Destination Clothing In Style and Valia

Business Owner Carla Sparkes has over 22 years’ experience in fashion retail. Her latest business is Destination Clothing in Style sporting high-quality wool clothing designed for travel and with it, the flexibility of adapting to a variety of seasons and occasions. They’re the perfect stall to visit ahead of winter at the Canberra Wool Expo on 18-19 May.

“We created the business with the intent that we were going to travel to lots of destinations,” says Carla. “About ten years ago, we went up to Nyngan where many women were interested in having a look at clothing they hadn’t seen before.”

Carla describes a time when she was looking for a winter jacket made of natural fibres. After spending some time travelling, she designed and handmade a beautiful Australian wool coat. “We started with one coat and then it grew,” says Carla. “We now have five fantastic designs and super bright colours.”

‘Valia’ owned by Valentina Verbni.

“It will take you from the boardroom to the cocktail party”

At their stall in the Old Bus Depot Markets, they also stock 400 pieces of the Valia fashion line which perfectly complements their style. An Australian brand, Valia is also inspired by the idea of travel with pieces that are very flexible and tactile. They use high quality Australian-grown Merino wool that’s very comfortable to wear.

Valentina uses ultra-fine Australian Merino wool. Valia has a wide selection that takes you from autumn to winter then out into spring. Pieces include dresses, leggings, skirts, cardigans, tunics, scarves and coats. Coats are designed for all body shapes and sizes, and they come in a variety of beautiful and bright colours to mix and match with your current wardrobe.

The Valia range also create Jacquards, that are made by knitting yarn into differently coloured patterns and structures. Every Jacquard tells a story, a theme that runs through seasonal collections inspired by art, culture and regular travel. Expect products to range anywhere from $89 to $320.

“For first time buyers, I would recommend they try a tunic, a top, or a skirt,” says Carla. “Valia has a dress called the Sweet Pea dress and it will take you from the boardroom to the cocktail party. Valia is quite unique, you can wear it during the day with a denim jacket and a pair of boots, then at night you can put a string of pearls with that black dress and it will look fantastic.”

“If you buy really well, it is an investment that will last you a long time”

Valia clothing is easy to care for, as they roll up into a small package, ideal for traveling. A small percentage of Polyamide is interwoven with the wool to add strength and allows the fabrics to stretch.

Valentina is very particular about making sure that the quality of the product is there and has always worked with the same high-quality traceable Australian grown ultra-fine Merino wool that is modern, comfortable and easy to care for. Carla has stocked Valia for many years, and says “I have some ladies coming back, saying that they still have their original jacket they bought years ago.”

Destination Clothing in Style, is a proud supporter and stockist of Valia. As their name suggests, they participate in many locations and events. These include The Royal Easter Show, Bendigo Wool and Sheep Show and many more. Carla is looking forward to one of her favourites the Canberra Wool Expo on 18-19 May. “We find that the Old Bus Depot is a perfect location for us because it’s close to home and it has the perfect climate for both Destination Clothing in Style and Valia,” says Carla.

“The Canberra Wool Expo is something that you have to experience,” says Carla. “From my point of view, I’d love to see the younger generation embrace the natural fibres because the quality is there. If you buy really well, it is an investment that will last you a long time.”

See Destination Clothing In Style and Valia at this year’s Canberra Wool Expo on 18-19 May. To see the Valia range, you can visit their website or Facebook page @Valia.com.au

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