to the Adelaide market and showing them here creates a strong demand for their products and helps us to build a case for them to consider our city for expansion of their retail presence.

“The Loft will be a hub of creativity, fashion, and networking, making it one of the most anticipated features of ADL Fashion Week, enriching our cultural offering while driving our retail attraction priority,” says Michael.

A key feature at The Loft will be the exclusive Paolo Sebastian couture sale, offering a rare chance to purchase couture pieces from the brand’s archives. Around 30 pieces (never available outside of the Atelier) will be available by appointment only, along with exclusive accessories like the ‘Swan Lake’ ballet pumps and silk scarves available to be shopped throughout the duration of the festival.

Those interested in a couture appointment are encouraged to register their interest with Paolo Sebastian, where they will receive the detailed catalogue. The appointments will be arranged to allow shoppers to try on pieces before buying. Further details will be revealed closer to AFW.

Paolo Sebastian Founder and Head Designer, Paul Vasileff, says “Couture is an art, and through this event, we celebrate our archival pieces by giving them a new chapter. Each gown, whether for a mother of the bride or a school formal, embodies the essence of Paolo Sebastian, allowing these designs to shine once more. Circular fashion is not just about sustainability; it’s about preserving the artistry woven into each piece.”

These pop-ups join a strong AFW 2024 theme of sustainability, celebrating circular fashion by giving timeless designs a new life.

Effie Kats’ collection, which hasn’t been available in Adelaide before, will debut on Friday, 11th October. Effie Kats is of third-generation Greek from a Sartorialist family. Combining their 50 years of tailoring and dressing making, Effie Kats intertwines tradition with innovation, creating pieces that resonate with the essence of
contemporary modern women.

Effie says, “I am so excited to bring my collection to Adelaide. ADL Fashion Week provides a fantastic platform to connect with new audiences and celebrate the art of tailored fashion.”

Lana Wilkinson will launch five new styles as part of her collection from Friday 11 to Saturday 12 October. Lana Wilkinson is a prominent Australian fashion stylist, gaining recognition for her work with high-profile celebrities and events including the Spring Racing Carnival and Logie Awards. In 2019, she launched her own footwear brand, aiming to create stylish and contemporary shoes that resonate with  women globally, embodying both elegance and practicality.

Lana says, “It’s an incredible opportunity to make my debut at ADL Fashion Week. Adelaide has such a vibrant fashion scene, and I can’t wait to share these new designs with everyone.”

The retail pop-ups will only be available to peruse during specified hours, though The Loft will continue to host AFW shoppers and the public well into the night with a special AFW menu on offer.

Hotel Richmond Functions Manager Liz Davies expects The Loft will attract fashion enthusiasts, industry insiders, and shoppers, all converging in the heart of the Rundle Mall Precinct.

“We’re thrilled to transform Hotel Richmond into the central hub for ADL Fashion Week,” Ms Davies says. “This event will bring a new and vibrant audience to our venue, offering us a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we can deliver in terms of unique event spaces, exceptional service, and our potential for hosting unforgettable experiences.”

Industry events at The Loft include the SA Fashion Industry Association Breakfast and the FASHion.reBORN – Towards Circularity Forum on Friday, 11th October.

On Sunday, 13th October, the SA Style Wrap Party will stylishly close the festival program in The Loft from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with guests invited to continue the festivities until the venues close at 11:00pm.

For more information on The Loft at Hotel Richmond and the program of ticketed events and walk-in experiences, visit ADLFASHIONWEEK.COM/THELOFT.