Romance Was Born: Redefining Fashion Through Sustainable Artistry
While the Australian Fashion Week calendar recently missed the presence of the iconic Sydney label Romance Was Born, the brand is far from slowing down. Celebrating two decades of avant-garde design, founders Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett opted for a creative pivot. Instead of a conventional runway presentation, they shifted their focus to Melbourne Design Week, collaborating with Cultivated-the sustainable furniture restoration arm of Cult Furniture. This partnership resulted in a striking exhibition where discarded furniture was reimagined through the lens of the brand’s trademark maximalist aesthetic.
“This collaboration was a long-held ambition for us,” Sales noted during a recent interview. “Following the massive success of our 20th-anniversary showcase last year, we felt it was the perfect moment to explore the intersection of fashion and interior design.” Despite this detour into the world of sustainable furniture, the duo reassures their loyal fanbase that their seasonal fashion collections remain a core pillar of the brand’s future.
The Powerhouse Influence: Where History Meets Modernity
The latest collection serves as a testament to the designers’ multidisciplinary approach, heavily influenced by their unique workspace. Operating out of the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Sales and Plunkett have unparalleled access to an extensive archive of historical textiles and design artifacts. This season, the creative spark was ignited by the intricate patterns of Art Deco wallpaper, specifically the work of Auguste Thomas. By blending these historical motifs with contemporary silhouettes, the designers have successfully bridged the gap between archival heritage and modern luxury.
Crafting the Collection: Vintage Textiles and Bias-Cut Elegance
The collection’s aesthetic is defined by a sense of “modern antiquity.” A standout feature of the new lineup includes a series of fluid, bias-cut dresses meticulously constructed from repurposed vintage Italian bedspreads. These pieces, often featuring dramatic caped detailing, highlight the brand’s commitment to upcycling without compromising on high-fashion sophistication. By transforming domestic heirlooms into wearable art, Romance Was Born continues to challenge the industry’s reliance on new materials, aligning with the growing global movement toward circular fashion-a sector that is projected to reach a valuation of over $700 billion by 2027 as consumers increasingly prioritize eco-conscious luxury.
