Susanna Freymark
Walking through the doorway of Casino’s newest dress shop is an assault on the senses – in a good way.
As you walk in, there is the soft wafting scent of the candles on sale, the cool refreshing air and the colours – oh my, patterns of colours on the clothes hanging on the walls like material artworks.
Ella Mac opens tomorrow, Monday, September 2 at 10am where local Casino designer Lisa Michael stocks her original designs of dresses, pantsuits, tops and trousers at the former Arum shop on Walker Street.
Lisa wants you to feel relaxed in her shop. She has had unpleasant experiences in the past when shopping for clothes.
At Ella Mac, everything is designed by Lisa (there are no other labels) and there are no sizes.
“I was sick of not being able to find flattering, affordable clothes,” Lisa said.
When Lisa retired from her financial business in 2017, she travelled the world with her husband.
And it was Bali that captured her heart.
After their travels, Lisa began her fashion business. She designed clothes that fit everyone and she has them made in Bali.
The sizing is called ‘free sizing’ which is different to one-size-fits-all. Lisa has designed a “magic drawstring” in the dresses and tops that pulls in at the bust and fits every shape.
“I’ve been size-shamed all my life,” she said.
“I’ve been on a diet my whole life to try and fit into clothes.”
No more – she has taken a negative experience and turned it into a positive fashion experience for all women.
The fabric in her designs is light, cool and colourful.
“Some people are scared of colour,” Lisa said. She clearly isn’t – she is honest and spot-on advising what looks good on every shape of woman.
The name Ella Mac is the name of her first grandchild. The shop sells clothes, handbags, shoulder bags, candles, hair clips, jewellery, sun hats and cute makeup bags.
Everything has been precisely laid out so there is room for prams and wheelchairs. And the shop smells so good.
Lisa is thrilled to be in the heart of Casino’s clothing precinct – next to Mollymays and across the road from Bamboo Kiss and George Gooley.
If her clothes seem familiar that’s because Lisa has been doing local markets since 2022 and has a loyal customer base.
You can follow the latest news on Ella Mac here.
Ella Mac is open:
10am–4pm weekdays
9am–1pm Saturdays.
Lisa does laybys and offers alterations at an affordable price.
Doors open for the first time Monday, September 2 at 10am.
and then