Australian Designers Match Italian Style

A recent arrival to the AlburyCBD fashion scene Armadio, translates to ‘wardrobe’ in Italian. 

The vision of owner Jacinta Christian was to focus on stocking the racks with quality Italian labels, but lately it’s the influence of Australian designers that are proving popular.

“Since COVID, we’ve changed our direction a little bit, wanting to support Australian designers and Australian brands,” Jacinta said.

“Even from customer feedback, they want to buy Australian and support the local industry. Finally, our country is trying to support one another. Prior to COVID we didn’t care where it came from, so there’s a massive push for Australian owned and designed.”

Armadio opened in Albury in March and is targeted to women over 40.

“That’s who we all are, all of our trained stylists in the store are over 40. We were brought up in that generation where you go, you touch, you feel, you try.

“Yes, we have an online business, but our focus is coming in and having an experience. We’ve got curves and we want to try it on and make sure if fits.”

Jacinta is originally from Deniliquin and has been in the fashion industry since she was 18, with stores in Deniliquin and Melbourne. It was a chance visit to Albury Wodonga a few years ago that led to her setting up shop here.

“I had a number of fashion stores and came back to this area to water ski on Lake Hume on holidays two years ago and said to my partner, I don’t want to leave, so we didn’t.”

Jacinta opened a store in Wodonga, then expanded to Albury and has quickly developed a loyal clientele.

“Because I’m a country person I feel that I connect with people,” Jacinta said.

“I love making them feel good and confident.”