BEHIND THE BRAND

Posted on 25 June 2026

Do you ever find yourself wondering about the story behind a fashion label? Who founded it? Where did it begin? What inspired it to become the brand we know today?

Sure, you can Google all of this in seconds, but I thought it might be fun to spotlight a few of my favourite designers currently in store at aceyacey.com.au and share a little about where it all began.

Isabel Marant

It all started in 1989, when a 22-year-old Isabel Marant launched Twen, her first knitwear and jersey label. By 1995 she was presenting collections under her own name, and in 1998 she opened her first boutique in Paris, housed in a former artist's workshop.

Marant quickly became known for her effortlessly cool take on Parisian style — relaxed, feminine and just a little bit bohemian. Her designs have a way of looking polished without ever appearing overdone, which is exactly why women all over the world adore them. Today, Isabel Marant is one of fashion's most influential luxury labels, and fun fact: her husband, Jérôme Dreyfuss, is also a celebrated French designer famous for his coveted handbags.

Lucy Folk

Interesting fact — I first met Lucy around 15 years ago when she was just starting out. We featured her in a fashion special on Video Hits, which I was producing at the time. She was working from a wonderfully creative workshop space in Melbourne, and even back then her designs were incredibly cool.

Lucy began by creating jewellery inspired by food — think pasta, pretzels and corn chips transformed into necklaces, bracelets and rings through fine metal casting. As her brand evolved, so did her materials, expanding into white, rose and yellow gold, diamonds and precious stones.

Today, Lucy Folk has grown into a globally recognised lifestyle brand spanning jewellery, fashion, eyewear and accessories, while still maintaining the playful creativity that made her work so distinctive from the very beginning.

GANNI

I'm ridiculously excited because Simon and I are heading to the UK and Copenhagen in August, and visiting GANNI's flagship store is already at the top of my list!

The brand's story began with a focus on creating the perfect cashmere sweater, but everything changed in 2009 when husband-and-wife duo Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup took over the business. Together they transformed GANNI into one of the world's most exciting contemporary fashion labels.

Known for playful colours, bold prints and effortless Scandinavian style, GANNI has built a loyal following by creating pieces that are equal parts fashion-forward and wearable. It's the kind of brand that makes getting dressed feel fun.

Bassike

Another homegrown favourite is Bassike (pronounced "basic").

Founded in Sydney in 2007, Bassike initially became known for producing beautifully made wardrobe essentials. Over the years, the label has evolved into a sophisticated fashion brand offering elevated everyday dressing, luxurious fabrics and timeless silhouettes.

What has never changed is its commitment to sustainability. From responsible production methods to thoughtful design practices, sustainability remains at the heart of everything the brand does. In 2021, Bassike was recognised with the prestigious Australian Fashion Laureate for Sustainable Innovation of the Year and achieved Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification.

We currently have a fabulous selection of pieces from all of these incredible designers available at aceyacey.com.au.

Keep scrolling for a peek at some of my favourite finds from these standout labels.

Happy shopping!

Rach xx

GANNI