We joined forces with local photographer Callum Jackson this week and took to the streets of the CBD to shoot some of the latest pieces from local designer Alpha Be The Label. When the brains behind the brand, Brenda Chang and Cathy Karuga, sent us the ‘Linen Capsule Winter ’17 Collection’ lookbook, there was no hiding we were instantly excited over the many stunning pieces to choose from.
The collection boasts a gorgeous colour palette of maroon, baby blue, off-white, beige and more, in a range of pieces made using a luxurious linen textile. The fabric is undoubtedly quality and is also widely known to be good for the skin, allowing for better air-circulation and maintaining natural hypoallergenic properties. Clothing made of linen is rather stiff at first buy, but softens after wear.
Read all about the pieces we styled below!
Kristen wore the feminine and flouncy Iris Dress in Maroon, featuring puffy Elizabethan-style sleeves and a layered ruffle skirt. While the dress also looked cute by itself, adding a black waist-belt helped to enhance the waist and break up the maroon. A wide-brimmed hat and pair of black heels made this a playful daytime look and one that is sure to turn heads. It’s such an easy winter dress to throw on and look great in! It also makes a great wine tour dress which, in South Australia, is a type of dress you can never really get enough of.
Mel got her hands on the Harper Shirt in Maroon and the Luxe Linen Culottes in Black, which she paired with a basic black belt, hand-painted Clarence Frank clutch, Country Road heeled loafers and a CMEO Collective blazer. Dressed up with a deep red Puella Decora liquid-to-matte lip, this was trendy look with a hint of masculinity. The Harper Shirt is a most versatile winter piece, suited to culottes, skirts (both a-line and pencil), jeans… basically any bottoms, and the same goes for the Luxe Linen Culottes vice versa.
The lovely Alpha Be girls also gave us some of their new range t-shirts to play with which we mixed and matched with skirts, pants and jeans. Kristen looked festival-ready in the funky Alpha-Tee Feather paired with chic/boho pleat skirt and bold, dangly earrings. Her silver-heeled shoes from Iris Footwear gave the look some Coachella-glam. As the t-shirt is very statement, she also tried dressing down the look with a pair of simple charcoal-grey jeans, exuding a bit of a rocker vibe.
Mel wore the Alpha-Tee in White/Black, which was a little more wearable for every-day use. Still glam with the addition of sequins, she dressed the top up with a pair of satin MESHKI pants that featured seductive high splits. This look could also be festival-glam or could work as a funky party outfit.
Mel also styled the fun Santa Cruz Top in Navy from the Linen Capsule Collection which featured a flattering peplum, crossed spaghetti straps and an exposed back. It was the ultimate party top and could be pulled off with any high-waisted pant or pencil skirt she tried on with it. Opting for a pair of quirky CMEO Collective patterned pants, the look was unique, flirtatious and a whole lot of fun. Layering with a waist belt can also work with the peplum, depending on the kind of belt; it simply adds some layers.
The Linen Capsule Collection is not available for purchase online yet (but stay tuned, it will be soon!), however, you can get your hands on the cute tees here. Make sure you’re following us on Insta at @theadelaidian to see more from our shoot and all things local fashion!
