Australian fashion designer Rebecca Vallance talks with GlamCorner about her label, its inspiration and shares her style tips for Spring Racing season!
How did it all begin? What inspired you to start the Rebecca Vallance brand?
I think I’d only ever wanted to work in fashion from a really young age, so I started modeling when I was 13 and then went and worked in publicity specialising in designer brands. It was quite an easy transition as I always wanted to be a fashion designer, and when I moved to Europe that’s when the opportunity came about for me to open my own label.
When did you first launch your label?
I launched my business in London when I was living there six years ago and it was really important to me that the brand had an international DNA from day one. In the first season we showed in Paris we picked up two Harvey Nichols accounts so I knew we were on the right track. Today, even though we currently live in Australia, it’s really important to me
that we relate to the international girl. There is a difference obviously between a European, an American and an Australia customer, but I think what is similar is the fact that they all really like quality garments that are different and truly unique. What we work on is refining our DNA and making sure that each season it will evolve and appeal to all girls from all the different international markets.
Image source: fairfaxjournal.com
How would you best describe your personal style?
I like to be dressed in quite a polished way but in a totally undone manner. My go to outfit at work is often being in suit pants, a white shirt and maybe a knit but I’ll have a cool trainer on so I’m always somehow undoing the look.
Who is the Rebecca Vallance girl?
The Rebecca Vallance customer is a fashion girl who loves fashion but also likes to look great as well. I think it’s for a girl who loves a dress, a really good quality blazer and beautifully cut pants. I don’t think Rebecca Vallance is for the faint-hearted, I think it’s for a strong girl and that’s who we sort of attract.
Image source: broadsheet.com
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We’ve noticed you have dressed a large number of celebrities. Who would you love to work with that you haven’t before?
We’ve dressed so many international celebrities from Halle Berry to Sofia Vergara including great supermodels like Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls as well. Probably two women that I haven’t dressed that I’d love too would be Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett.
Image source L-R: pinterest.com; instagram.com
What does a typical week look like for you?
I’ve got two sons, Matthias who’s two and a half years old and Raphael who’s five months. A typical week for me… it’s loud, it’s noisy and there’s lots going on, but we have a good system. Everything’s planned out and well organised, but it’s definitely noisy.
Why have you decided to work with GlamCorner?
I think it’s really exciting to be stocking at GlamCorner as it gives the consumer, who might not be shopping at Rebecca Vallance yet, an entry-level position to be able to pick up the band and wear it for an evening. I think with social media the way it is, that might be appealing to people who haven’t shopped with us before.
What are your styling tips for the perfect spring racing look?
We are definitely a spring racing brand. I love going myself and love the rules of Spring Racing, making sure you are in black or white on Derby day or wearing colour on Melbourne Cup. I think it’s about wearing a statement dress, maybe pairing back the accessories a little bit and also finding a hat or headwear that you know really suits the garment you’re wearing, just taking it further and evolving your personal style.
What are the key trends that are exciting you for spring/summer?
I think there’s lots of trends, but probably my favourite one is the new take on lace like one of the dresses I’m wearing with the balloon sleeves. We’ve also introduced a really exciting range of shirting which has really gorgeous ties and detailing which just takes typical shirting a little bit further.
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Watch the full interview video now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEvhZWmb3jU
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