About Me
The birth of the Francesca Rockette label can be fairly well attributed to the chance discovery in 1988 of a battered old trunk belonging to my mother. In it was a hoard of vintage fabrics, each more incredible than the next . With over a decade long experience in retailing high-end fashion, I was passionate there was a niche for eccentric yet wearable accessories. Making my own bags and one –off cushions and more than just a little trepidatious, I began trading from a stall at the Bondi Markets.
Feedback proved instantly positive, and soon I began wholesaling to several reputable boutiques, amongst them the Corner Store, Varga Girl, Wheels and Dolls Baby as well as Eclectica in the UK and Satine in LA. The label had now expanded to include vintage hairclips, buckles and buttons I had sourced from an old warehouse in South Africa, which is incorporated onto the bags today. I employed a local maker in Sydney with years of experience with leatherwear. My stall at the Paddington Markets was a favourite amongst locals and tourists for many years.
Now since moving up to the beautiful Byron Hinterland area, I now attend the local markets, such as Bangalow markets and the Young designers Market in Brisbane, as well as supplying few of the local shops..
My focus has always been creating beautifully crafted and unique pieces of the highest quality Australian and Italian leathers. My fabric bags I pay homage to a few retrograde eras, namely the symmetry and smooth lines of the Art Deco period, the inspiring prints from the 50’s and the vibrant, eclectic prints of the 60’s and 70’s. The collection ranges from slouchy Dakota leather bags with hard knot details, old school 70’s fringe bags, to neat snakeskin half moon clutches, and patent leathered handle shoppers made of irreverent printed Australiana teatowels. I remain adamant my styles not to be trend-based, rather that they transcend all seasons.
With all the leather bags & accessories handmade in Sydney, and fabric bags made locally, not one is the same. Each tells its own story, and one I hope inspires the wearer as it inspired me in creating it.
