When Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston first met in 2000, they were both studying fashion design at the University of Technology Sydney. “We’d hang out all the time, did all our uni assignments together and loved working together,” Yorston remembers. “And then a friend of ours approached us with a pair of his old jeans and said, ‘Can you please do something with these jeans?’”
The pair screen-printed their names all over the denim, spray-painted them and added stitched details and patterns.
“Really, we just went to town,” Yorston says. “And then he wore them out and, suddenly, word-of-mouth got out there and we started getting people calling us to revamp their jeans. And then a store saw them and called us and wanted to order 120 pairs – so that’s what forced us to register our label.”
Bec & Bridge has come a long way from men’s jeans – it’s now globally recognised for its bold dresses, tailored playsuits and flouncy blouses made for hot nights by the beach – the label has been spotted on Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, Dua Lipa, and Bella and Gigi Hadid.
Now, 17 years after the label’s official launch, Cooper and Yorston have opened their first Melbourne store on High Street, Armadale.
“For us, it’s always been about managing growth and we really wanted a strong wholesale business … before we branched into retail,” Yorston says.
Interior architect George Livissianis, who’s also behind the label’s Bondi Junction store (and the fit-outs at Sydney eateries The Apollo and Cho Cho San), designed the light-filled space. It’s defined by soft curves, neutral tones and the contrasting textures of sleek marble and plush seating. Floor-to-ceiling drapes enclose the changing rooms, and an arched, tunnel-like ceiling runs the length of the space.
“The bones are so amazing,” Cooper says. “I feel like Bridget and I get really inspired by [every space], because [Livissianis] brings it to life in a really special way, and really works with the foundations of the store.”
The opening of the store is in sync with the last drop of the label’s spring collection and the launch of its new resort range. Think mix-and-match prints, saturated hues, and daring silhouettes such as this relaxed-fit cream blazer; this washed-silk, high-waist midi skirt in apple; and this ethereal floral-print long-sleeved dress. Veja footwear, Pared Eyewear and Reliquia Jewellery can also be found in-store.
“We’re really excited to have the brand come to Melbourne,” Yorston says. “We definitely feel like it’s time. And probably overdue.”
Bec & Bridge
1041 High Street, Armadale
(03) 7013 8233
Hours:
Mon to Fri 9.30am–5.30pm
Sat 9am–5.30pm
Sun 11am–5pm
Stephanie Vigilante 
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