Romance Was Born is the contemporary Australian fashion house with a unique story telling vision. The renowned duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales met while studying fashion in 2005 and established the inimitable label Romance Was Born. The pair is known for their ability to transform any theme or seemingly random inspiration into a glittery glimmering fashion paradise. Their collections are full of breathtaking statement pieces and feature; covetable prints, hand worked details of appliqué or embroidery, intricate beading and intensely detailed sequinned elements. Romance Was Born is held in costume and textile collections nationally at the National Gallery of Australia, the Powerhouse Museum, The National Gallery of Victoria and the South Australian Museum. Internationally, they featured in the 2019 Summer show “Camp: Notes on Fashion” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Artistic collaboration is an integral part of how Romance Was Born design, they carefully choose collaborators who share their creative passion and dedication to their process. Past collaborations with kindred artists and brands such as; May Gibbs, Linda Jackson, Jenny Kee, Del Kathryn Barton, Disney, Marvel, Lego and the Sydney Theatre Company. Romance Was Born create clothing that is more than just beautiful garments - they create an immersive and emotional experience for the wearer.
Together they explore a creative common ground and freely toy with the relationship between fashion and art. The design duo have garnered respect for their extravagant and theatrical runway shows, a forum where they have agency across the entire Romance Was Born vision. Such fashion statements have attracted artists who also boldly express their sartorial style with individual flair. Those who famously wear their collections include style mavericks and mavens such as; Bjork, Caroline Kennedy, Cate Blanchett, Roisin Murphy, Nicki Minaj, Karen O, MIA, Eva Chen, Natasha Khan, Laura Brown, Patricia Paccinini, Andrea P, Grimes and Miley Cyrus. Each Romance Was Born collection is a vast fashion dreamscape exploring themes of fantasy steeped in vibrant imagery.