Natalie De'Banco Bronx and Banco Interview

Natalie De'Banco Bronx and Banco Interview

Natalie De'Banco, founder of sophisticated yet playful women's fashion label Bronx and Banco, is strutting the runway to success with her exquisite gowns and cocktail dresses.

Natalie has an enduring love affair with fashion and grew up on the changing room floor of designer clothing stores in Russia, which helped her develop her profound love for all things fashion from such a young age.

When she was 16, Natalie moved from Russia to Australia where she entrenched herself in the fashion scene, working behind the scene at David Jones and the makeup house of Chanel. After studying Bachelor of Business, Natalie moved to the world of fashion PR and worked for Fashion TV, and later studied design at Enmore Design School, Sydney.

In 2009, Natalie started her own clothing brand and opened up a store in Bondi Beach, titling her brand Bronx and Banco, a label that aims to fill the gap in the market for affordable and high-end clothing. It is also reflective of her own personal style –sophisticated, sexy and eclectic.

Bronx and Banco has now become a wardrobe staple for an impressive list of celebrities and socialites, including The Pussycat Dolls, Shelley Craft, Sonia Kruger, Tammin Sursok and Kylie Gillies. This caused the label to be in demand by leading national and international retailers.

Today, Bronx and Banco has over 200 stockists worldwide, across New Zealand, USA, Spain, USA, Belgium, Netherland, Greece and Russia, with the brand's flagship store currently located in Paddington.


Question: How would you describe Bronx and Banco?

Natalie De'Banco: Australian brand, Bronx and Banco, encapsulates sophisticated style and sexy, playful sensibility. With flirty silhouettes and feminine fabrics, Bronx and Banco delivers impeccable style for each and every one of your special occasions


Question: What was the main motivation behind the creation of Bronx and Banco?

Natalie De'Banco: I was born in Europe where I believe fashion started.


Question: What inspires you when designing?

Natalie De'Banco: Women inspire me a lot...

Actresses, models , it girls, I always have someone in mind when I design collection. I'm fascinated by how unique and different every girl is… I always want to create something that will look amazing on any body shape and make them feel beautiful.


uestion: Can you name drop? Who has worn your label, Bronx and Banco?

Natalie De'Banco: Lorde, Jesinta Campbell, Delta, Sonya Kruger, Erin Molan


Question: What originally inspired your passion for designing and fashion?

Natalie De'Banco: My family always had fashion boutiques since I was a little girl so fashion is something I absorbed since my early childhood. I also had good drawing skills which I kept developing since my school years.


Question: Why is it important for your range to be affordable high-end clothing?

Natalie De'Banco: I love seeing women of all ages wearing Bronx and Banco so it's important for us to keep prices as affordable as we can so young girls or middle income families can buy them also.


Question: What advice do you have for young designers trying to break into the tough fashion industry?
Natalie De'Banco: No matter what you do - believe in yourself and never give up. If it was easy, anyone would do it…Nobody in my family thought I made right decision in my career choice, they wanted me to be a lawyer.

Be friendly and hardworking. Do as much work experience as you can. Fashion jobs are long hours and minimum wages but we still love them


Question: What's next for Bronx and Banco?

Natalie De'Banco: We have gone into Myer this year so in 2017 we will really start to concentrate on our international presence and distribution.


Interview by Brooke Hunter