Adelaide Fashion Festival

AFF16 Designer Profile – Elizabeth V

By Hieu Nguyen

Posted on October 17, 2016

Luxury and femininity combine in the evening wear and lingerie creations of Helen Heithersay, the master behind institution Elizabeth V.

Sweet dreams are made of these… the secret is out and it’s Elizabeth V.

“What I was wanting was something stylish in natural fibres… not those awful florally things that, quite often, it’s expected that women should wear especially as they get a bit older” – Helen Heithersay

With that thought, Helen Heithersay started Elizabeth V, a high end sleepwear label. Although the term sleepwear is used quite loosely, the elegant feel and charm of the garments can transcend the bedroom into loungewear or even eveningwear. The garments are made from 100% natural fibres; Swiss Italian fine cotton, 19 momme silk, 100% natural micro-modal and super fine shawl weight wool, all responsibly sourced. The robe has once been described as a work of art by costumiers. Helen also called on expert pattern makers to help perfect the bodice for the ever changing body shape of women.

Loving the blues. Especially when it’s silk. See it at @adlfashionfest Runway 3 – New Classics, Fri Oct 21. Book via #aff16 web. #elizabethv

A photo posted by Elizabeth V Sleepwear (@elizabethv_adelaide) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:56am PDT

Huge thanks to #annavlach for her very kind words on ElizabethV for #saweekend #theadvertiser! Thanks Anna! #spoilyourlady #valentinesday #glamadelaide #gorgeous #luxurious #sleepwear #loungewear #silkwear #silksatin

A photo posted by Elizabeth V Sleepwear (@elizabethv_adelaide) on Feb 12, 2016 at 9:40pm PST

Helen has always strongly opposed sweatshop labour, therefore all the work is done here in South Australia. It is quality over quantity and by making it locally, Helen can oversee the production and make sure everything is of impeccable standards. Elizabeth V isn’t just about sleepwear. The label now boasts over 40 styles and accessories, including sleep masks, robes, singlet tops and lingerie.

In 2013, Elizabeth V garments were used in Opera Australia’s production of Wagner’s The Ring Cycle. Later that year, the robe was centre stage in Sydney Theatre Company’s The Maids, starring Isabelle Huppert, Elizabeth Debicki and the timeless beauty, Cate Blanchett.

One of our stunning luxury robes in a soft nil-green, available in our online store! #luxurysleepwear #silksatin #luxury #adelaide #salocal #gorgeous #softassilk #loungewear #beautiful #style #women

A photo posted by Elizabeth V Sleepwear (@elizabethv_adelaide) on Nov 11, 2015 at 6:00pm PST

So pleased to be on the @adlfashionfest runway again. Don’t miss out on your ticket to Adelaide’s fashion event of the year. Book for our parade via the link in our bio. 2015 photo by @meaghan_coles_photography

A photo posted by Elizabeth V Sleepwear (@elizabethv_adelaide) on Sep 15, 2016 at 5:28am PDT

When the creative talents behind @adlfashionfest led by @kontos81 combine @elizabethv_adelaide and @couturelovemadness_ – magic happens! / #elizabethv

A photo posted by Elizabeth V Sleepwear (@elizabethv_adelaide) on Oct 13, 2016 at 5:33am PDT

At the 2015 Adelaide Fashion Festival, Elizabeth V caught the eye of Vogue Australia’s Philippa Moroney, who then featured her favourite looks on the world renowned magazine’s website. The luxurious label has grown popular with the young and has proven to be one to keep an eye on. Consequently, the anticipation has grown immensely for the Elizabeth V show this year.

Elizabeth V will take part in the ‘New Classics’ Runway on Friday, 21 October as part of the Adelaide Fashion Festival. To see the full list of designers taking part, head to the Adelaide Fashion Festival website.

To discover more about Elizabeth V visit the website or follow the label on Facebook and Instagram.