We sat down with Adelaide style icons Julia Ritorto and Kathryn Forth of Acler to dicuss memorable moments, first steps, and their go-to spots in Adelaide.

ADL Fashion Week:
When you want to feel confident, what is your go-to look?

Julia Ritorto:
I have to say it’s pretty much exactly what Kath is wearing. So it’s just like a black blazer with a strong shoulder, maybe a red lip.

Kathryn Forth:
Love throwing a bit of a feminine touch in there. So maybe a sculpted waist or a satin skirt, just sort of surprising and delighting with different energies mixed together.

ADL Fashion Week:
Throughout your career in Adelaide, tell us about your most memorable moment.

Julia Ritorto:
I don’t know if this is cheesy, but I have to say it’s when I met Kath. I still can pinpoint the time when we actually met, and for me, I just knew straight away I wanted to be in Kath’s orbit.

Kathryn Forth:
I do feel the same way. I had another answer, but also maybe a memorable moment for you, which was when we took our first steps into the offices that we now have based in here on Gilbert Street in the city. It felt quite daunting, I think, to sort of step into this big space. And then, within a year, we had filled it out, of course. And now we have taken over next door and warehouses, you know, elsewhere. Sometimes, you just need to make that commitment and take that leap of faith to grow, thrive, and keep building.

ADL Fashion Week:
Is there a spot in the city that you like to introduce people to?

Julia Ritorto:
A few places, whenever we have staff visiting from Sydney. I always like to take them to the East End. I still feel like there’s such a great buzzy vibe there on Friday night, Sunday night. So that’s still my go-to—I just love it.

Kathryn Forth:
When we have friends or family or colleagues, visiting the Central Markets, of course, is sort of the go-to place for a beautiful atmosphere and yummy treats.

ADL Fashion Week:
How would you describe Adelaide’s creative energy?

Kathryn Forth:
I would describe Adelaide’s creative energy as very non-pretentious, very welcoming, incredible work ethic, and there’s sort of no sense of competition. I think we’re all very much looking out for one another, and, you know, excited when another brand or person succeeds, especially on a national or global stage.

ADL Fashion Week:
And what do you think makes Adelaide a fertile ground for building a fashion label?

Julia Ritorto:
I think quite similar to what Kath just said. What makes Adelaide a fertile ground [for building a fashion label] is the fact that it is a nice, close-knit industry here, and we do have some sense of camaraderie, happy to introduce each other to new contacts, or, I guess, collaborate when we can. I feel like all emerging and more established brands do really have their own point of difference and their own voice and so we don’t have that sort of competitive angst. I think we do want to help each other, and I agree, I think we’re really happy for each other when we thrive and succeed in the domestic or global markets.

Kathryn Forth:
One reason that I think Adelaide is such an incredible city for creativity is that you can have a more balanced lifestyle. You’ve got the beaches and the hills and the city all so close to one another. It can be hard to have your own business, because you often have to sacrifice a lot of things, but it is a beautiful city to still gives a lot to your craft, but to also be able to stay sane.

ADL Fashion Week:
Is there a place in the city that gets your creative juices flowing?

Julia Ritorto:
I still find when I’m when I’m feeling a little bit creatively stuck, I do like to go to the JamFactory. I think just like the mix of disciplines: glass, ceramics—which I love and love to dabble in —textiles, it’s just such a great place to just go and wander and immerse yourself in. I think it helps give me a little bit of a creative spark.

Kathryn Forth:
When I’m feeling creatively stuck, I always walk into the Park Lands. We’re so lucky to have a city surrounded by beautiful Park Lands—often you feel completely alone and immersed in nature. I lived in the hills for many years and so and now I live on the city fringe, so to be able to walk for a few minutes and just sort of be alone in nature is really unique to Adelaide, and really great for your creative soul.

ADL Fashion Week:
When you’re getting ready to go out, is there a piece that you always reach for?

Kathryn Forth:
One of our beautiful Acler Birch bags. Every season, we release these gorgeous hand-beaded bags, but they have the print or the artwork of the season, which is usually a little bit more novelty or fun. So it’s always a great conversation piece that helps you to stand out, but also to connect with others.

Steal their Style

Kathyrn wears:
Acler Holtby Jacket
Roundle Pant
Ocheson Mule, and necklace

Julia wears:
Acler Double Trench and Ocheson Mule
Levante Back Seam Pantyhose in Nero
Lovisa Bracelets and Earrings

Adelaide City is your style destination—shop these pieces and more in-store at leading Rundle Mall retailers: David Jones, Myer, and Lovisa.

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