Mother-daughter duo Ruby Valentino and Julie Valentino [pictured below] are the talents behind brand new special occasion womenswear brand Valentina Valentino.
Julie’s extensive experience as a renowned bridal couturier combined with Ruby’s fresh, contemporary perspective have come together to create a Melbourne fashion brand that “brings a fresh, innovative vision, fusing bold shapes with a refined sense of feminine elegance”.
“We consider ourselves both designers and makers. We take great pride in crafting innovative, thoughtfully designed pieces while being fully involved in the making process,” explains the creative pair.
“Every garment is sewn in our Melbourne home studio, where we handle each step of production ourselves. This hands-on approach allows us to maintain complete control over quality, ensuring that our designs are brought to life exactly as we envision.
“By combining design with making, we stay deeply connected to the creative process and ensure that each piece is a true reflection of our vision.”
Ruby says that her “passion for fashion” was inspired by her mother, Julie, who has been studying and working in the fashion industry for 35 years. Now Ruby is following in her mother’s footsteps.
“It was during the COVID lockdown that we began working together, combining our skills and creativity to bring our shared vision to life. This collaboration marked the beginning of our journey, ultimately leading to the launch of the brand, Valentina Valentino, at the end of 2024 with our first small ready-to-wear collection,” they say.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Julie says that as a “mother-daughter duo” they share a similar interest in using design to express creativity.
“Our shared love for the fashion industry fuels our drive to create a brand that combines timeless elegance with contemporary vision,” Julie explains. “We are inspired by the endless possibilities that fashion offers and enjoy collaborating to bring our creative ideas to life.”
“Our brand focuses on quality, sustainability, and sophistication, reflecting both our personal commitment to making a positive impact and our dedication to honouring the craftsmanship passed down through generations.”
The brand name is a combination of “valentina’ which means ‘strong’, but also symbolises love when linked to Saint Valentine, and the pair’s family name Valentino.
“[It] represents the close bond between mother and daughter, working side by side as a creative team. Our brand embodies this connection, combining generations of craftsmanship with a shared love for creating elegant, timeless pieces,” Julie says.
Valentina Valentino was launched in 2024, after a presentation as part of Melbourne Fashion Week’s ‘Emerging Artists Collective’ runway, with its first limited pre-order collection.
“The exciting response at the event motivated us to expand our vision and reach a wider audience.”
INSPIRED BY …
According to Ruby and Julie, they are both inspired by the feminine styles of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel.
“Schiaparelli’s creative, sculptural designs encourage us to think outside the box and experiment with unique forms. Chanel’s focus on simple, elegant designs that prioritise comfort while still feeling sophisticated influences us to create timeless pieces that are both bold and wearable.
“Both designers celebrated the strength and beauty of femininity, and their work continues to inspire us to design with confidence, elegance, and creativity.”
The pair have inculcated these influences into their garments: “Our brand’s aesthetic can be described as a blend of elegance and luxury, with a timeless yet whimsical aesthetic. We embrace femininity and drama, while also incorporating ethereal and mysterious elements into our designs.
“Our pieces are intricately crafted, often pushing the boundaries of avant-garde creativity, all while maintaining a classical foundation. This fusion creates an aesthetic that feels both modern and timeless, capturing the essence of sophisticated beauty with a sense of intrigue and imagination.
HAUTE SUSTAINABILITY
The duo say that their core mission is to “raise awareness around environmental issues and promote sustainability within the fashion industry”.
The Valentino women are building on their generations of sewing expertise passed down “from our great-grandmother to our grandmother, and from mother to daughter”.
“We are also dedicated to using eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing practices to create positive change.
“We aim to shift consumer behaviour toward conscious consumerism, believing that fashion should not only look good but also benefit the planet and its people. Our vision is one where sustainability and fashion coexist, enabling individuals to express themselves freely while ensuring that future generations can enjoy a healthy, thriving planet.”
Ruby and Julie say that Valentina Valentino has been planned from the beginning to be as sustainable as possible.
“We are deeply committed to the principles of slow fashion and intentional design. Each collection is thoughtfully handmade in our home studio and made available for pre-order only, which allows us to control production and avoid overstocking,” Ruby explains.
“This approach ensures that every piece is made with care, without contributing to waste. We focus on creating timeless designs that go beyond trends, intended to be cherished and worn for years.
“When selecting our materials, we prioritize sustainability, ethics, and quality, ensuring that every fabric choice, such as recycled materials, organic cotton, and silk, has a minimal environmental impact. Our commitment extends beyond aesthetics, our goal is to foster responsible consumption and support ethical practices throughout the production process.
“Ultimately, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable future for both the planet and the communities we work with,” she says.
THE FUTURE IS FEMININE AND SUSTAINABLE
According to Julie and Ruby, the duo do have a long-term goal to expand internationally. They wish to make their designs “available to more people while staying true to our values and craftsmanship”.
“We are also committed to sustainability and raising awareness about environmental issues. We aim to reduce our environmental impact by using more eco-friendly materials, cutting down on waste, and encouraging sustainable practices in fashion. We want to ensure ethical production and fair labour practices across our supply chain.
“Additionally, we hope to grow the brand by collaborating with other creatives and continuously innovating, all while staying focused on creating timeless, high-quality pieces that have a positive impact on the fashion industry and the world.”
Discover more about Valentina Valentino at @valentina.___valentino.
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