I first discovered Newcastle label, Olga Joan, while on the hunt for a dress I could wear to a wedding (a truly trying task). I soon landed on the Flutter-Sleeve Carota Dress and received countless compliments on the colour, fabric and cut. But it’s not only the label’s dresses that captured my attention.
From its knee-length silk skirts to its button-ups and beaded necklaces, Olga Joan makes the kind of pieces you find yourself wishing you had when getting dressed for both work and special events.
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Since studying fashion at TAFE, founder Rebecca Pastro has worked in a variety of roles across the fashion industry, from marketing to production development. Though she’s always wanted to create her own fashion label, it’s her experience working with independent brands that she credits with preparing her for what it takes to run a brand, both creatively and logistically.
Since its inception in 2018, Olga Joan has steadily been building its reputation for its versatile designs, attention to detail and decision to source low-impact materials. However, this hasn’t been without its challenges.
For small fashion labels, most organic or ‘progressive’ fabrics require large minimum orders, Rebecca explains. “As a small brand starting out, having such limited access to the fabrics I actually wanted to use was frustrating. But it was a non-negotiable – minimising the impact has always been a core part of the brand, not an afterthought.”
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Fashion Journal: Hi Rebecca! Tell us about your fashion background.
Rebecca: I’m based in Newcastle, NSW but my fashion journey started in my mum’s vintage store in Bellingen in the ‘90s. Some of my earliest memories are of rummaging through vintage hauls from Sydney, which sparked a lifelong obsession with quality, vintage design (and an aversion to impractical clothing).
I studied fashion at RMIT, opting for the industry-focused TAFE course in Brunswick over the more academic degree because I’ve always believed fashion should be practical and grounded in real-world wearability. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked in a variety of roles across the industry. That time has shaped my understanding of the business but my aesthetic has always been rooted in that early love of vintage. My parents now run a traditional retail store, which recently celebrated 25 years of trade, so I’ve literally grown up alongside the business.
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How did Olga Joan get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
It was always a matter of when, not if. The idea started forming in 2018 and by August that year, I’d launched the label. It was the time spent working with independent brands in particular that showed me what it actually takes to run a small label, not just creatively but logistically. That experience gave me the confidence to start building something of my own.
One of the biggest challenges and one that still exists today is sourcing low-impact fibres in small quantities. While things have improved since I first started out, most organic or progressive fabrics still require large minimum orders, as stock is typically only held for conventional fibres. As a small brand starting out, having such limited access to the fabrics I actually wanted to use was frustrating. But it was a non-negotiable – minimising the impact has always been a core part of the brand, not an afterthought.
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What is the significance of the label’s name?
The name is an ode to my Nonna and Nanna — Olga was my dad’s mum and Joan is my mum’s mum. I wanted the label to be rooted in something personal and choosing their names just felt right. There are quiet nods to my Italian heritage throughout the brand, like using Italian translations the colour of certain pieces. I’ve been teaching myself Italian, one colour at a time.
I also love the acronym ‘OJ’. It’s how I usually refer to the brand when talking to people – it’s casual and familiar, which fits the spirit of the label.
How has Olga Joan evolved and what are you trying to achieve now?
When I first started OJ, I just wanted to make clothes I believed in, which were well-made, wearable pieces that didn’t compromise on using low-impact materials. There was no big launch strategy, just a quiet confidence in the kind of brand I wanted to build.
Creatively, I’ve been responding to gaps in my own wardrobe and what I’m actually reaching for. The brand has always reflected my own aesthetic and right now, it’s leaning feminine, playful and a little sexy — so that’s where it’s naturally landed.
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Can you tell me a bit about how you source your materials?
It depends on the material but I always try to source as close to the origin as I can. I work directly with Hemp Fortex for hemp and organic fibres, and with Lenzing for TENCEL
and EcoVero. Silk is also a big part of the collection. I use a lot of silk crepe de chine, which I source directly from my maker. They’re silk specialists, so it’s a very natural fit.
I already had a relationship with my maker, so the foundations were strong from the start. Transparency around workers’ rights and conditions has always been important to me. I’m not able to be on site, so I work with an independent inspection body, Qualspec, to give me peace of mind that everything’s being done ethically. I also keep production small, often working on a pre-order model to avoid overproduction and reduce waste wherever possible.
How would you describe Olga Joan to someone who’s never seen it before?
Quality. Considered. Cute. That’s really the essence. I care deeply about the way things are made, from the fibres I choose to the finish on a hem. There’s thought behind every detail but nothing feels too serious. The pieces are designed to feel good, wear well and bring a little joy.
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What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
Not choosing the easy route. I make things harder for myself by holding everything to a certain standard, from how things are made to what they’re made from. One example is my refusal to use virgin polyester. There are quicker, cheaper ways to produce clothing but I don’t believe in compromising on the things that matter.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
That half of my wardrobe could be tax deductible.
Who do you think is most exciting in Australian fashion right now?
Après Studio. I love their playfulness and how you never know what to expect. They manage to keep things fresh and surprising, which is rare. Even with all the quirk and unpredictability, they’ve built a really strong brand essence. There’s a clear point of view running through everything they do and I admire that.
What about the local fashion industry needs to change?
I understand polyester has a place in purpose-built garments but the industry’s ongoing reliance on synthetic fibres for everyday clothing needs to shift. There are so many alternatives available and continuing to default to synthetics is just lazy and irresponsible.
And while we’re at it, I’d love to see less greenwashing. Terms like ‘sustainable’ or ‘eco-friendly’ get thrown around too easily. Everything has an impact; it’s about being transparent and not trying to mislead the consumer into thinking you’re doing more than you are.
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Who are your dream collaborators?
That’s a hard one. I’m not always across what’s happening in the content space. I tend to be quite focused on the day-to-day of running the brand. Most of the time, I wait for creators to reach out, or Ailie (who helps with socials) to bring someone to my attention. The most important thing for me is that it feels like a genuine fit. I’m less interested in big names and more drawn to people who really connect with the brand.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
I have a belt and scrunchie from Saint and a bag and great pair of tailored trousers from The Lair that I’m loving. I also have a few cute vintage tops from Un Pantalon, a great sundress from Après Studio and a skivvy from Baserange on repeat. Plus, I’ve got too many vintage slip dresses to count.
How can we buy one of your pieces?
You can find us at olgajoan.co. Funny story, ‘olgajoan.com’ belongs to another Olga Joan, who makes beautiful handmade textiles in the US. We’ve actually connected over the shared name, she’s lovely.
Keep up with Olga Joan here.
This article Newcastle label Olga Joan makes clothing fit for work, leisure and the in-between appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-04-28 12:31:00
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