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For 22 years, there have been two names that Australian women of all generations turn to for effortlessly elevated essentials that serve them through life’s chapters. That is BEC + BRIDGE.
For Bec Cooper and Bridget Yorston, anticipating what the modern woman needs in her wardrobe is almost second nature to the design duo. They have spent over two decades finessing this ability, after all.
During their Resort ‘23 collection, presented at last year’s Australian Fashion Week, the brand ushered in the return of indie sleaze with their underground grunge-inspired collection that subverted the business casual dress code that reigned in 90s and 2000s for the party girl generation.
They didn’t need a TikTok trend forecaster to tell them this collection would be one of the key aesthetics to reference in the next few quarters, they just needed to hear the opening bars of The Prodigy’s “Firestarter” and think back to the time when Bec and Bridge were two bright-eyed graduates from fashion school.
Before BEC + BRDIGE was a household name synonymous with go-to looks for It girl, when Bec and Bridge was merely just the eponymous nickname bestowed on them by friends at university because of how inseparable they are.
Indeed, you often forget that BEC + BRIDGE, stewards of Australia’s unique fashion landscape, also started out as two best friends with a belief in one another and a bold vision to inject the wardrobes of women with a collection of cool and confident pieces.
Now, in their 19th year of fashion week, they’re looking ahead to their next 22 years together with an invigorating outlook that promises to keep the brand growing and developing just as they do.
Below, read GRAZIA’s conversation with Cooper and Yorston about the rituals of design, putting friendship before fashion and how they always manage to keep things fresh.
GRAZIA: Congratulations on both 22 years as a brand, and as creative partners. What’s your ethos for the next 22 years of the brand?
BEC + BRIDGE: Our ethos has always been to create beautiful clothes for the BEC + BRIDGE woman, at an accessible price point and of the highest quality. That is something that will never change. The DNA of the brand has always been consistent but we like the designs to grow and evolve as we do. On a personal level, our ethos is also very focused around balance and keeping what we do in perspective. We absolutely love what we do and the people we work with, so our goal is to keep enjoying building the brand.
GRAZIA: Last year’s show was rooted in 90s sensibilities; grunge, punk, and underground countercultures. Can we expect to see some more of those themes explored this year?
BEC + BRIDGE: The short answer is no haha. This collection is very different … we like to really mix things up and keep people guessing.
GRAZIA: How have you balanced exploring this tougher and edgier side of the brand with a label that’s so renowned for its beautiful resort wear?
BEC + BRIDGE: I think the brand naturally evolves and changes with what’s happening in the fashion landscape globally so while we love our easy resort pieces, we are really enjoying introducing more separates into the collections that allow our customer to be more adventurous with their styling choices.
GRAZIA: What does having your brand showcase at AAFW mean to you as a designer?
BEC + BRIDGE:It’s a real privilege to show at AAFW each year. To have this platform is fantastic for the Australian fashion industry and puts us on the international map. For us personally, we love the way it brings our team together, pushes us all creatively and forces us to realise our best ideas in a really collaborative way. It’s a gruelling process, but it’s always worth it!
GRAZIA: What do you think is the biggest AAFW faux pas you wish your younger self knew?
If you have a sense that a look isn’t strong enough to send down the runway, pull it from the lineup, even if it’s at the very last second!
GRAZIA: What rituals have you implemented into your routine in the lead-up to AAFW?
BEC + BRIDGE: Focus on staying healthy both mentally and physically. The last two weeks in the lead up are always a marathon!
GRAZIA: What’s on your pre-AFW playlist?
BEC + BRIDGE: We have some excellent throw back tunes from the 80s and early 90s that are keeping us feeling upbeat and excited. We love a bit of nostalgia. Janet Jackson is coming through strong.
GRAZIA: What’s more important: the location of the show or the timeslot of the show?
BEC + BRIDGE: Both! Every element needs to come together for the show to work.
GRAZIA: How does your Australian customer embody your brand’s DNA in a way international customers don’t?
BEC + BRIDGE: Our Australian customer really understands the essence of the brand. They have also grown up with the brand so they’ve seen its evolution over the years.
GRAZIA: What do you think your brand brings to the Australian fashion landscape?
BEC + BRIDGE: Quality, considered design at an accessible price point, for all ages.
GRAZIA: Without giving too much away, what are the three words you’d use to describe the vibe of your show?
BEC + BRIDGE: Sexy, turbo, seascape.
Read more in-depth interviews with designers showcasing at AAFW 23, including ALÉMAIS and Caroline Reznik, in GRAZIA’s pre-fashion week series: ‘In Focus’.
