Over the past couple of years, we have noticed a strong tendency in the Australian fashion industry. It may seem like a no-brainer when you put it on paper, but it is worth exploring anyway: the new labels that do the best are the ones founded by those who have previous industry experience.  This doesn't even have to be design experience, a lot of the most successful labels on the Australian market right now are being run by ex-magazine girls and former stylists (Ellery, Ginger and Smart, MANIAMANIA, Anna & Boy, Mrs Press to name but a few), ex-models (Little Joe by Gail Elliott, Gail Sorronda) and former Ksubi employees (an entire article in its own right), so it is with excitement, rather than trepidation that we tell you Rebecca Vallance  has a background in fashion publicity, having frocked up the likes of Kylie Minogue and basically every local celebrity of note ever.

Since 2008 the newly minted designer has been honing her craft and upping her contacts in Europe, and the results have paid off. Her debut collection (a resort line to cleverly capitalise on the only time Australians and international stores are both interested in breezy summer buys, natch) has been picked up by several big-deal overseas retailers, which is particularly fortuitous given it is inspired by the glamour of the South of France and the Mediterranean, and has been made with fabrics sourced from Paris.

Vallance's aesthetic is contemporary and feminine, with a focus on luxurious embellishments like hand beading. Her price-points sit at the sweet spot referred to by high end department stores as 'contemporary' and by everyone else as 'expensive, but not so expensive I can't afford it'.  All these things make it perfect for the social season. The resort collection has been created in a timelessly femme palette of blushes and browns, so investing in one of her party frocks now will see you through seasons to come as well.

In addition to European stockists, the designer's resort collection launched last week on The Grand Social, so if you want some of it, that's where we suggest you head.

Vallance has already proved she's not a one trick pony by following this capsule with a fuller offering for Autumn/Winter 2012. Available from February, the expanded range features lovely leather work, and office-appropriate attire like opulent silk shirting (hello feature sleeves!) and skinny tailored dresses, as well as a few stand-out beaded evening gowns.

We won't be surprised if Vallance ends up dressing those celebrities again - albeit in another capacity - very soon.