Rachel Van Brussel never set out to become a fashion designer, but after spending her gap year in Milan and experiencing the city’s deep-rooted fashion culture, she was hooked.
“Living in one of the world’s fashion capitals cemented my passion for the industry and solidified my desire to become a designer,” Van Brussel tells Broadsheet. “It opened my eyes to the artistry, craftsmanship and cultural significance of fashion.”
After years of working in London, Melbourne and Japan for brands like Katya Komarova, Sans Beast, House of Rolfe and Rose Forde, she headed back to Adelaide to launch her label: Van Brussel.
With the help of Renew Adelaide, she opened her first brick-and-mortar store in the East End last week.
“Our focus is on timeless design, thoughtful details and a genuine commitment to sustainability,” she says.
The label’s debut collection is a study in contrasts – structured yet slouchy, bold yet wearable. It’s given streetwear a high-fashion edge while remaining uncomplicated and versatile.
“The debut capsule collection is built around timeless essentials reimagined for the modern wardrobe,” she says. “There’s a focus on strong silhouettes, high-quality fabrics, and subtle nods to nostalgia.”
Expect trench coats with brassy hardware, Australian-made metallic denim with sharp tailoring and unexpected details like oversized pockets and contrasting linings. The pieces are designed to be easy to wear and transition between seasons and occasions.
The Australian-made collection champions sustainability. Most garments are made from natural fibres, including locally-produced denim and deadstock wool suiting. Small production runs reinforce Van Brussel’s slow-fashion ethos.
“By prioritising timeless design over trend-driven fashion, we encourage slow consumption,” she says. “We’re also committed to transparency in our manufacturing process and working with local artisans and ethical production facilities.”
Van Brussel’s new Ebenezer Place store features industrial clothes racks alongside eclectic antique and mid-century furnishings. Unexpected touches – metallic vintage telephones, bowls of oranges, glassware, and thoughtfully stacked books – create a space where classic style and quirky charm coexist peacefully.
And while the flagship marks a major milestone in Van Brussel’s journey, the designer is not slowing down. She’s hoping to explore international markets and continue to innovate the fashion space.
“Beyond the launch, I see Van Brussel evolving into a lifestyle brand with collaborations, pop-ups, and experiences that extend beyond clothing,” she says. “This is just the beginning.”
Van Brussel
18 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide
Hours:
Tues to Sun 11am–5pm
(Hours are subject to change)
[vanbrussel.com] https://www.vanbrussel.com/)
@vanbrussel.official
