Rada Priya

It wouldn't be a Rada Priya Designs Spring collection without a super girly, lilac, floral print, skirt set! If the weather permitted I would be a happy woman in a skirt set variation for the rest of my days.  Lilac The Flora Skirt Set  is made of 100% pure cotton - shell top with cap sleeve and open end centre front zipper. Skirt is full with high waisted matching band $250.00 AU SET

this little number on the streets of Florence - My Eller Tunic Dress from my Spring 2011 collection looking lovely on Areta. I can't tell you what a nice feeling it is to see my designs out and about. I love how she has styled this spring piece perfectly for the Autumn, here in Italy, by adding leggings, boots and a waist belt. The Eller Tunic dress is still available here

I wish it would hurry up and snow already.  Facebook earned points connecting up school friends with us along their Great European Tour. Glad to play host and have some good old Aussie company, Jarrah and his sister Cobberty, reminded me of the down to earth nature of the people I grew up. I miss home now.  Their last day in Florence, Julian and I took them up to Michelangelo's square, and despite the previous days downpour dyeing the river muddy brown, and the dull nebulous sky hanging low, the city sight was as spectacular as ever. It easy to see why so many people love this place. ASOS delivered my latest purchase early this morning - the super trendy wedge trainer in black, not nearly the Isabel Marant iconic kick, but just as comfy. Black jeans, easy tee (from my current SS12 collection) and necessary puffer jacket from H&M, I'm on track to blending in with the locals.

Currently keeping warm in Florence ~ Wearing H&M Scarf, belt and stripe top / Zara Jeans / Country Road Jacket 

This season the classic Tee joined my collection with my most favourite fashion illustration decorated on the front. I drew the original print almost a year ago, most recognisable as my choice for blog banner. Finding the perfect cut tee was so important, than a quality printer to capture all the fine pencilled detail. One of my most worn items in my current closet (even that its almost winter here in Italy!) The leatherette high waisted short was a natural response to the T, I wanted to design something simple, with a touch of edge, and I think the black faux leather achieved without shifting the unity of the SS12 collection. All my designs are made to order, simply email: radacampbell@gmail.com Illustrated Tee ~ Original Fashion Illustration printed on super soft thick 100% cotton t shirt $65.00 AU  Leatherette Shorts ~ High waisted faux leather short shorts with stitching detail $100.00 AU

My Spring collection would not be complete without a crisp white Palazzo pant. The shape is so flattering on the body, super elongating when paired with a pair of well fitted heels and a long hem. To continue the theme of high waist that runs through my collections, I made this seasons Palazzo waist high and panelled in a light wool crepe. Chic and lady like - check out the Palazzo street styling White Jersey Blouse ~ Jersey panelled blouse featuring long sleeve with feather cuff detail $100.00 AU Palazzo Pant ~ Wool blend high waisted Palazzo pant with drop waist panel and wide led $200.00 AU

Our apartment manager won't turn on the internal heating until sometime this month, and now that the weather has taken a nasty turn, its been unbearable spending time in a cold home, so we have been frequenting the warmth of cafes and an occasional church - like there isn't a better excuse - these places are divine in all sense of the word The boys at the fountain, Amanti, Marjo & Julian 

I designed the SS12 Silk Shell top with high waisted bottom half in mind, but this cool Autumn afternoon in Florence I decided on low cut black denim   |   black singlet  | suedette ankle boots   to take me from day to night SS12 Pure Silk Shell top $150 Made-to-Order here

I love the big island I'm lucky enough to be a citizen of. In a sort of homage to my home, my Spring Summer collection features Australian Native Flora prints. The Banksia Print dress is 100% cotton, drop waist flip dress with leatherette (faux leather) embellished collar, and short sleeves There was so much inspiration for this Spring/Summer collection, this dress in particular, with its young modern flirty silhouette, was the first to evolve. Drop waists are about in full rage at the moment, and I especially love the ones popping up in Victoria Beckham's collections. The lovely Samantha having fun here modelling the range in the 11th hour before my trip to Italy I design & produce each dress to order and can make to your specific measurements. $200.00 Includes postage. Send your details to me here

A great jewel is not necessarily a big jewel, but in the case of my Anton Heunis necklace, statement making is first on the list. From his AW2013 collection, it was gifted to me by my best friend for my Maid-of-Honor role. Part of the 'Blade runner' inspired collection, it was hand made in Madrid out of chunky crystals, each a different colour, hugged by two heavy black pyramids of glass. Undoubtedly the most interesting statement necklace in my treasure box, it made its mark on this rainy day in Florence

