Rebecca Vallance

Rebecca Vallance’s resumé reads like a dream come true for any aspiring fashion designer. She launched her eponymous brand in London in 2011, showing her first official collection in Paris. Securing two Harvey Nichols accounts occurred soon after. Vallance then returned home to Australia as the business began to flourish, launching the brand locally in 2012 and steadily growing its dedicated following ever since. A February 2014 debut at New York Fashion Week saw the Rebecca Vallance label skyrocket to become one of Australia’s leading fashion exports. Of course, the fact that this degree of notoriety and success was achieved in under three years is nothing short of miraculous. It did not go unnoticed. In 2015, ‘marie claire’ magazine nominated Vallance as Best New Up-and-Coming Australian Designer. Furthermore, she was awarded Runner-Up in the International Woolmark Prize the same year. Six years later, in 2021, the designer re-joined Australian Fashion Week to celebrate 10 years of the brand in this country and to showcase her latest and greatest ‘Holiday’ collection. So, the question begs – what exactly is it about the Rebecca Vallance aesthetic that is responsible for such a monumental rise in such a short period of time?

Simply stated, the brand offers its enthusiasts the opportunity to discover the latest in designer women’s fashion and all that that entails. The Rebecca Vallance signature spans evening wear, suitings and daywear, with an emphasis on contemporary dresses that are appropriate for any stylish occasion. For example, the ‘Bridal’ capsule features wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and sophisticated wedding guest dresses that bubble and pulsate with the vibration of cutting-edge style. Available now, as well, is the ‘RV Sportif’ collection of elevated loungewear, as is a new designer swimwear line, featuring one-off prints and styles for summer – despite the fact that the targeted season has just left the building for another stroll around the sun. Regardless of its collection classification, each piece reflects the timeless designs envisioned with the modern woman in mind. Rebecca Vallance is unique, meticulously crafted designer fashion that is ready to be worn with confidence. This is to say that try as you may to understand the appeal of certain creations, particularly as they relate to such a personal and self-expressive choice as dressing, there is a point at which the intellect is simply inadequate. Thinking evolves into feeling, and it is within this edgeless space of emotion that creativity strikes. Feeling confident while wearing your chosen mode of dress is important. It is an indication that you are relating completely and fully with one of the most fundamental choices of humanity. The essential goodness of this choice is reflected in confidence, and Rebecca Vallance offers this experience to her clients.

In a stroke of great fortune for Melburnians, the designer’s biggest boutique – a 100m² space highlighted by blonde timber – is located at 1011 High Street, Armadale. Interior designer Shareen Joel is the mastermind behind the fit-out, one that is brought to life by an invitingly lit room highlighted by herringbone flooring and peach wool herringbone curtains. Vallance admits, “We knew from our ecommerce store that we were sending lots of product to South Yarra and Armadale.” Not surprisingly, she searched high and low for the perfect High Street location for over 12 months. “Every market that we’re in, we tailor to, whether that’s America, Europe or Australia.” This being said, Melbourne clients are privy to a range of exclusives – how exciting! These exclusives, however, remain true to the core of dresses and outfits that are ideal for parties and all special occasions. Vallance sums up her consideration of the local customer base as follows: “I think the Melbourne woman is looking for quality and something unique that has a lot of polish to it without being too considered. That’s what we offer.” And, of course, the appropriate amount of accompanying confidence…to boot…