Signature style: Siblings who inspire each other

Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Sisters Ahilapalapa (Hawaiian for fire and lightning) and Keva (right) Rands have a strong sense of individual style. Their eclectic approach, incorporating designer labels with op-shop discoveries, ensure the pair stand out from the crowd.

Though they draw their inspiration from different sources - Ahilapalapa, 18, likes 80s pop culture while Keva, 15, describes her alternative look as "a little strange and wild" - they sometimes share clothes.

AHILAPALAPA RANDS

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

Kate Sylvester.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

My new gold, brass and silver shoes I've just bought from Overland.

What do you wear when you're relaxing at home?

Floaty garments and sweats.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence?

Vintage black cowboy boots from Fast and Loose.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

My ruffled singlet from Bunny. It's black with grey ruffles and it's ridiculously long - you could wear it as a dress but I wouldn't want to. I like it bunched up.

What makeup would you be lost without?

Green eyeshadow.

Who inspires you?

My sister Keva. At 15 she already has a strong individual style, which is quite outrageous. It takes quite a lot of courage to be able to pull it off, especially when you're a teenager. She gives me ideas to spice up my wardrobe.

The essential item for summer?

A huge dark pair of sunglasses. The ones I have now are fake Guccis from Thailand, but I want to update them with something bigger.

Favourite colour?

Yellow.

Favourite store of the moment?

Bunny in K Rd. Actually most of my favourite stores are in K Rd. They have everything from cool boutiques to crusty little op shops.

What's your idea of relaxation?

Bingeing on bad things.

What's your favourite look?

Rock 80s combined with pop 80s, but in a contemporary way. I love searching for vintage finds in funny little op shops. It's like discovering little treasures in unexpected places. I like to mix it up with pieces from boutiques like Girl and Skylark in St Kevin's Arcade, and Bunny.

Best fashion bargain, ever?

Leopard print jacket for $5 from Peachy Keen.

KEVA RANDS

Your favourite fashion designers?

Kate Sylvester, Karen Walker.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

A big sparkly fake diamond ring.

What do you wear when you're relaxing at home?

Bigger is better, usually something from the 70s.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence?

A red ball dress from Fast and Loose that I bought for my school ball this year. It's the most expensive thing I've ever bought but as soon as I saw it I had to have it. I liked the fact that it was a bit different from your average ball dress. The soft fabric drapes really well across the front, falling away to reveal another layer underneath.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

Black super-tube jeans from Texas Radio and the Big Beat.

What item of makeup would you be lost without?

Black eyeliner.

Who inspires you?

People I am yet to meet, plus my sister Ahi and my friends.

What is the essential item for summer?

Big yellow sunglasses. I found them at my Aunty Ani's house. She has a treasure box full of toys and sunglasses.

Favourite colour?

Green.

Favourite store of the moment?

Fast and Loose in K Rd.

What's your idea of relaxation?

Comfortable clothes on a beach under hot sun.

What's your favourite look?

Alternative. A little strange and wild. A lot of girls my age are wearing plain singlets with pants or mini skirts, which I find boring. I would rather put together a unique look.

Best fashion bargain, ever?

A baggy blue jacket I got recently from Peachy Keen for $5. Like many of the items in my wardrobe, it's pre-loved but I like that because I won't see anyone else wearing the same thing that I'm wearing.