I have just finished working backstage at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival in Brisbane. For 20 years I had my own fashion retail shop in the centre of Brisbane. I designed and made most of the clothes in the shop. When we bought our house in Italy 10 years ago I decided to close the business so I could spend more time there.
I had a great time in the fashion industry and made lots of friends, so once a year I get to go back and work with some of these wonderful people behind the scenes
Many of the people I work with in the festival are too young to remember my shop and were curious about my designs. I have gone back through photos, some of them more than 20 years old…here is the result.
I don’t often post photos of myself, but the one below, taken about 12 years ago, is one of my favourite reminders of my time in fashion.
I love that your designs compliment “real” women….not just waif-thin models.
By: Languedoc Lady on September 4, 2013
at 2:23 pm
Some of those clothes were made more than 20 years ago. I think they stand up quite well.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 2:32 pm
Stunning work. And yes I agree they pass the test of time. Love the last shot! Best, cat
By: chillcat on September 4, 2013
at 2:39 pm
It was fun looking back over those old photos. I remember every stitch.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:06 pm
Not only you are a great interior designer, but also for fashion! WoW!
By: eponato on September 4, 2013
at 3:15 pm
I enjoyed my years in fashion and I also enjoyed decorating Casa Debbio.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:10 pm
What a wonderful collection….you are amazing….what a talent!
By: Jim & Kerry on September 4, 2013
at 3:36 pm
I have been sewing since I was a child…and I am still doing it, but just for myself now.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:12 pm
Love the photos. Many timeless designs and the tans are very Italy 2013!
By: jenny on September 4, 2013
at 4:16 pm
Some people who bought things from me tell me they are still wearing them, which is very nice.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:13 pm
What elegant, timeless pieces Debra! You are such a talented lady!! 🙂
By: Madhu on September 4, 2013
at 5:58 pm
Thank you, I did enjoy my time in fashion.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:14 pm
Fabulous
By: aussiegirl0905 on September 4, 2013
at 7:53 pm
Thank you.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:52 pm
So many memories in these photos for me. Can’t remember modelling for you, but I see many of my model mates there. I always loved that shot of you with Dani modelling too. I recall many of the RAQ garments of yours from out the backstage and from out the front in the audience. Fantastic pics Deb. xx
By: Liz Golding on September 4, 2013
at 8:15 pm
Bernie features in so many of my photos, and did you notice a young Miranda Kerr? By the time I started entering the RAQ I think you were already heading towards the organising side of things. As is usually the case, the best part of my fashion past is the people I met along the way…I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:56 pm
Debra, I remember your career, but thanks again for the reminder and how gorgeous are they still, nothing looks dated – it looks timeless but not in any conservative way, some of the out there cut away designs would be wanted by those thin young things in the music limelight today. You must join my Fashion Forward Friends group in Facebook, I think I have invited you already, can you check? I don’t think you do a lot on Fbook but it is a group to share fashion news, fashion museums etc. Roz
By: Roz MacAllan on September 4, 2013
at 8:19 pm
I will look out for Fashion Forward Friends. I have signed up for Nadia Buick’s new blog. Even though I am not closely involved in fashion, I do like to know what is going on.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:58 pm
Aaahh the memoriles of Brisbane Arcade, thats where I first met you. I still have the pretty jumper I bought from you in the 80’s. your styles were very creative and timeless.
By: Kirsi sade on September 4, 2013
at 8:32 pm
The Brisbane Arcade was a big part of my life for a long time. It is a gorgeous arcade in the city and I still love to visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 10:59 pm
Beautiful and timeless designs Debra. They cannot be “dated” and this is the best proof of professional excellence. And I love your photo!
By: mulino dominillo on September 4, 2013
at 8:47 pm
At the time the photo was published I was a bit bothered by the fact that my eyes were closed…but now I love it.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 11:00 pm
Great Memories.. Love the photo of you x
By: Anonymous on September 4, 2013
at 9:11 pm
I have lots of great memories of my fashion days. I don’t miss my shop, I am having a great time travelling.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 11:01 pm
Very very beautiful fashions, Debra! That last shot is a real stunner. Do you miss the work??
