Meet Annette - Founder of Victorian and Steampunk
It all started with a Barbie doll and some leftover fabrics.
From the moment I could hold a pair of scissors, I
was hooked on creating clothes. It all started when I was five, with a Barbie
doll, some leftover fabric scraps, and my grandmother's magical sewing room.
Her space was a treasure trove—piles of vibrant fabrics, jars brimming with
buttons, and zippers galore. It was a world of endless possibilities, and I was
utterly captivated.
Barbie was my first "client," and I
didn’t hold back on her style. One of my earliest creations? A wildly ambitious
apple-covered pantsuit. She looked fantastic—at least to my five-year-old self!
A Lifelong Love for Alternative Fashion
Growing up, I always felt a bit different.
Mainstream fashion just wasn’t me. I wanted to express my personality in
everything I wore, from my clothes to my hair. Punk caught my eye for a while,
but it wasn’t quite the perfect fit. Then I discovered Goth culture after
moving to the city, and it was like finding my people. The elegance,
mystery, and unapologetic coolness resonated deeply with me.
This revelation sparked my journey to design
clothing for others who shared my love of alternative styles. What started as a
stall at local markets grew into a Gothic clothing store in Sydney, where
corsetry took centre stage. Eventually, I found myself drawn to the playful and
imaginative world of Steampunk—and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Why Steampunk and Alice in Wonderland?
Steampunk has my heart for so many reasons: the
Victorian-inspired fashion, the inventive gadgetry, and that sense of stepping
into an alternate reality. Designing for this aesthetic is endlessly fun, and I
love helping people create looks that are bold, stylish, and undeniably unique.
And then there’s Alice in Wonderland.
Does it technically connect to Steampunk? Not
really. But who cares? I adore its whimsical imagery and the creative freedom
it allows.
Whether it’s a Queen of Hearts wedding ensemble or
a Cheshire Cat-themed bag, Alice is my go-to for adding a little magic.
Behind the Scenes
My studio, tucked away in the Southern Highlands of
NSW, is where the magic happens—though "chaotic masterpiece"
might be a better description.
Fabrics, patterns, and half-finished ideas are
everywhere.
Most days, you’ll find me sewing, designing custom
fabrics, or dreaming up the next iconic piece for my collection.
I’m lucky to have a fantastic team supporting me.
Sharon and Stephanie keep everything running smoothly, while my family—James,
Charlie, and Will—pitch in at events like Medieval and Steampunk festivals.
These festivals are some of my favourite times, as I get to meet so many
incredible people who share my passion for the unusual and extraordinary.
Why Victorian and Steampunk Exists
At its heart, my brand is about celebrating
individuality and making people feel amazing in their own skin. Whether you’re
dressing for a Steampunk wedding, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, or just want
something extraordinary for your everyday adventures, I’m here to help you
express yourself in style.
This isn’t just clothing—it’s a way to step into a
world where you can be anything you want to be. And honestly, I wouldn’t have
it any other way