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It’s a been a big week for Rebecca Vallance. Since 2011, the Australian designer has been designing the dresses of our dreams; her elegant gowns and perfect frocks filling our wardrobes for over a decade. This week, however, Vallance heads in a new, more casual direction with the debut of Sportif; a casualwear range that melds the glamorous Vallance DNA with an athletic sensibility made for comfort. She’s also just opened a brand-spanking new retail store in Sydney’s Double Bay, with the Sportif range front and centre in the beautiful boutique (and rightly so).
Combining the stylish structure she’s known for with relaxed silhouettes like sweatshirts, track pants and hoodies, Sportif is the stylish answer to the current sartorial conundrum: how to look polished and cool whilst maintaining a level of lockdown-worthy comfort.
READ: DESIGNERS, BUYERS AND BASTIONS OF THE INDUSTRY REFLECT ON 25 INCREDIBLE YEARS OF MBFWA
While the launch feels an incredibly timely one (given our newfound, pandemic-induced predilection for comfortable things), it’s actually been in the works for some 12 months, proving Vallance is both prophetic and perspicacious when it comes to her craft.
Here, we ask the designer what the inspiration behind Sportif was, her favourite pieces from the collection (and how to style them!) and what the future holds for Rebecca Vallance…
What made you decide to move down the path of casualwear?
The Sportif collection has been in the works for about 12 months now, after reflecting on what our brand had (and didn’t have) on offer, heading down the path of casualwear felt like an exciting yet natural next step for the brand. The collection was heavily inspired by the Rebecca Vallance woman as it was very important that the collection fit into the lifestyle and existing wardrobe of the RV girl. The clean colour palette and luxe 100% organic cotton fabrication result in sweats and hoodies that are easily styled back with Rebecca Vallance core suiting and tailoring as we continue to dress for and live in the ‘new normal’.
How has the year changed you personally – and the Rebecca Vallance brand?
This year has come with such a unique set of challenges, I feel like it’s really pushed me to be more creative and truly think outside the box when it comes to the Rebecca Vallance brand, this will become evident in upcoming launches later this year, aside from Sportif, we’ve got some exciting newness coming up.
What are you favourite pieces from the new collection?
My personal favourites from the Rebecca Vallance Sportif collection would have to be the RV Track Pants in black and the black Elastic Detail Sweatshirt.
What are you favourite ways to style the new Sportif range?
I love mixing and matching, incorporating pieces from both the Rebecca Vallance tailoring from our seasonal ranges as well as the Sportif collection into a single look. Pairing the hoodies with a power suit, or the sweats with a tailored blazer or coat. The final look is super edgy – I find it to be the perfect balance between comfort and a professional aesthetic.
Are there any more exciting projects coming up for RV?
We’ve definitely got some more exciting projects in the pipeline including our brand new store in Double Bay, NSW which has just officially opened! We also have some creative projects coming up including a first ever bridal collection – I can’t give too much away as that one doesn’t launch until November, so you’ll have to watch this space…