By: jann on September 4, 2013
at 9:29 pm
I don’t miss it. I used to work 7 days a week, starting early in the morning and not finishing until late at night. I still like to sew, but now it is just for me.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 11:02 pm
Debra, what a marvellous fashion journey for you! – clever, quirky designs as well as the timeless classics. I love the shapely white wool outfit on the model on the right in the second photo, the black and caramel wool outfit with the tassels in the back and the gum-nut hat, the delicate green cobweb dress, and the photo of you with the model who looks almost like Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast in Tiffanys” (love the dress!). Really, all your fashions reveal your artistic talent, which you’ve extended to interior decorating, writing and your travel blog. Bellisimo!
By: Sandra Hoopmann on September 4, 2013
at 10:14 pm
I remember all of those garments and the time taken to create them. I am happy to have moved on to other things.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 11:04 pm
Deb, you constantly amaze me. I knew about your fashion past, but it’s wonderful to see some examples of your work. LOVE the final photo! xx
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on September 4, 2013
at 10:17 pm
The shop was a big part of my life for a long time. I enjoy making things, I come from a very practical, hands on family. I still love to sew. Now I make curtains and things for our new house as well as my own clothes. I also cherish the friendships I made along the way.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 11:07 pm
Hi Deb I’m embarrassed to say I had no idea. Beautiful collections, agree with the above comments on their timelessness. Love learning new things about people, pretty amazing. xS
By: Anonymous on September 4, 2013
at 10:53 pm
It has been 10 years since I gave up my shop so I am not surprised. I don’t talk about it all that often. My life is quiet different now.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 11:09 pm
Fabulous Deb – such a wonderful collection and so original. Cheers to you my friend – the industry lost a gem when you bought your place in Italy! F xx
By: francescam@ihug.com.au on September 4, 2013
at 11:05 pm
Thank you. It was time for me to move on. There are some wonderful new designers out there, and it is much harder now for local designers. They now have to compete directly with the whole world.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 4, 2013
at 11:10 pm
What a fun event, Deb. Seems like I remember you doing this last year, as well. However, I had missed that you had done some designing yourself. That’s really cool!
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
By: Kathryn McCullough on September 4, 2013
at 11:21 pm
I have been doing the backstage thing for 10 years now. It is less stressful than being on the other side.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 5, 2013
at 12:50 am
I was hoping to see a photo of you Debra! Celia tells me how stylish you are! 😀
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on September 5, 2013
at 1:36 am
That photo is quite old now, but it feels like yesterday.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 5, 2013
at 2:24 am
Wow! I remember watching the RAQ awards on television, but not being a Brisbane person I have to admit I wasn’t aware of your fashion design background. Some gorgeous designs and I love that last image, what an amazing life you have and are leading.
By: twoblackdoggies on September 5, 2013
at 3:25 am
My 20 years in fashion required lots of hard work, but there were lots of fun and exciting moments.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 5, 2013
at 6:30 am
You have great talent! I love the polka dot skirt!
By: Jennifer Avventura on September 5, 2013
at 9:20 am
Those skirts were made from beautiful Italian cotton. I only used natural fibres.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 5, 2013
at 11:37 am
I want one!
By: Jennifer Avventura on September 5, 2013
at 11:39 am
These are beautiful clothes, I am so glad you shared the pictures with us. That photography of you is amazing, it captures the essence of creating and making.
By: Just Add Attitude on September 5, 2013
at 9:48 am
It is a lovely photo. It was taken for the local paper.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 5, 2013
at 11:38 am
Your aesthetic sensibilities have found new roads to pave…different but no less creative and with the same exquisite taste and talent…living life!