Tucked in the depths of the Tuscan countryside, amongst vineyards, rolling fields and bubbling creeks, 'The Mall' lays in stark contrast to its surrounds. An Oasis of the finest designer labels concentrated into a miniature outlet city. The buildings small and sterile, reminding me of the empty "Hotel" artwork that sits by the highway on the way to Sorrento from Melbourne, or the desert Prada store in west Texas.  For a day I felt as if I were some strange country, an alien amongst the Japanese and Arabic tourists. I got my chance to get up close and personal with my designer idols, McQueen, McCartney, Dior, Burberry, Valentino, pouring over the delicate stitches and fabrics of seasons passed pieces. At outlet prices, I could actually afford to shop in Prada, and than there was the Lindt store... 

I have found my place in the world.  Below the streets of Florence, in the cellars of the famous Salvatore Ferragamo Flagship store, lays exhibition like no other. Most of my readers know that I am enchanted with Marilyn Monroe, and one of the facts I have always known is that the great Salvatore himself designed and made most of her foot ware. Living in Florence, the home of Ferragamo, going to the Museum was inevitable. I had up until now put it off, knowing that it would be something pretty amazing, and most defiantly inspiring. I had, in a way, saved it for my "rainy day", the day when the beauty of Florence and its inhabitants might cease to provide me with the inspiration to create my best work. More than 2 years on, "rainy day" yet to pass, I found the perfect opportunity with a friend who is also a great admirer of the Iconic Blonde bombshell. Descending the dark stairs into the cavernous rooms below the Ferragamo building, glass cases with hand craf...

Rome really showed off on our last day. The flowers were out in bloom, the skies were clear, no Autumn in sight.

My Spring Shell tops are coming in handy in Italy. I have almost worn at least one, once a day. This day I slipped out of the Thurley knit and into the silk shell print top for dinner. It had rained during the day and now the heat was setting back in. I love the print on this style - little buddhas & zebras! I paired it with my SS12 black velvet stretch pin skirt. We passed by the Trevi on our way to the Pantheon, where we had pre dinner aperitif & drink plans with friends. For dinner we took the tram outside of the centre for the most amazing pizza's and deep fried assortment!

Arriving in Rome I had little more than 2 things on my mind... Spaghetti Arrabiata and sleep. But gorgeous weather meant the second was nearly impossible. With boyfriend on arm, we toured the ancient city, sporadically stopping for lattes, wine and wherever the urge, my favourite spaghetti dish. I was afraid I wouldnt be able to wear any of my new Spring collection. Coming off a cool winter/ fresh spring and into an European Autumn, I was pleasantly surprised with, so far, 5 days of sunny 25+ degree's (and a few showers) I wore my light floral SS12 pieces everyday. On the airplane over, I watched the new Woody Allen film 'To Rome with Love' and it really is as cliche in reality as the film...

I like to think I'm a true blue Aussie. I cook my tofu steaks on the barbi, hang my washing on a hills hoist, and prefer flip fops, or no shoes at all. The thing is, I'm hardly ever here, and even Aussie's ask me where the bloody hell i'm from.... maaate! I grew up in the hills of Byron Bay So today is another last day in Australia, I'm on the evening flight to Rome, where i'll spend the Autumn and Winter.  Spring has been kind these last few days - we shot me in a couple of my SS12 garments while we were waiting for our model to arrive. I dont actually have a hills hoist at my apartment in Richmond, so we relocated to my best friends home, which happens to be the classic, unchanged, Aussie haven I'm wearing SS12 Lilac Floral print shell top / SS12 Lilac print skirt / ASOS sling backs SS12 is made-to-order here

Westfield Doncaster is having their very own Fashion Festival - This week from Thursday to Sunday Perfect timing to publish some pics from my recent visits, mostly due to an amazing prize I won during Fashion Week In the last post, I re-capped all my looks from the week, and some of you took a guess which was the winning look... We attended the Electric Lounge Launch hosted by the lovely Lady Melbourne and Style Melbourne, and was chosen as most stylish of the evening (:D) The prize was a $1,000 Westfield Wardrobe. It was such an honour to be considered, but even more so, that I was wearing my own designs.  Over 2 late night shopping spree's, I picked up some great Australian designer duds, a blingy hand piece and a fresh cut. Got to love a new look for Spring! ~ Even that I only have another 4 days to enjoy it!