Rowland shops up a storm in Sydney
By Katherine Field From:AAP March 04, 2010 4:31PM

KELLY Rowland has decked herself out in Australian fashion, saying she has fallen in love with local designers during her visit.

The US Grammy Award-winning singer has spent the past two days shopping up a storm in Sydney, buying clothes from the likes of Manning Cartel and Sass and Bide.

Rowland even picked up a few treats to take back home to friends in the US.

“For the past two days, I’ve truly enjoyed my shopping,” Rowland, wearing Australian designs, said in Sydney.

“I went to Manning Cartel, and Sass and Bide and Peep Toe, and then Satch, which had really nice men’s stuff. And I got some friends back home some stuff. It was just great. I love it.

“I just fell in love with all the designers.

“I have to go shopping again.”

The shopping expedition comes two years after Rowland wore an outfit on stage, designed by Australian Project Runway contestant Juli Grbac, who went on to win the competition.The former Destiny’s Child singer, who’s recently shed her curves, says she feels very happy with her body and credits exercising with keeping her looking good.

“When I do it I feel so good,” she said.

“It’s like drinking water, it feels good for my body, and I’m starting to really really love it. Before I hated it cause it just felt like a lot of work.”

Rowland, however, believes the music industry has further to go in accepting all shapes and sizes.

“I feel like this industry is a bit image driven,” she said.

“I think it should be about talent. I have friends back home who can sing me under a table and they have gone out for record deals and people have literally turned them away over their size.

“And to me it’s ridiculous.

“But I think everybody’s going to come around, I think that true talent surfaces.”

Rowland will join DJ David Guetta to sing When Love Takes Over at the closing party for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Saturday night and said she was excited about the event.

“Once we get off stage we’re going to have so many different memories and things to talk about because everybody says you always take a memory from Mardi Gras, so I’m excited about it,” Rowland said.

George Michael is rumoured to be performing as well.

“I hope he’s there. I’d love to see him,” Rowland said.

Rowland will also attend a VIP Mardi Gras party in Sydney tonight.