Dress sense
When Jessica Phillips began selling her own brand of clothing at Paddington Markets last summer, the response was so positive she decided to open a bricks-and-mortar store. And the obvious location for it was Paddington-Woollahra.
This winter Phillips opened Sanrevelle, a boutique she describes as a celebration of “textiles, artisan craftsmanship and timeless design”.
“I support small businesses in India and Bali,” Phillips says. “I source handloom fabric from both places. My clothing is carefully considered taking inspiration and reference to travel, art and vintage styles. I design everything myself. I sell clothes that are comfortable yet elegant, perfect for our Sydney lifestyle. All fibres are natural and everything is handmade.”
Phillips lived and worked in New York for eight years where she was a stylist for film and television as well as a personal fashion stylist.
“I have worked in fashion retail and always loved the personal experience you can have with clients. I wanted to create an in store experience with familiar faces, top-notch customer service with a welcoming and relaxed feel. A place far removed from fast fashion stores.”
She says growing up in the area gave her a grounding in what locals are looking for.
“People love the store for its mix of textiles and easy wearable pieces. It is a unique and eclectic space with personalised service. I am getting a great response to my block print dresses and kaftans as well as my jewel toned velvet vests and jackets. I also stock great solid coloured separates that are very popular.
“Sustainability with fashion and my brand is very important to me. I often use left over fabrics for one-off pieces and only produce small quantities of each style. The beauty of block print and hand loom is they require no machinery and are all done by hand.
“Also as a personal stylist I became very informed of how women of different ages want to dress and feel about their bodies. I apply this to my designs and customer service within the store.”
Sanrevelle
30 Oxford St Woollahra