By: Josephine Nardi Koebler on September 5, 2013
at 10:18 am
I have enjoyed using my skills to decorate our new house.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 5, 2013
at 11:39 am
I remember your exquisite and fine beading and gossamer fine fabrics. Your shop always seemed like an Aladdin’s cave. However I can understand too your pleasure in Italy and travelling – so much life to live and only one lifetime. That last photo is great – I think the closed eyes suit it.
By: Jan on September 5, 2013
at 11:05 am
The little shop took up a large chunk of my life and I had fun there.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 5, 2013
at 11:40 am
Wow! You are amazing! I often wondered about your career and now I know you are as talented as I suspected! Love the photo of you.
By: paninigirl on September 5, 2013
at 2:39 pm
Thank you for your kind comments. It was a great part of my life.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 6, 2013
at 5:08 am
Now as the only male commenting…… Can you design a nice pair of fashionable jocks for me? LOL All looks very nice, I am happy to see you designed clothes people could actually wear not like some you see on catwalks which makes you wonder who the heck would ever buy those and wear them. Now I can see why those curtains in your new house look so nice. I want some for our new house whenever that will come. Artistic lady Deb
By: paul on September 5, 2013
at 11:11 pm
I’ll pass on the jocks, but I will make some curtains for your new house in BdL.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 6, 2013
at 5:09 am
So which of the models is you ?
Lucky your not still in retail as I would have to file an anti discrimination charge , due to the total lack of MALE designs .
Jill has a compliment though — reckons they’re most contempory indeed !
By: Richard the terrible on September 6, 2013
at 3:53 am
I’m the chubby one in the last photo. I must have been about 48 at the time. I did do the odd male outfit which my son grabbed.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 6, 2013
at 5:10 am
Debra that last photo is fabulous!
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on September 6, 2013
at 3:56 am
Thank you. We had fun doing it.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 6, 2013
at 5:11 am
Add cooking to Debra’s list of talents of photography, interior design, fashion design and creation (mighty fine sewing and knitting). Her drawing is pretty good too.
By: niftaJenifer on September 6, 2013
at 11:29 am
I have to admit to a little bias here, Nifta is my sister (she just happens to produce some of Australia’s finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at her Curly Flat vineyard and winery)
By: Debra Kolkka on September 6, 2013
at 12:57 pm
Wow! Some beautiful and very stylish creations, Debra. I also love that last photo. 🙂
By: adinparadise on September 7, 2013
at 8:15 pm
Thank you. I enjoyed that part of my life and it is fun to revisit fashion each year at the festival.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 8, 2013
at 10:39 am
How exciting! Don’t you ever feel tempted to go back? Italy must be such an inspiration.
By: linneabylinneanilsson on September 8, 2013
at 6:25 am
I don’t want to go back. I enjoy my life in Italy and wouldn’t change it for anything.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 8, 2013
at 10:42 am
Beautiful, diverse and timeless design, Debra. Another side of you that I was not aware of. Your many talents have culminated into your wonderful life and you are so blessed to have the good health and physical ability to continue to enjoy! Many thanks for sharing with all of us!
By: Karen Overton on September 8, 2013
at 7:41 pm
I know that I am very lucky to be able to enjoy an interesting life.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 9, 2013
at 7:42 am
Hi Deb – great memories for me too – loved every moment of the awards and always loved your collections.
By: Laura Mewett on September 12, 2013
at 4:50 pm
Thank you for your kind words. I loved my RAQ years, it was very exciting to win, especially the first time.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 13, 2013
at 12:36 pm
Wow!! What a fabulous collection Debra! I am so glad I caught this post. xx
By: janinevasta on September 13, 2013
at 12:57 pm
I’m pleased you stopped by.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 14, 2013
at 10:16 am
Beautiful Deb! Absolutely loved going through some of these images! xx Thank you for sharing!
By: Madeleine Murdoch on September 30, 2013
at 1:35 am
Thank you. It was an exciting part of my life.
