THE next big things were out in force at last night's Advertiser Sunday Mail Foundation do at the Hilton Ballroom - so it's apt they had SA's Australian Idol hope Jacob Butler there.

With a theme of "Fashion Now and in the Future", Adelaide's up and coming fashion designers from TAFE showed off their style alongside SA fashion stalwarts including George Gross and Harry Who and Melanie Garland of Little Potty Red Shoes fame.

Jacob, who's ready to go with his debut record, wowed the crowd with a stripped-back acoustic set of his original songs.

"I want to make a record that has relevance in 20 years time – I'm a songwriter so I've got a huge catalogue of songs in me," Jacob says.

"I've been doing a few charity gigs so here's hoping they bring back a bit of good karma," he adds with a laugh.

The flying visit to Adelaide was also a welcome chance for the 25-year-old to catch up with family.

"It's the first time I've been back since March, and mum's come down from Port Lincoln to hang out . . . and iron my shirt," he jokes.