These Australian Brands Are The Missing Piece In Your Wardrobe
If you're looking to channel the latest trends coming out of Australia this summer and find new ways elevate your everyday wardrobe, look no further than these stylish Australian designer labels.
Summer is all about trying new things and expanding the horizons of your personal style. An easy way to push your closet out of its comfort zone is to try out designs from different countries and get to know some new labels. The Australian fashion industry is full of brands that are constantly trying out new fits and styles, setting new trends, and pushing the envelope of what "ready-to-wear" designer clothing can look like.
If you're curious about where to begin exploring Australian fashion, look no further. L'OFFICIEL has curated a list of Australian labels to shop this season. Spotlighting bold colors and flattering lines, new pieces from these 14 Australian labels are sure to give your wardrobe a lively boost.
Rebecca Vallance
Rebecca Vallance launched her self-titled label in 2011 after showing her first collection in Paris, and she launched the brand locally in Australia in 2012. The brand quickly gained an international following and has been continuing to grow in popularity with every collection. Rebecca Vallance is an Australian favorite, and it cemented that reputation in 2021 after winning the People's Choice Award for the Australian Fashion Laureate. The brand has been worn by celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Dakota Johnson, Rita Ora, Lady Gaga, Hailey Bieber, Paris Hilton and more.
According to the brand's website, "the Rebecca Vallance signature combines structured tailoring and unique luxurious fabrications which, combined with a global aesthetic, have seen her pieces become desired amongst stylish women." Clothing from the label often features modern takes on classic dress silhouettes, working with fabric textures and bold proportions to bring new life to timeless styles.
Aje
Aje was founded in 2008 by two best friends: Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest. Both founders bring unique perspectives and experiences to the brand, with Adrian having studied at the Venetian Art School and Edwina working at the fashion magazine RUSSH.
The label describes their mission on their website as being "dedicated to raw beauty, tough femininity and effortless cool." Always focused on finding a balance between two different worlds, and specifically working to combine costal and urban lifestyles, clothing from Aje is a mix between basic essentials and unforgettable statement pieces.
Silk Laundry
Creative Director and Designer Katie Kolodinski founded the ready-to-wear brand Silk Laundry in 2015 with the goal of creating luxury closet essentials that were also mindful of sustainability, prioritizing the longevity of fashion with every design. Silk Laundry's website writes that the brand prioritizes, "design through artisanal craftsmanship and natural, low-impact materials. We’re made for the conscious consumer who wants to add versatile designs to a curated wardrobe. Longevity guides our intent. Designed for functionality, our garments are practical and luxurious, crafted with quality materials made to last."
Silk Laundry backs a number of initiatives focused on helping the planet and helping people in need. By using the brand's reputation and audience to spotlight different world issues, Kolondinski is directly connecting her designs and the people who wear them with the kind of sustainable and conscious lifestyle that she strives to promote. You can expect to find plenty of rich jewel tones and watercolor-like patterns in the comfortable slip dresses and knitwear of this brand.
Alémais
Like Silk Laundry, Alémais is a label that is constantly focused on sustainability in their designs. Founded by designer Lesleigh Jermanus, Alémais centers traditional craft and techniques like beading and embroidery in the creation of their designs to preserve history. The brand's website writes that Alémais "celebrates an eclectic mix of unique natural textiles, hand crafted embroideries and exaggerated shapes. Inspired by historical references redefined for a contemporary wardrobe...[Alémais is] is concerned about the future of our world, wherever possible choosing low impact fibres such as Hemp, Ramie, Organic Cotton and European Linen."
For every garment sold, Alémais plants a tree. The brand is full of clothing that features vibrant patterns and textured elements like patches and beading. Each piece feels truly one of a kind; a modern style that is heavily steeped in history.
Acler
Acler's updated and elevated classics are designed by creative duo Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto. In a statement on the brand's website, Forth and Ritorto say, "Our design philosophy is embedded in three-dimensional draping. This allows each garment to take shape organically, taking into consideration the natural curves of the figure.” This tactile approach to design has moved the brand away from digital design, instead focusing the attention to couture techniques, which creates clothing that is made with the intention of lasting a lifetime.
With a signature talent for creating perfect ruffles, pleats and draping, Acler offers a wide range of formal clothing, perfect for any summer wedding or business event.
