The Bold and the Beautiful. Who would have thought that the lockdown would inspire fashion? Well aside from the joys of athleisure wear, that is.
Bored Brisbane designer Sallyann Astill found herself watching Casablanca (1942) and fell in love with the romance and, even more importantly, with the alluring backdrop of Morocco. Don’t expect a 1940s’ fashion revival, this collection is all about contemporary prints and fabrics. The result is an uber-chic French-influenced range for Australian women.
Astille (yes that’s Sallyann’s name with an added ‘e’) Here’s Looking at You Kid collection blends the colours of Morocco – desert, sky and sea (sand, umbers and turquoise) – and plays with the patterns of riad tiles. Tulle, silk, cotton and linen fabrics result in warm-climate friendly pieces; ideal for the Brisbane summer and spring and winter even.
There is a silhouette for everyone and every occasion – sharply tailored skirts and pants for office wear, romantic florals for date nights, silk dresses for race days and safari-esque boiler suits for just about any outing. Classic cut or a romantic float – the Casablanca collection is certainly versatile.
And wait, there’s more. Early in 2021 a stunning linen midi dress and an eye-popping Tangiers Trench will be available.
Sallyann is all about the accessories too – whether it be an animal print collar and belt or a belted bag with tile accent. What about a ceramic tile and beaded bralette – is that an accessory or a garment? Who cares? It’s almost sold out so grab one before they’re gone, forever?
Astille is more than Casablanca and Morocco; on the website is a pair of Rose Palazzo Pants in a to-die-for floral, a Leopard Dress that is crisp-white-50s retro, and a Cheeta print cropped jacket that would go with just about anything. It’s so difficult to find that piece that sets your wardrobe apart—the item that makes a simple pair of jeans sing. Christmas party season is amping up too.
Support Brisbane designers. Feel good about yourself and look great at the same time. Spend the money you’ve been saving staying in. I’m on my way out the door to buy a birthday-present-to-me piece—the Cheeta print skirt, no wait, the Zanzibar pants, no no, definitely the Mademoiselle dress or perhaps…..
Astille is available online and at Uncommon Store, 707 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley.
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