Day one: Attention Adelaide, Agent Becc has arrived!
8.30am: Welcome to Adelaide
As I enter Adelaide town I am immediately met with smiling faces, positive hellos and absolutely no peak hour traffic- despite my almost 9am departure from the airport. This was going to be a good day. One text from Little Fuchsia’s golden girl Simmie and a famous Cibo coffee later, I find myself cruising down a very peaceful Adelaide road to Orange studio at the very cute 1 Orange lane, Norwood.
9ish am: Little Fuchsia model shoot
Model in hair and make-up chair, check. Photographer, check. Rack of spring/summer samples, check. Little Fuchsia team (ironing), check. I instantly think- typical shoot layout but not your typical team- ‘family’ was more like it. Simmie, Robyn’s (THE Little Fuchsia) right hand woman quickly makes me feel at home taking me through the team and the layout of the day. I start by making myself familiar with the new collection, particularly admiring the brightly coloured summer dresses and sequined heart tees. I begin to feel an itch of excitement as the model dresses in look number one- the shoot is about to begin.
Between watching the lovely photographer Jacqui work her magic and getting to know the story behind the brand, Little Fuchsia herself, Robyn Ingerson, arrives. Slightly nervous, I put my hand forward to introduce myself as her Sydney publicist to which she instantly changes to a warm welcome hug. Nervousness gone. It is like I’ve known her since like forever.
A truly inspiring figure in the fashion industry, Robyn reveals everything about herself- from her beginning as a casual staff member at Sportsgirl right up to her present role as the creator/driver of smart casual women’s wear label LF. When asked what makes her and her brand one of the most successful labels in Adelaide (a part from its smart and easy style) she confidently discloses that it’s all about her relationships with all who are involved- from her hand-picked suppliers, staff to customers, Robyn knows all by name and appreciates the input of everyone around her, right down to an intern called Daisy. Each and every garment is inspired by and named after an important character in her life. One of my favourites, the SAM dress, is named after her 8year old son who painted the unique print of the dress- it seems the creative gene has been passed on!
After lunch pm: It’s a WRAP
Almost 3pm arrives and while Robyn is working with photo whizz Jacq to pick that one shot out of many, a very cute five year old called Sophie runs across the studio into the arms of her mummy. In Robyn’s world work may be important but family comes first and 3pm means Kids time. A quick goodbye with Sophie wrapped around her legs, Robyn is off to pick up her son and the shoot is done for today.
Model Wearing The New Summer Collection
Model Wearing The New Summer Collection
Day two: All about Little Fuchsia
9.30am: The beginning of an end
Waiting in hotel lobby thinking how great it was to get some extra sleep post my 5am start the previous morning, Robyn pulls out front ready to take me through round two of my LF journey. Back to orange lane we go, but this time for flat lay shots. While Robyn gets down to business right away, I spend my time getting to know work experience gem, Daisy. As we go through next seasons forecasts together, Daisy and I swap personal stories about family, friends and school (yes I didn’t graduate all that long ago- or at least I like to tell myself that!) until I finally ask what she thinks of Rob and LF. Not surprisingly she shares my exact thoughts: AMAZING. Rarely had we seen such passion, love and support behind a brand. Robyn is not only hands-on with all aspects of her business and family life but also makes time to mentor/inspire (and even make a cup of tea for) the beginners in the industry.
Noonish: Shop& stylin’ fun
Next stop, Tangent. On the outside, the what seems like a ‘tiny’ white building opens up to a large lifestyle store with loads of unique, one-off home wares, gifts and of course Little Fuchsia fashion! And with its own dedicated corner, it certainly stands out.
Rob goes on to do her thing with merchandising, colour coding the racks, making it easier for the Little Fuchsia customer to self style. As I stand there in admiration, Rob says it’s my turn to get styled/spoilt with LF! Eyes light up, excitement boils, but I must. remain. calm. Dress ups? Squeal.
1x maxi dress in my favourite colour, 1x black must have tunic, 2x shirts, 1x pant and 1x velvety red blazer later, I am back in the car with the very generous Rob on the way to our next stop.
1ish pm: Little Fuchsia Flagship
And I thought Tangent was incredible. Hello Little Fuchsia on King William, Hyde Park! The store was everything I imagined plus more. Neat racks, luxe changing rooms and a homely sitting area. With a Victorian feel, I can see how the store successfully makes all feel welcome, comfortable and at home- representing what LF is all about.
Not long into my drooling session, Rob drags me out of the store (please don’t make me leave!) to introduce me to a place called Melt, Adelaide’s hot spot for pizza. Yum.
Almost 3pm: Au revoir Adelaide!
Almost time for Rob to get to her kids and for me to fly home. We quickly wrap up our chat session and get back on the road to pick up my luggage as sadly my LF time has almost come to an end. One big hug and many thank yous later, I find myself sitting at Adelaide airport waiting to be called to a Sydney gate feeling inspired, passionate and very very spoiled.
X Becc
Clemence Poesy and Nora Zehetner
Francisco Costa, Nacole Snoep and Dale Rozmiarek
Kristen Wilson and Anne Vincent
Megan Mair, Samantha Wills and Lisa Smith
Karli Kloss wearing Willow
Melissa George
