romance was born

Australian design duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales started their label Romance Was Born six years ago when they became friends whilst studying fashion at East Sydney Technical College. After graduating the pair were selected to attend the International Talent Support awards in Italy where they famously turned down an internship with John Galliano. Their technical ability and intricate attention...

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Australian design duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales started their label Romance Was Born six years ago when they became friends whilst studying fashion at East Sydney Technical College. After graduating the pair were selected to attend the International Talent Support awards in Italy where they famously turned down an internship with John Galliano. Their technical ability and intricate attention to detail has helped them build a truly unique brand with an unmistakable aesthetic. Like creative bowerbirds they assemble a fashion wonderland, drawing together all that is beautiful with their stunning embellished style.

Romance Was Born have an amazing capacity for turning out exquisite clothes that go beyond trends and are recognizable worldwide. Beginning afresh each season with a vivid vision and theme, a RWB collection will quickly grow into a full-scale production. They've embarked upon collaborations with Australia's finest artists and retailers – including Archibald prize-winning artist Del Kathryn Barton, and clothing giant Sportsgirl. Each collaboration allows RWB creative license to explore their own artisan capabilities, with breathtaking results.

Romance Was Born has continued to be the show-stopping highlight of every Australian Fashion Week. Embracing the theatricality of their collection, RAFW 2009 saw their creations descend upon the Sydney Theatre Company for an unforgettable show titled 'Doilies and Pearls, Oysters and Shells”. In 2010 their 'Renaissance Dinosaur” show created prehistoric hysteria in a leafily transformed Great Hall (University of Sydney), and they proved the perfect prelude to RAFW in 2011 with their star-studded State Library 'Oracle” extravaganza.

Off the runway their fans include international designers, film stars and rock royalty - having dressed the likes of Karen O, MIA, Architecture in Helsinki, Deborah Harry, Cindi Lauper and Lily Allen to name a few. Most recently, Cate Blanchett appointed them costume designers of Edward Gant's Amazing Feats of Loneliness at the Sydney Theatre Company, where they garnered unanimous praise for their playful and resonant creations. Romance Was Born create clothes that are more than just a sum of their parts – they create a clothing experience.