Beyond the bows and beautiful embellishments, Rebecca Vallance has created a brand for the modern, luxurious woman which has become a veritable institution in just 13 years.
After launching in 2011 and showcasing her first collection in Paris, the Australian-born designer’s eponymous brand swiftly secured two coveted Harvey Nichols accounts and the rest is simply fashion history.
Unlike the vast majority of popular Australian womenswear brands which boast flowing collections of coastal-chic florals and dip-hem dresses, Rebecca Vallance crafts wearable pieces for the formal and feminine party girl.
From crystal-adorned mini dresses and extravagant form-fitting gowns to intricately tailored suits which can be dressed up or down with a statement earring, stiletto heel, or your favourite pair of white trainers, it’s a label which ensures a well-rounded and highly sophisticated wardrobe.
Rebecca Vallance’s artisanal pieces make use of premium, opulent fabrics and near-mathematical tailoring to deliver seamless, fluid silhouettes which carve out intricate shapes by virtue of the wearer’s movement.
It’s no wonder, then, that the label boasts a never-ending list of A-list customers. From supermodels such as Karlie Kloss and Naomi Campbell to Lady Gaga, Rita Ora, Priyanka Chopra, Hailey Bieber, Paris Hilton, Chrissy Teigen and more, the Rebecca Vallance clientele consists of influential figures with enviable wardrobes.
While wedding guest season is made easy thanks to Rebecca Vallance, her 2023 resort/swim collection took fans both new and old by storm. Offering a delightful, summer-ready amalgamation of tailored perfection and free-flowing silk, the collection includes wide-legged palazzo trousers paired with matching, patterned silk shirts and patterned dresses with dramatic puff sleeves.
We caught up with the celebrated womenswear designer to get the low-down-under on her self-care essentials, her dream capsule wardrobe, and what inspires her.
What have you been up to recently?
I’ve been travelling a lot. I just got back from New York for Fashion Week. I’d been home in Sydney prior to that, and before that, I had been in Aspen, LA, London and Malta. New York is always great for work, Aspen was brilliant for skiing and LA was great for Disneyland with the kids.
What inspired you to become a designer?
It was the only thing I'd ever actually wanted to do, but the timing needed to be right. When I was a little girl, my grandmother and I used to spend school holidays sewing and making clothes. From a really young age, my grandmother inspired me, but it was also all that I was ever interested in, even at school. She’s about to turn 94, actually, and still loves to critique my work. She’ll tell me that she likes the colours one season, or that I haven’t quite got it right the next. Family honesty.
Before leaving the house, what three things are you grabbing?
I do drop-off every day, so my children, definitely. My sunglasses are a must. I bought a fabulous new pair of Saint Laurent sunglasses on my last trip. Then it has to be my keys.
What would your dream capsule wardrobe look like?
Watch this space, later on in the year you'll see it. But if it was just for me personally, probably lots of minimalistic pieces. So pared-back suiting and cashmere jumpers. I love pieces that can last forever and are comfy.
What are your go-to styling essentials when it comes to curating an outfit?
I am definitely known for a statement earring, without a doubt. I also love a red lip, bodysuits and high-neck dresses, really gorgeous shoes… I’m a fashion girl, I love beautiful, quality things!
What are your self-care essentials?
I swear by La Prairie. The products are beautiful and I have a La Prairie facial as often as I can. I love fragrances by Byredo, I think they are absolutely gorgeous. I’ve bought Mumbai Noise so many times it’s not even funny. I also adore a Louis Vuitton or Hermès pashmina when travelling. When I arrive in a new place I take a bath, but my me-time is at the gym. I go three times a week and do weights with my personal trainer.
Do you have any favourite activewear brands?
I love Alo Yoga and PE Nation.
What’s something that you can’t live without?
La Prairie Caviar Oil. I use it whenever I get on a plane and it’s just unbelievable. When I arrive somewhere, I tend to rush into work stuff, so I love that it gives me a lasting, intense hydration boost.
Do you have a favourite garment that you’ve designed for your label?
I have a real emotional attachment to my gowns. I wear them constantly. There’s one that we made for Karlie Kloss years ago called the Billie Gown and we’ve always got versions of that in the collection. I think there’s something about wearing our gowns to special, memorable occasions – which you look back on and remember fondly through the garment.
What’s your fashion philosophy?
Quality over quantity. Less is more, but sometimes more is more if it’s holiday time.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
The Holiday collection is always my baby. It was inspired by the Sicilian Mediterranean woman. I married into a Mediterranean family and they have incredible style. Sicilian palazzos are a dream. We shot the campaign out there and it was so beautiful.
