Celebrating some of The Rocks' most inspiring women

Starting a business during a pandemic is not for the faint hearted but when you have a dream and drive nothing can stop you. Magdalena did just that.

After coming back from living and running a business in Europe, she was waiting for inspiration to show her what to do next. It came in the form of seeing people's need and want for Australian made children’s and women's wear. Quickly she handmade a collection that was incredibly well received which prompted her to think about where her creations could be best displayed and made. An incredible opportunity opened up at The Rocks, Sydney's prettiest, oldest and most vibrant area. 

Her boutique and studio, Daisy.Lifetyle.Store is a reflection of her life's journey and experiences living in Europe and Australia. It's a juxtaposition of the relaxed, light and earthy style of living in Australia combined with elegance, tailoring and quality fabrication synonymous with European design. Her collection includes womens wear, children's and hand embroidered soft furnishings and accessories.

The lady who dreamed up Get Drenched

Liz Moyers has worked a number of different corporate jobs at a management level but she always knew she wanted to be her own boss. In 2011, she made it happen and started Get Drenched, a retail store selling premium soaps, candles and home fragrances:

“My vision was to create a store at The Rocks that was full of amazing products – the best soaps, candles and home fragrances in Australia – all in one place … Now in its 8th year, the shop has continuously evolved and has grown from strength to strength,” Liz said.

The retail store creates a memorable and enjoyable buying experience for locals and tourists alike. Liz says that while the hours can be long, it’s well worth it:

“The mind never really switches off. I’m always thinking about the products in the shop, the merchandising, and how the customer offering can be improved ... Although retail is often long hours with an occasional sleepless night thrown in for good measure, it’s so rewarding too.”

The renowned designer behind Wendy Murray Design

Wendy Murray has won international renown for her handmade leather and suede garments, which she crafts and sells from her boutique in The Rocks. But unlike most designers, her career in the industry started on the ski slopes of New Zealand:

“I studied medicine in NZ, and was a ski teacher in my holidays while still at school,” Wendy says, “My first fashion label was ski suits.”

From there, Wendy moved to Paris and worked as the head designer of a fashion house. She designed a white cut out leather trench coat for herself to attend Paris Fashion Week and got lots of compliments and enquiries. From that moment, Wendy Murray Design was born.

Wendy says after all these years her favourite part of her job is still designing clothing:

“I love designing and making bespoke jackets for my customers. It is very rewarding to see the fit and how beautiful the jacket looks at the final fitting. Once you have made a bespoke jacket for a customer, they usually become a customer for life.”

The Heart Behind Hunting Hue

Hunting Hue is the brainchild of Rebecca Collinson-Smith, an Australian photographer, senior interior stylist and avid traveler. Infused with a profound appreciation for design and a penchant for exploration, Rebecca founded Hunting Hue to encapsulate her innovative design ethos into swimwear products and silks.

“I was an interior stylist for 9 years, however, I have always been creating my own products after-hours and on weekends,” says Rebecca. “My styling work wasn’t ticking the boxes anymore, I was ready for a creative change.”

The brand's name derives from "Hue," signifying colour, and is a homage to Rebecca's father, an antique collector whose love and passion for preserving memories inspired her journey.

In 2019, Hunting Hue unveiled its flagship store in The Rocks, Sydney, marking the commencement of a vibrant fashion venture. Drawing inspiration from the intersection of design, travel, and photography, Each piece embodies a narrative, a story of travel. Always present. Always beautiful. Sustainability remains at the heart of Hunting Hue, favouring quality of craftsmanship over the mass production culture. 

Recently, Hunting Hue made waves at Miami Swim Week, headlining with the ‘THE ICONS OF SYDNEY’ collection. This debut showcased stunning swimwear, a fusion of Australian style and global appeal. From Bondi’s shores to the Opera House, each design captures Sydney’s vibrant spirit.

Rebecca's mother remains her greatest icon, inspiring her work ethic. "She is my go-to for every idea I have," Rebecca says.

The Duchess of DUX Collection

DUX Collection was started when Arelene Nolly found a way to comfort her daughter using certain products:

“DUX was not planned,” says Arlene. “It evolved from a need.”

Arlene tried a homemade pure essential oil pillow spray to soothe her daughter’s chronic bleeding disorder and it was so successful that soon she was making blends for friends. Then suddenly spas, boutique hotels and even healthcare professionals were repeat customers.

Arlene’s creativity is informed by the family connection, as she counts her two daughters, Courtney, a solicitor, and Lauren, an actor/designer, both successful women, as her greatest inspiration.

“They are my living icons,” says Arlene. “I watch them achieve their dreams in the modern world, where the bar is so tough. They rebound from hardship and grow stronger from their struggles.”

Arlene’s inspiration and passion has helped DUX Collection to have a large local and overseas following and a stunning collection of luxury homeware, scent and botanical body store. Enjoy the luxurious experience with DUX Collection next time you visit The Rocks.