Sultry staples and curated vintage: Meet Melbourne-based label Red Rola
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
“Romantic, flirtatious and sultry.”
Melbourne designer Alice Siwek-Scott grew up surrounded by women who were often found behind the sewing machine. Her grandma and mum were both avid sewers and created an environment that fostered Alice’s creativity, so it’s no surprise she ended up in the fashion industry.
Her label Red Rola started out as a small-scale project that saw Alice selling pre-loved clothes on Depop. Realising she had a particular weakness for lacey corsets and sheer camisoles, she started curating a selection of these pieces.
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As Red Rola gained more traction, she realised she didn’t just want to curate vintage pieces – she wanted to make something of her own that sparked the same sexy, flirtatious energy as preloved corsets and camis. After many late nights brainstorming what basics she could see her friends wearing and treasuring, she created a range of sultry staples.
You can now find the label’s sheer singlets and long-sleeved tops, each adorned with racy hook-and-eye detailing, stocked at Melbourne boutiques like Market 755 and Stupid Vintage. Below, Alice shares the challenges of starting her own label, why she prioritises working with local suppliers and how she pushes past imposter syndrome.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
Hi! I’m Alice, the owner of Red Rola. I resell vintage clothing pieces and have recently ventured into designing my own collection. While I love hand-selecting spicy vintage pieces, the creativity that designing my own collection has allowed for has made the whole process so much more enticing!
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From as early as I can remember, my home was doused in fabric, lace embroidery and fur trims. My love for fashion has been greatly influenced by the women in my life, my babcia, a talented seamstress, and my mum. They were always found behind the sewing machine. These women have always encouraged and nurtured an inspiring environment whilst fostering creative freedom.
I studied business and marketing for three years in Melbourne after leaving high school. While I can’t really say learning this content filled my cup, it has definitely paid off with the nitty gritty business side of running Red Rola. Alongside studying, I worked casually in retail while juggling an internship with an eCommerce marketing jewellery company. This experience taught me the behind-the-scenes logistics of running a small business.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
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I started Red Rola with a very low-key approach. At the time it was a little project where I could resell my pre-loved clothes on Depop. It was a chance to go through my wardrobe and bring items back to life. In 2020, the pandemic gradually gave me more time to put into Red Rola. I had a particular weakness for lacey corsets and sheer camisoles – because who has ever worn a corset or camisole and not looked gorgeous?
From there it started to gain more traction. It sparked a bigger vision and I started to contact a variety of Melbourne vintage stores/markets. Before I knew it, I was fortunate enough to be stocking at Stupid Vintage in Windsor and Market 755 in Camberwell. At the start of this year, I found myself wanting to create something that truly reflected my vision. I started to imagine creating something unique and special but something that would also last.
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From there, I spent numerous late nights brainstorming ideas that I could see my friends wearing and treasuring. Through this, I hope to continuously drop small, considered quantities of stock that will hold their value for a lifetime. I have been so blessed to be surrounded by so many beautiful creatives and like-minded business owners in this industry. However, there have definitely been times when I have felt overwhelmed by the skills I may lack. Reminding myself that I am constantly learning and there is so much more to grasp seems to keep the imposter syndrome at bay.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
When designing these pieces, I focus on incorporating sultry classic design elements with unique touches. I aim to create timeless items that people will love and that will remain durable and stylish over time, ensuring they become lasting staples in someone’s wardrobe. In saying that, the allure of a piece of clothing only goes so far unless it’s sustainable.
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I produce limited quantities of my designs with fabrics and materials sourced locally here in Melbourne. By prioritising ethical practices and supporting local suppliers, I’m committed to producing pieces that not only look good but benefit both the community and the environment.
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
Romantic, flirtatious and sultry.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
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Karlaidlaw, Krystal Deans, Red Rola and vintage from Stupid Vintage, Market 755 and Goodbyes. The rest of my wardrobe features cherished op shop finds accumulated over the years.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
You can purchase my pieces from my website redrola.com or on my Depop Red Rola. I am also stocking my items at Stupid Vintage in Windsor and Market 755 in Camberwell.
Anything else to add?
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Honestly, just a thank you to all the customers and to anyone who has been involved in helping create Red Rola. I am so incredibly grateful for all the support. Especially all the encouragement from my gorgeous friends and family. You’ve brought my dreams to fruition. Thank you!
Explore Red Rola’s range here.
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