Newsfeed
In the saturated world of fashion, particularly accessories, few brands are managing to cut through the noise to showcase true craftsmanship and storytelling.
NEOUS, however, is one label that has been on the radar for the last few years and with its recent official entry into the Middle Eastern market, there’s no doubt the London-based, Australian-founded brand is on the rise.
Founded by Vanessa Antonious in 2017, NEOUS first launched with luxury footwear, expanding into handbags in 2020, all with a focus on “modern minimalism — expressive, functional, and timeless”.
Having spent years working in editorial for the likes of Harper’s Bazaar Australia, Harper’s Bazaar UK, Vogue and more, Vanessa took the leap to merge her storytelling and narrative experience with design to create a brand that was “rooted in craftsmanship, connection and cultural resonance”.
Now with a focus on the Middle Eastern market, Vanessa sat down with GRAZIA for the latest edition of the career edit, where she delves deeper into her career path, the creation of NEOUS and what’s driving her for the remainder of 2025.
My current role is…
Founder & Creative Director of NEOUS.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
Surrounded by creativity in some form. I was drawn to subjects that explored culture and expression, from the stories embedded in literature to the structures of design and the layers of history. I didn’t know exactly where that would lead me, but I knew I wanted to channel those passions into something that could shape ideas and connect with people.
My favourite subject at school was…
Art and literature captivated me most, not simply for their content, but for the freedom they offered to think laterally, to see connections. Both subjects trained me to interrogate meaning, to experiment with interpretation, and to value ambiguity as much as clarity. That mindset continues to guide the way I approach design and narrative at NEOUS.
My first job was…
At Harper’s Bazaar in Australia, I was immersed in a fast-paced environment that taught me how creativity and discipline must work in tandem. It was my first experience of seeing ideas translated into culture-shaping narratives.
My career path so far has been…
I studied Art History, which gave me a deep respect for culture, context, and form. Professionally, I began at Harper’s Bazaar in Australia before moving to Harper’s Bazaar UK and freelancing for titles such as Vogue. Those experiences honed my understanding of fashion as not just aesthetics, but as storytelling. Eventually, I realised I wanted to merge my worlds of research, narrative, and design into something of my own — creating NEOUS, a brand that offers luxury footwear and handbags rooted in craftsmanship, connection, and cultural resonance.
The story of NEOUS is…
NEOUS was founded in 2017 in London to create luxury footwear, expanding into handbags in 2020, all defined by versatility, practicality, and understated yet distinctive design. From architecturally precise mid-heels to handbags that balance structure and softness, every piece reflects our philosophy of modern minimalism—expressive, functional, and timeless. Produced entirely in Italy using the finest natural materials, NEOUS blends artisanal heritage with innovation to create pieces designed to endure.
I was inspired to enter into the fashion space because…
I saw fashion as a living medium — one that could carry stories, values, and identity in a way that felt immediate and human. It allowed me to connect my background in narrative and art history with the tangible process of creating. I was drawn to the challenge of designing objects that are both functional and poetic, pieces that people can carry with them in their daily lives.
My daily routine consists of…
My routine shifts with the rhythm of the business. There are stretches when mornings begin with meditation or exercise, followed by focused design work and strategic planning. Other times, routine disappears entirely — overtaken by travel, deadlines, or the intensity of a launch. The one constant is making space for inspiration: in galleries, books, or simply observing the city. For me, creativity isn’t fixed to a schedule; it’s about staying receptive,
even in chaos.
My role as Founder entails…
Overseeing everything from concept to final product, balancing creativity with strategy, and ensuring each piece embodies NEOUS’s signature timeless minimalism while carrying meaning, purpose, and story.
The biggest hurdle I have experienced in my career…
Building an independent brand without start-up capital has been a monumental challenge. There have been countless obstacles, from scaling production to managing growth sustainably. But the most personal challenge has been reconciling ambition with patience. Vision always runs ahead of reality, and learning to respect the time it takes to build something lasting has been both humbling and necessary.
The biggest milestone I have achieved is…
Launching our handbag category in 2020, which has become a defining part of the brand. Styles like the Phoenix and Scorpius bags have not only resonated with our community but have also become recognisable icons of NEOUS. Seeing that growth and connection have been incredibly rewarding.
A quote I live by is…
“Embrace tension.” For me, tension is where creativity thrives. It’s in the space between tradition and innovation, form and function, restraint and boldness that the most interesting ideas emerge. At NEOUS, I see tension not as conflict but a possibility; it pushes me to refine, to question, and to create pieces that feel both timeless and new.
What I hope for the rest of 2025 is…
For NEOUS to keep expanding in both geography and thought. We’re exploring new collaborations, technologies, and mediums while deepening our cultural dialogue. My ambition is for NEOUS to be recognised not just as a brand, but as a platform for innovation and storytelling, a space where creativity, community, and craftsmanship converge.
