OUR STORY

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VALISSIA was born from a matrilineal lineage of makers, a mother-daughter studio shaped by decades of couture craftsmanship and a contemporary design practice grounded in sustainability, heritage, and emotional durability. Founded by designer Ruby Valentino in collaboration with her mother, a former couture dressmaker, the brand blends intergenerational knowledge with modern techniques to create garments that honour both memory and innovation. Rooted in slow fashion and thoughtful making, VALISSIA is committed to preserving the traditions that raised us while reimagining them for a new generation. Every piece celebrates intentional craft, enduring beauty, and the quiet power of women’s work passed down through time.

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OUR MISSION

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At VALISSIA, our mission is to create fashion that endures emotionally, spiritually and environmentally. We design with intention, honouring the intergenerational craft that shaped us while embracing modern, responsible practices. By working with reclaimed materials, heirloom textiles and slow, considered production, we aim to shift the industry away from disposability and towards long-lasting, meaningful design. We believe fashion holds power to tell stories, to preserve memory and to inspire more conscious ways of consuming. Our vision is a future where craftsmanship, sustainability and self-expression coexist, where garments are treasured, cared for and passed on rather than discarded. Every piece we create reflects this commitment to protecting our planet and uplifting the communities and traditions that make our work possible.

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OUR DESIGN PRACTICE

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VALISSIA is an independent studio where every piece is handmade in our Melbourne home atelier. Our practice is grounded in intergenerational knowledge, blending heritage couture techniques with contemporary design to create garments that feel timeless yet modern. We work with care, patience and intention, choosing quality materials and investing in the slow, meticulous processes that honour where our craft comes from. Each piece is made with precision, emotion and respect for the women whose hands shaped the skills we carry forward.

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THOUGHTFUL SOURCING

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At VALISSIA, the way we source our materials is an intentional part of our practice. We carefully consider sustainability, ethics and quality, choosing fabrics that honour both the environment and the communities behind their production. Our work often begins with reclaimed textiles, heirloom materials and second-life fabrics, recognising their emotional and environmental value. When new fabrics are needed, we prioritise organic fibres such as cotton and silk, selecting them for their integrity and longevity.

Thoughtful sourcing is our way of shaping a more responsible future for fashion. By choosing materials with care and respect, we aim to create garments that carry meaning, tread lightly on the planet and remain cherished for years to come.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the custodians of the land on which we live and work, and pay our respects to Traditional Owners, Elders, emerging leaders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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