Newcastle-based fashion label Olga Joan is making waves with its versatile and stylish pieces designed to cater to both work and leisure, offering garments that effortlessly blend functionality and flair. The label’s founder, Rebecca Pastro, first gained attention when she discovered the Flutter-Sleeve Carota Dress, which quickly became a favourite due to its flattering cut, vibrant colour, and luxurious fabric. But it’s not just dresses that have captured the public’s imagination; Olga Joan offers a wide range of pieces, including knee-length silk skirts, button-up shirts, and beaded necklaces that are perfect for both professional settings and special events.
Rebecca’s journey into fashion began with a varied career across multiple roles within the industry. Her experience spans marketing, production development, and working with independent brands, which she credits as being crucial in preparing her for the logistical and creative challenges of running her own label. In 2018, Rebecca decided to start Olga Joan, and since then, the label has steadily built a reputation for its attention to detail, versatile designs, and commitment to using low-impact materials.
One of the major hurdles Rebecca faced in the early days of Olga Joan was sourcing sustainable fabrics in small quantities. As a small brand, it was challenging to access the organic and eco-friendly materials she wanted, as these often require large minimum orders. Despite these challenges, Rebecca remained steadfast in her commitment to minimizing environmental impact, an ethos that has always been core to the brand.
Growing up in Bellingen, Rebecca’s love for fashion was nurtured in her mother’s vintage store in the 1990s. Her fond memories of rummaging through vintage collections sparked a lifelong passion for high-quality, timeless design. She later pursued fashion at RMIT, choosing a practical, industry-focused course over a more academic degree. For Rebecca, fashion should always be wearable and grounded in real-world practicality. Over the years, she has worked in various roles across the industry, and these experiences shaped both her business acumen and her aesthetic, which has always been rooted in her early love of vintage fashion.
The name “Olga Joan” pays homage to Rebecca’s Italian heritage, drawing inspiration from her grandmothers — Olga, her father’s mother, and Joan, her mother’s mother. The label is infused with subtle references to her heritage, such as the use of Italian translations for the colours of some pieces. Rebecca has even been teaching herself Italian, one colour at a time. The casual acronym “OJ” is also commonly used by Rebecca and reflects the easygoing spirit of the brand.
When Olga Joan was launched in 2018, Rebecca’s goal was simple: to create clothes that she believed in, made from quality materials, and designed to be worn on a daily basis. The brand has since evolved to embrace a more feminine, playful, and occasionally sexy aesthetic, driven by what Rebecca herself is drawn to in her own wardrobe. There are no grand marketing gimmicks; instead, Olga Joan has grown organically, based on a quiet confidence in the kind of fashion Rebecca wants to create.
Sourcing materials is an integral part of the brand’s philosophy. Rebecca works directly with suppliers such as Hemp Fortex for hemp and organic fibres, and Lenzing for TENCEL™ and EcoVero™. The use of silk crepe de chine is also a defining feature of the collection, and Rebecca ensures she works closely with trusted silk specialists. Transparency regarding workers’ rights and conditions is paramount to her, and although Rebecca cannot always be on-site, she collaborates with an independent inspection body, Qualspec, to ensure that ethical practices are upheld. In keeping with her commitment to sustainability, Rebecca often uses a pre-order model to minimize overproduction and reduce waste.
Olga Joan’s pieces are crafted with care and attention to detail. Rebecca describes the brand’s essence as “Quality. Considered. Cute.” Every piece reflects her dedication to high standards, whether it’s the choice of fabric or the finish on the hem. The brand is designed to make women feel good, wear well, and bring a touch of joy to their lives.
Looking back, Rebecca takes pride in the fact that she has never chosen the easy route. She sets high standards for her brand, particularly when it comes to the materials she uses. For example, Rebecca refuses to use virgin polyester, opting instead for sustainable alternatives. While this approach may be more challenging and expensive, Rebecca firmly believes that it is essential to uphold the values that matter most to her.
Reflecting on the challenges she faced in her early days, Rebecca wishes she had known that a portion of her wardrobe could be tax-deductible. This is one of the lessons she learned as she navigated the complexities of running her own fashion label.
In terms of the Australian fashion scene, Rebecca is particularly excited about Après Studio. She admires the brand’s playfulness and its ability to surprise, always keeping things fresh while maintaining a strong and consistent brand identity. Rebecca also calls for change within the local fashion industry, particularly in terms of its reliance on synthetic fibres. She believes it is crucial to shift away from these materials in favour of more sustainable alternatives. Additionally, Rebecca is critical of greenwashing and the overuse of terms like “sustainable” and “eco-friendly,” stressing the importance of transparency and genuine efforts toward sustainability.
While Rebecca is not always focused on the content space, she does look for collaborators who are a genuine fit for the brand. Rather than seeking big names, she values partnerships with creators who truly connect with the brand’s ethos. As for her personal wardrobe, Rebecca enjoys a mix of items from local brands like Saint, Après Studio, and Un Pantalon, along with vintage pieces that continue to be a staple in her collection.
For those looking to purchase Olga Joan’s pieces, they can visit the brand’s official website at olgajoan.co. Interestingly, the domain “olgajoan.com” is owned by another Olga Joan, who creates beautiful handmade textiles in the United States. Despite the shared name, the two have connected and formed a friendly bond.
Olga Joan continues to build its legacy as a sustainable and stylish fashion label, offering garments that are both timeless and thoughtfully crafted. As it grows, the brand remains dedicated to its core values of quality, sustainability, and practicality.
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