Christopher Esber
Christopher Esber founded his eponymous brand in 2010 in Sydney. Mastering clothing that feels elegant in the everyday setting and prioritizing confidence in every piece, the brand is known for its use of cut-out silhouettes. The brand's website writes that "being able to adapt clothing has always been core to Christopher Esber collections, working with deconstructions of base silhouettes that can be personalised...each collection further refines [Esber's] desire of stripping back the idea to the purest core of an idea." Regardless of the piece of clothing being designed, Christopher Esber is always using bold lines and cut-outs to display the human body in new and striking ways.
St. Agni
St. Agni is an independent label founded by Lara and Matt Fells with several retail stores across Australia. The brand creates elevated and sophisticated basics with an emphasis on tailoring and exploring the depths of neutral tones. The website reads, "Since its conception the studio lives by the philosophy of ‘less is more’, keeping versatility and longevity at the forefront of decision making. The collections are underpinned by the appeal of a modern uniform, offering an ever-evolving style of wardrobing."
As the brand is focused on minimalism, you can expect to find plenty of neutral pieces like leather purses, blazers and tank tops that play with the effect of layering to create depth.
SIR.
SIR. is an Australian label founded in 2014 by Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote. The website writes that "with a focus on high quality, ethically sourced fabrications, SIR. is a contemporary fashion house synonymous with easy-to-wear wardrobe staples under a modern lens." This focus on sustainability ensures that pieces from SIR. are thoughtfully designed and wearable in anyone's wardrobe.
SIR. plays with proportion to create memorable silohouettes within its minimalist aesthetic. Look no further than this brand for your ideal versatile slip dress or new favorite bikini.
Zimmermann
An absolute powerhouse in Australian fashion, ZImmermann has been at the forefront of Australian design for decades. The sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann founded the label in 1991 and quickly gained a following of women who look to the brand for high quality fabric and eye-catching designs for any occasion. Though the brand began in Sydney, it has become a global success with stores opening all over the world, eventually expanding to begin a joint label for fashionable swimwear.
The brand's website describes its original vision as "sophisticated femininity, clever colour combinations and delicate original prints." Zimmermann has always taken summer fashion seriously, with whimsical patterns making it a fan favorite for any summer dress, sandal, or beach gear.
Viktoria & Woods
Margie Woods founded Viktoria & Woods in 2004, a brand focused on pared-back closet staples that are chic and timeless. Known for the merino wool pieces that gave the brand its start, the brand has expanded into ready-to-wear collections that center denim, outerwear and sometimes statement occasion pieces. The clothing at Viktoria & Woods is largely made in Australia. "We value sustainable textiles and manufacturing methods that leave a lighter footprint on the planet, a philosophy we are committed to," the website writes.
The earth tones and neutrals featured by Viktoria & Woods are versatile year-round. If you're looking for a way to add new life to your office wardrobe and invest in some high-quality knits, or if you want to make a bold street style statement, look no further than Viktoria & Woods.
Significant Other
Significant Other is a brand focused on curating the ideal coastal summer closet. Their website describes the brand as "a stylish ‘beach to bar’ brand for the modern woman. Natural fibres and relaxed, flattering silhouettes are the benchmark of this fresh Australian label."
Known for their textural jersey pieces that demonstrate skillful draping techniques, Significant Other is creating versatile pieces that can be re-styled to easily move through the day with you. Many of their patterns are featured across different pieces, making it easy to mix and match your collection and customize looks to your liking. Whether you're planning a beach day or a wedding, Significant Other will have one piece to fit all of your needs.
Venroy
This premium leisurewear brand was founded in 2010 by Sean Venturi on Bondi Beach in Australia. Venroy brings a mindset of escapism to their designs, looking to center a sense of freedom and travel. With this travel-oriented focus, Venroy is an expert at vacation and summer styling. Their website explains that, "Linen is our core fabric. Versatile, super fine and enduring, it’s perfect for our refined yet relaxed silhouettes. We also use organic cotton, silk, cashmere, terry towelling and Tencel."
If you're packing for your European vacation now, make sure to look at Venroy to curate the ideal summer capsule wardrobe.
POSSE
POSSE describes itself as "a celebration of womanhood." With simple and often retro-inspired silhouettes, the brand is the definition of classy and sophisticated style. The brand prioritizes sustainability, intention and wearability in their designs. Their chic style is trendy now, but it will remain timeless for life. Look to POSSE to find your next matching linen set, chic vest or breezy gingham dress.