An Instant Classic with Brooke Testoni
Brooke Testoni is the founder and lead designer behind Australian luxury accessory brand —Rylan. Testoni masterfully creates classic, minimal pieces that are designed to withstand the test of time and trends. Even more, her deliciously striking, European leather goods are built to be passed from this generation to the next. With Testoni, precious gems and gold antiques are no longer the only family heirlooms worth keeping in your possession.
Brooke Testoni
Brooke Testoni, a native of Queensland, moved to Sydney nearly a decade ago to pursue a career in fashion. “Growing up, I always loved fashion, but I wouldn’t necessarily say that I was ‘fashionable’,” laughs Testoni, “but I was always so fond of [the industry].” After studying graphic design in school, the entrepreneur decided to follow the yellow brick, albeit quite sandy, road to The Emerald City. Over the years Testoni has worked for an Australian, luxury fashion designer and for an international denim brand, both aiding in the further honing of her skills in design, marketing, graphics, and e-commerce. After meeting other creatives and exposing herself to new experiences, Testoni grew enough confidence to strike it out on her own. That was the birth of Rylan.
“I’ve always loved Rylan as a name to call my son,” begins the founder and designer. “I started Rylan before I had my son, so I guess you could say the brand was my first baby,” smiles Testoni. “Rylan is a classic, effortless, and androgynous brand, so the name suits it well.” When the style savvy creator decided to venture out on her own, Testoni was reacting to a noticeable gap in the contemporary handbag market. Frustrated by an industry that only offered traditional luxury or fast fashion brands, she knew there was space for a different type of accessory and a different type of brand. The visionary had just the solution to fill that void. “I have always been drawn to accessories,” begins Testoni. “I like to purchase bags and shoes over clothes, which is why I started a luxury accessories brand. I found it hard to find a bag that had a classic shape without really obvious branding or heavily embellished hardware. I wanted something simpler that wouldn’t date like many modern bags and would hopefully become a classic that would be relevant now and in 50-year’s time.”
1.1 Black Large Satchel $1,099 | 1.2 Cognac Large Satchel $1,099 | 2.4 Black Emboss Small Bag $799
Rylan accessories are for the individual who has an appreciation for fashion, but has no desire to drip in labels. Testoni specializes in contemporary pieces with clean lines, neutral tones, and artisan craftsmanship. The vibe is midcentury, but classic, allowing them to be in style now and for years to come. Drawing inspiration from a time gone by through old photos, books, fashion campaigns, architecture, furniture design, and international travel, Testoni loves motifs that incorporate vintage elements. This approach to design happens to be her opted aesthetic, for both personal styling and interior design, so it is natural that those elements also blend into her brand. “Our bags are inspired by the past, but hand finished for the women of today,” shares Testoni.
The Rylan woman is ageless and chooses to invest in classics. “A woman carries a handbag every day,” continues the designer, “so I believe we should invest in a quality bag that lasts. I liked the challenge of designing a bag and balancing the aesthetic form and function. I also liked the challenge of designing a bag that could be classic, versatile, and work with a variety of looks or for different occasions.” Testoni designs for women like her. Women who are not slaves to trends; supremely confident, but not overpowering; and most importantly has a penchant for style. Currently, the designer has been sporting the black with ivory stitch baguette bag for everyday wear. “It is such a beautiful classic that fits all of your necessities. It is also a bag that can be dressed up or down. I wear it with jeans and sneakers, or with a dress and heels,” imparted Testoni. Her style is her own, recognizing that it may not be for all, but that is kind of the point.
“Our bags are inspired by the past,
but hand finished for the women of today”
Although Testoni has always been drawn to accessories like handbags and shoes, with her experience in apparel it makes sense that Rylan has an interest in moving in that direction. Next for the up and coming brand is an expansion. Rylan already offers jewelry, but Testoni has plans to once again dabble in the apparel market. “I think it is important to have a clear vision of what you are trying to achieve with a new category and fill a need,” begins the founder, “even if it's just what I’m looking for and can’t find.” Much like her accessories line, Testoni is going to pull inspiration from her everyday life. With her personal style being very edited — think black blazers, denim jeans, and classic boots — her next collection is likely to mimic her curated aesthetic. However, for now, Testoni plans to focus on further developing her brand and spending quality time with her husband and son.
Rylan