With a focus on thoughtful design, premium natural fabrics, and enduring style, VAN BRUSSEL is carving out a distinctive place in the Australian fashion landscape. For our 2026 New Gen Designer Spotlight, we caught up with the label's founder, Rachel Van Brussel, to discuss the creative influences behind the brand, key learnings from the Australian Fashion Week New Generation Runway, and the importance of designing with longevity in mind.
Tell us about your brand.
VAN BRUSSEL is an Australian-made fashion label creating classically driven, design-centric pieces that sit somewhere between tailoring and urban wear.
Every collection is designed with longevity in mind, both in terms of quality and aesthetic, using premium natural fibres and designer dead-stock fabrics sourced from some of the world's finest mills.
At its core, VAN BRUSSEL is about thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and creating clothing that becomes part of a person's life for years rather than seasons.
We design for people who value quality, individuality, and a sense of modern adventure.
What inspired you to become a fashion designer and start your own label?
I've always been fascinated by the way clothing can tell a story and shape how people move through the world. My inspiration comes from a combination of art, architecture, travel, and the people I meet along the way. Before starting VAN BRUSSEL, I worked across a range of roles within the fashion industry, both creatively and commercially, which gave me a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the industry.
Starting my own label came from a desire to create pieces that felt considered and enduring, garments that prioritised craftsmanship and quality over trends. I wanted to build a brand that reflected my values and contributed to a more thoughtful approach to fashion.
What was your biggest learning in the lead up to the New Generation Runway show at Australian Fashion Week?
One of my biggest learnings was the importance of trusting the process and leaning into collaboration. A runway show of that scale is never the work of one person. It's the result of an incredible team of movers and shakers, models, stylists, production teams, and partners (just to name a few), all working towards a shared vision and goal.
I also learned that preparation is everything, but flexibility is equally important. No matter how organised you are, there will always be unexpected challenges. Being able to adapt while staying true to your creative vision is a skill every designer needs to develop.
How do you incorporate sustainable practices in your work?
Sustainability is embedded into every stage of VAN BRUSSEL. We produce locally in Australia in small quantities to minimise waste and maintain close relationships with our makers. We prioritise natural fibres and mostly work with premium designer dead- stock fabrics, giving exceptional materials a second life rather than allowing them to go unused.
We also focus heavily on designing pieces that are intended to be worn for many years. For me, longevity is one of the most important aspects of sustainability. Creating garments that are beautifully made, versatile and timeless encourages more considered consumption and reduces the cycle of constant replacement.
What's the best piece of advice you've received that you'd share with an aspiring designer?
Focus on building a strong point of view rather than trying to please everyone.
Fashion is incredibly competitive and saturated, and it can be tempting to chase trends or compare yourself to others. The most successful designers are often the ones who remain committed to their own perspective and values. Develop your voice, stay curious, work hard, and remember that building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency and resilience will take you much further than overnight success.
How important are partnerships like DHL in shaping the future of fashion?
Partnerships like DHL are incredibly important, particularly for emerging designers looking to operate on a global stage. Fashion today is more interconnected than ever, and the ability to efficiently move products, samples and collections around the world opens up opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
Beyond logistics, partnerships like these demonstrate a commitment to supporting emerging creative talent. The visibility, resources and international reach they provide can be transformative for independent brands, helping bridge the gap between local success and global growth.
How important is having a reliable logistics partner, and how has it impacted your ability to meet deadlines, scale, and deliver on your creative vision?
Having a reliable logistics partner is absolutely critical. As an independent Australian brand, we regularly ship garments, samples, and collections both domestically and internationally, often within very tight timeframes.
A trusted logistics partner gives us the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond our local market, knowing that products will arrive where they need to be, when they need to be there. Whether it's delivering customer orders, supporting international pop-ups, sending samples to media, or preparing for major events like Australian Fashion Week, reliability allows us to focus our energy on creativity rather than logistics.
Ultimately, strong logistics infrastructure enables growth. It allows a small brand like VAN BRUSSEL to operate with the professionalism and reach of a much larger business while maintaining the quality and customer experience that are so important to us.
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