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Revered Australian designer Rebecca Vallance recalls how captivated she was when she first walked through a grand palazzo in Catania in Sicily; the intricate Italian architecture, plush interiors, Baroque motifs. This moment would later serve as inspiration for the designer’s latest holiday collection, Maria Amalia, a modish foray into the timeless elegance of Italian aristocracy and the opulent spaces, such as the palazzos, that these circles used to move in.
“The high ceilings, ornate chandeliers and gorgeous curved lines create this overall sense of elegance that we hope to replicate in Maria Amalia, our Holiday 2023 collection,” Vallance tells GRAZIA. “Originally, [my team and I] explored Catania for the city’s rich history, which we thought would be the perfect backdrop for the grandeur of the collection. When we first saw this palazzo, we fell in love. The baroque architecture was in perfect harmony with the intricate detailing of the collection, and summed up our inspiration so well.”
Maria Amalia presents souped-up iterations of your favourite Rebecca Vallance classics. The signature silhouettes and techniques are still there; the bows, the hearts, the pleats, the feathers, the diamante embellishments. But, this season they lean even further into the glamour and opulence of Italian style. Rich velvet fabrics, hand-beaded floral motifs, and intricate embroidery make up a complete series of occasionwear.
“The Rebecca Vallance woman shares striking parallels with the opulence and glamour of Italian style,” says Vallance. “Both embody a passion for meticulous detail, luxurious fabrics, and a timeless elegance. This affinity extends to an appreciation for Baroque and ornate motifs, artistic expression through fashion, a reverence for cultural heritage, and a keen sense of versatility in their wardrobes.
“We’ve designed our Holiday collection with a global perspective in mind, intended to cater to both Northern and Southern hemispheres,” Vallance continues. “This season’s collection represents the pinnacle of occasion dressing, taking RV’s signature design elements to new heights. While we’ve retained beloved silhouettes that our customers have adored, this time around, we’ve infused an extra layer of glamour and sophistication. Just last week, Lady Gaga wore our Eva Midi to her Las Vegas residency. It’s still a ‘pinch me’ moment every time someone as iconic as Lady Gaga wears our designs.”
Persue Rebecca Vallance’s 2023 holiday collection, Maria Amalia, below. You can explore the collection online here.
