This past week, Adelaide has welcomed the launch of Van Brussel, a bold new player in the urban fashion market set to redefine the streetwear scene. Bridging the gap between urban-centric styles and slouchy tailoring, Van Brussel combines the core elements of streetwear with Australian-made craftsmanship with a capsule collection of wardrobe staples with a twist.
With a model built on quality, local manufacturing, sustainability, and intelligent design, the debut collection includes statement trench coats adorned with brassy hardware, Australian-made oversized denim jackets, slouchy trousers, big pockets and collars, and bold size labels. And for Van Brussel, the devil is in the details: think playful panelling, contrast lining, and internal “colour pop seams”.
“VAN BRUSSEL isn’t driven by fleeting trends,” says founder Rachel Van Brussel. “Our focus is on timeless design, thoughtful details, and a genuine commitment to sustainability. Each piece is bold and distinctive yet built to last – effortlessly blending statement style with everyday wearability.”
“Every piece is packed with unique points of difference and a rebellious sense of cool.”
Proudly made in Australia in small production runs, most Van Brussel garments are made from 100% natural fibres like local denim and deadstock wool suiting. The result is a capsule of high-quality pieces that embrace slow-fashion, responsible production, waste reduction and product longevity.
Supported by Renew Adelaide, a not-for-profit activating vacant spaces in the CBD, the trailblazing new Van Brussel store is nestled among the bustling laneways and spaces of Ebenezer Place on the east end.
The store layout is highlighted by its industrial display rails showcasing the debut Autumn/Winter collection and a curated mix of mid-century, antique and contemporary furnishings. Inside, fruit bowls, vintage telephones, and book stacks take you into another world, while atmospheric lighting and thoughtfully designed playlists set the mood.
The launch of Rachel’s new label in Adelaide is a result of years of experience and personal growth. Although she originally pursued a career in music, she later changed her focus to fashion after spending time in Milan, where her love for styling and design blossomed. She returned to Adelaide for a few years to study fashion design at Flinders University before working as a creative producer in Melbourne.
She then spent two years building her portfolio in London, working for lifestyle brand House of Rolfe and a celebrity styling agency.
“I worked perhaps a little bit unconventionally in London, because I worked a few part-time jobs in design and also did some hospo in the night.”
These experiences, along with extensive travel across Europe, deepened her European-inspired design aesthetic and strengthened her vision for her own brand.
“Throughout that whole time I was traveling. I went to Europe maybe 17 times and lived my best traveling life and learned so much about the world and so many different cultures. I think I’ve always had quite a European-centric design aesthetic, but I think travelling again really cemented the bones of how I like to dress and how I want my brand to be developed.”
She arrived back in Adelaide last October, and in the span of a few months designed and manufactured her debut collection while finding a wonderful space in Ebenezer Place through Renew Adelaide. Her debut autumn/winter collection is built on the concept of timeless, high-quality pieces that can be layered and mixed, appealing to both southern and northern hemisphere climates.
“I feel very privileged and lucky to have been able to bring my vision and my dreams to fruition”, says Rachel. “I have such a beautiful, supportive village around me.”
Van Brussel’s soft launch coincided with the opening of the Adelaide Fringe on Friday, February 21st, accomplishing one of the goals that Rachel set out for herself when she returned to Adelaide. She says she’s thrilled to have launched Van Brussel in her hometown Adelaide, and has enjoyed reintegrating into the city’s creative scene.
With the completion of her first collection well and truly blossoming, she’s already planning the next set of fresh designs, while taking time to appreciate the journey that has led to her debut on the Adelaide fashion scene.
“Naturally, we’ll be basking in this and planning replenishment with my beautiful local manufacturers. But I’m sampling spring summer already, so stay tuned”.
Van Brussel will welcome guests to its grand opening on February 28th at 18 Ebenezer Place.
What: Van Brussel’s new store in the Adelaide CBD
Where: 18 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide, 5000.
When: Grand opening February 28
For more information, click here.