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By: Debra Kolkka on October 1, 2013
at 3:55 am
HI Deb, I finally got to see your blog post, thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. Love that pic of you – you look gorgeous. Hope you are keeping dry with all the rain. Dx
By: Anonymous on October 22, 2013
at 12:16 am
Marvellous, love the combination of knitting and beautiful materials. Too right your designs passed the test of time Debra! I think Jill would have become a regular if you still would have the shop, and she knows quality!
Makes my fingers itch, but for now I better start getting rid of my collection of materials and see how much room we will have in Ponte…. I can always start anew here, collecting cottons and silks. When I have learnt how to drape a more advanced figure, grin.
Curious to see what things beautiful you will make with the paper threads.
Thanks for everything Debra. Buon Auguri cara!
By: Nicolet on January 1, 2014
at 6:05 pm
I can show you where to buy some excellent fabrics here at a great price.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 3, 2014
at 6:26 pm
Yes please! Once we made our move…..
By: Nicolet on January 4, 2014
at 5:53 pm
Bellissima!!👏👏👏😍😍😍
By: michela64 on August 10, 2015
at 1:35 pm
[…] life I had a shop in the city centre of Brisbane. I designed and made most of the clothes. (Click here to see something of my things). Over the years I have managed to collect a room full of […]
By: Pop up shop | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on November 20, 2015
at 5:54 am
Wow amazing the designs are still popular now. Love the knitting too.
By: Diane on November 20, 2015
at 2:38 pm
[…] in the shop I had in the city until I gave it up about 15 years to spend more time in Italy. Click here to see more on my fashion past. Now I do the occasional Pop Up shop because I like making […]
By: #Who made your clothes? | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on September 1, 2018
at 11:03 pm
You have done so well. I am in hospitality and trying to move on to the next phase of my life if the business will allow. I love that you are still very connected but in the way that you choose. I am enjoying your blog very much and it gives me hope in the lovely Highlands of Scotland. There is a big world out there to explore and we have just started……..
By: Ros Thompson on April 12, 2019
at 10:09 am
Thank you for your lovely comments. I don’t do backstage anymore, but I am now sewing again. When I am in Australia I do a Pop Up once a week at a friend’s shop. It’s fun. I like to sew and this gives me something to do and is productive as well.
I wish you well in your new ventures.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 12, 2019
at 2:59 pm
You’ve had an interesting life and career. How lovely to share your life in two places. Sharing with my granddaughter in the fashion business.
By: Connie L Cousins on October 4, 2020
at 10:33 pm
I loved my life in the fashion industry. It was fun and I made many friends.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2020
at 1:25 pm
Oh Deb, I remember most of those images and I remember your dedication to your brand ‘Cotton Wool’and all your successes. A great time and a few Trophies and Fashion Awards. We became friends through our different but fabulous careers/roles in the fashion industry – I treasure the memories. Di
By: Dianne CantDianne CANT on June 1, 2021
at 9:31 am
Me too. It was a fun time, lots of hard work, but I made great friends and enjoyed my time in the Brisbane Arcade.
By: Debra Kolkka on June 2, 2021
at 2:49 pm
[…] I am particularly interested in the small artisan shops tucked away in corners all over Italy, probably because I ran my own tiny business for many years. I designed and made most of the clothes in my shop and I was there every day to sell them. I can appreciate the work involved in hand made pieces and the effort required to be a sole trader. My fashion past […]
By: Artisans in Florence | Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on November 27, 2021
at 7:55 pm
[…] Je suis particulièrement intéressé par les petites boutiques d’artisans nichées dans les coins de toute l’Italie, probablement parce que j’ai dirigé ma propre petite entreprise pendant de nombreuses années. J’ai conçu et fabriqué la plupart des vêtements de ma boutique et j’étais là tous les jours pour les vendre. Je peux apprécier le travail impliqué dans les pièces faites à la main et l’effort requis pour être un commerçant unique. Mon passé mode […]
By: Artisans à Florence | Bagni di Lucca et au-delà – My Blog on January 25, 2022
at 4:02 pm