Fashion

Romance Was Born Debuts Sustainable Collection at Melbourne Design Week

authorBy Naomi Campbell

DateAug 21, 2026

Read Time2 min

The Australian fashion brand Romance Was Born, known for its distinctive and elaborate designs, recently commemorated its two-decade milestone with a notable shift in presentation strategy. Instead of its customary runway show during Australian Fashion Week, the label opted to participate in Melbourne Design Week, showcasing a collection that beautifully intertwines fashion with sustainable design principles. This innovative approach highlights the brand's enduring creativity and its commitment to exploring new avenues of artistic expression.

Where Fashion Meets Furniture: A Vision of Sustainable Extravagance

A New Direction for Romance Was Born: Embracing Design Week

Romance Was Born, the iconic Sydney fashion brand that marked its 20th anniversary last year, chose a unique path for its latest presentation. Departing from the usual Fashion Week runway, designers Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett collaborated with Cultivated—Cult Furniture's sustainable refurbishing program—for an exhibition at Melbourne Design Week. Sales emphasized their enthusiasm for this venture, stating it was a long-held ambition realized after their grand 20th-anniversary show.

The Powerhouse Museum's Influence: A Tapestry of Historical Inspiration

This season's collection is a testament to the design duo's diverse interests and the inspiring locale of their studio within the Powerhouse Museum Sydney. The museum's extensive archives of historical textiles, including French lace and Art Deco wallpaper by Auguste Thomas, profoundly influenced the collection. This fusion of contemporary design with antique aesthetics is evident in pieces like bias-cut dresses crafted from vintage Italian bedspreads, adorned with feather trims and elegant evening gloves.

Modern Antiquity and Playful Designs: A Signature Aesthetic

The collection seamlessly blends historical elegance with modern sensibilities. Alongside the antique-inspired garments, more contemporary items such as an embellished denim pencil skirt paired with flannel, or a chic mini-dress styled with vibrant coral tights, demonstrate the brand's versatility. Sales noted that the collection was photographed within the Powerhouse Museum itself, with garments specifically chosen to complement the exhibition's furniture, creating a cohesive and immersive visual narrative.

Humor and World-Building: The Essence of Romance Was Born

The exhibition created a vibrant and almost theatrical atmosphere, reminiscent of a silent film brought to life with modern technology. Sales acknowledged the playful, even "weird humor," inherent in their designs, suggesting that the brand's signature extravagance often serves as a focal point. This distinctive approach ensures that while Romance Was Born explores new creative territories, it remains true to its celebrated over-the-top design philosophy, reassuring loyal fans that seasonal collections will continue to evolve and delight.

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