How this Australian designer built a global business from a leaky garage
by Jessica Beresford · Australian Financial ReviewJessica BeresfordAssociate editor, Life & Leisure and jewellery editor
Sep 2, 2026 – 5.00am
In the leafy suburb of Prahran, in the inner east of Melbourne, Rachel Donath is nesting – for her growing business. The designer has bought a double-fronted heritage building on Malvern Road and is turning it into a showroom “home” for her brand, with fireplace-laden bedrooms, a cobblestone courtyard, living area, dining room and fully functional kitchen – all decked out with her own furniture.
“It’s the brand brought to life, and each room has its own character,” says Donath. “We want people to feel like they’re in my home, stay for two, three hours – I don’t care if they don’t buy anything. I just want them to feel comfortable.”
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Jessica BeresfordAssociate editor, Life & Leisure and jewellery editorJessica Beresford is the associate editor of Life & Leisure, based in Sydney. She writes about the fashion, jewellery and beauty industries, and was previously fashion features editor at the Financial Times’ luxury glossy, HTSI, in London. Email Jessica at jessica.beresford@afr.com
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