Wool, Weddings & Worth: The Story Behind Horrocks Vale Collection
Ever met someone who just lights up a conversation with their passion and purpose? That was exactly what happened when I sat down with South Aussie designer, Nikki, from Horrocks Vale Collection. It was one of those chats that leaves you inspired and a little more hopeful about the future of fashion.
Nikki’s journey began in a small country town, where she boarded during the week to complete high school. Her love for design blossomed during Year 12 when her art teacher saw her potential and pushed her to go big with a fashion project. That project? Designing her own 18th birthday dress.
Like many of us growing up in rural areas, Nikki didn’t even know fashion design could be a thing.
“I thought I’d end up in a pharmacy or maybe the army,” she laughed. But she followed the creative pull anyway and ended up studying at Moulton College of TAFE—rocking a red mini skirt she’d tailored from her grandma’s old wool suit. Fashion fate? We think so.
After working in several fashion houses and co-founding a wedding couture studio in Adelaide, life took a turn, as it often does, and Nikki moved back to the country with her farmer husband. But the fashion flame didn’t fade. Instead, it evolved into something truly groundbreaking.
Wool Wedding Gowns?! Yep.
Now here’s where it gets really interesting. Nikki creates wedding gowns made from Australian Merino wool. And before you say, “Wait… isn’t wool just for winter?” — hold up. That’s actually the biggest misconception.
“Wool is breathable, temperature regulating, and even has a bit of natural stretch,” Nikki explained. It’s not the scratchy stuff we remember from our childhoods—today’s Merino wool is ultra-fine, softer than human hair, and even gentle enough for newborns.
She’s on a mission to change the way we think about bridal fashion—and the fashion industry as a whole.
Fast Fashion vs. Forever Pieces
Nikki spoke with honesty and a bit of frustration about how far the industry has drifted from quality. “People don’t know what well-made clothing is anymore,” she said. “We’ve lost the skills.”
And she’s right. With the rise of fast fashion, it’s become normal to buy cheap clothes made overseas—often under unethical conditions—only to toss them after a few wears. Meanwhile, Aussie artisans and designers struggle to keep their businesses alive.
But Nikki is doing something about it. She’s not just designing beautiful gowns—she’s preserving craftsmanship. She’s mentoring young apprentices and even considering becoming a trainer herself, to pass on the skills that are quickly vanishing.
Style with Substance
Inspired by classic, vintage femininity (think Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren), Nikki names her gowns after silver screen icons. “I’m a sucker for 1950s movies,” she said, smiling. “There’s something so timeless about those silhouettes—nipped waists, full skirts, elegant lines.”
But beyond the beauty is a deep sense of responsibility—to the environment, to ethical fashion, and to the rural Australian industry she’s so proudly a part of.
Did you know a single polyester wedding dress emits as much carbon as two people do in an entire year? And while wool decomposes naturally, synthetics just… don’t. Ever. King Charles even buried a wool and a polyester jumper to test it. Guess which one started to break down in three months?
Pushing for Change
Through all the challenges—finding support, staying local, educating customers—Nikki’s passion hasn’t wavered. She’s proof that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. And the world’s starting to notice.
Thanks to her AgriFutures South Australian Rural Women’s Award win, Nikki took her gowns all the way to Paris. Yep—Paris. The reception? Let’s just say the world is more than ready for ethical, elegant, Australian-made bridal fashion.
Want to See Her Work?
Head over to Horrocks Vale Collection’s website https://horrocksvale.com/ and check out her latest designs (and see if you can spot a few vintage movie stars in the dress names). You might just fall in love—with wool.
Want to hear the full conversation? Check out Episode 7 of Suzi Says with the inspiring Nikki Atkinson!
🎙️ 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲:
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https://workbenchforthemind.mykajabi.com/podcasts/suzi-says-have-a-good-listen/episodes/2149007689
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qKwwBek738
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🌸 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯—you deserve it. 💖
Let’s start talking, supporting, and finding the light in every challenge. 💬
