Vella’s personal life reads like the plot of a Hollywood film: she moved to Brisbane after falling in love with an Italo-Australian.
Before that, she had spent a decade designing and sewing wedding dresses for her boutique in the northern Italian city of Brescia.
“I was ready to start something new,” she said.
“I thought I’d like to learn how to make men’s suits, so I contacted an elderly tailor from Abruzzo, Tony Cavalla, who was 74 years old.
“He taught me traditional techniques in his workshop in Stone Corner.
“He continued to work until he was 86 years old, and after his death, I kept his workshop; I still have his original sign outside.”
Vella has noted the difference between the perception of fashion in Italy and Australia.
“In Italy, fashion and what people buy is heavily influenced – I’d say ‘dictated’ – by the famous fashion houses,” she explained.
“People are looking for garments from famous brands and feel compelled to show them off.
“Individuality and spontaneity have been lost.
“It’s hard to express yourself, because clothing is supposed to help you showcase your individuality.”
According to Vella, this is not the case in Australia.
“In this country, it’s practically the opposite way around,” she said.
“Certainly, people still pay attention to the trends set by well-known brands, but not to the same extent as in Italy.
“Consumers are more creative and don’t focus so much on the appearance of others.
“Of course, Australians aren’t exactly known for their style…”
Vella takes particular pride in one of her projects: her collection produced with Rural Australian Merino wool.
“A friend who owns a winery in Stanthorpe gave me a hat made from wool, which was beautiful to touch,” she said.
“Not everyone knows that Stanthorpe wool is famous throughout the world, and is purchased by weight at the same price as gold by the most famous Italian fashion houses.
“I contacted the producers who made the wool of the hat, designed a collection and set up a supply chain of fabric production.”
Vella was able to classify her collection as ‘Made in Queensland’ – a label that highlighted her commitment to using quality local resources.
