Sorrentino Studios is an emerging Melbourne brand that is definitely one to watch. With its mix of slick tailoring and textured bodycon cuts, the brand has an edgy but elegant vibe.
Bel Sorrentino started her “contemporary, bold and edgy” brand right at the beginning of the 2020 Coronavirus lockdowns in Melbourne.
“I had already had the idea of starting, and was saving up for the start-up costs. At the time I was also making masks on the side of full-time work – before we were locked down again in July – they became mandatory soon after, [and] my DMs blew up!” says Bel.
“This forced me to create a website within days; work out the inventory and stock levels, and hire a machinist to help me sew. The masks generated enough money for me to pay for all my patterns, fabrics, materials, photography, models, etc. for the first collection.”
Sustainability is very important for Bel and how she runs her brand. All of the fabric used is from premium deadstock materials and trims, are cut by hand by Bel, and sewn by Bel and another local machinist. The brand also uses recycled or compostable packaging [materials] and all labels, care labels, swing-tags, thank you cards etc are all made in Australia by ethical and sustainable suppliers.
“The brand prides itself on transparency so you can see a list of all our suppliers on the FAQ page of our website, [and] my long term goals are to open my own brick and mortar store with my own local sustainable in-house production.”
According to Bel, her inspiration comes from bold and edgy designers like Dion Lee, Christopher Esber, Mugler, Iris Van Herpen, Ann Demeulemeester, Peter Do, Raf Simons and Maison Margiela.
Sorrentino Studios collections are androgynous and can be worn across all genders. Bel has also released a range of handmade jewellery and accessories that include gloves, bags, ear-cuffs, mix-and match earrings and necklaces.
Sorrentino Studios: sorrentinostudios.com | Instagram: @sorrentino.studios
