Rozalia Russian is one of Australia’s leading stye icons and entrepreneurial businesswomen, with over a quarter of a million Instagram followers, imprinting her fashion influencer status in the platinum echelon. Renowned for her creative collaborations with many prominent Australian brands, including Atoir, Camilla & Marc and Country Road, as well as ambassadorships with international designer brands like Bulgari, Russian’s latest venture is her synergy with Australian footwear and accessories brand, Billini. The Rozalia / Billini 2.0 range launched last night, with a stunning industry party at the Russian owned, Bar Bambi in Melbourne. I sat down with the Mum of two to chat about her rise in the fashion world, how determination shaped her success and just what we can expect from this latest collaboration.

From fleeing war-torn Uzbekistan, to studying professional ballet, and ultimately becoming a famous fashion influencer, your path to stardom has seemed like a fairytale. But behind the success story is a lot of hard work, talent, drive and creative thinking on your part. What would you say has been your biggest obstacle to overcome on your road to success?

I always acknowledge that this has been a long journey and definitely hasn’t happened over night. There have been many behind the scenes meetings and pitches, and plenty of times I have missed out on jobs. Looking back, it’s when I have been told “No” that has driven me to prove people wrong.

With over 260k followers on Instagram alone, you are one of Australia’s most followed women on social media. What do you think it is about your fashion style and lifestyle that is so attractive to so many?

I think it comes down to engaging my followers, being relatable and not out of touch. I acknowledge that I get to work with some incredible brands and offered opportunities that other people aren’t able to experience, however I have a clear understanding that those moments are work and not everyday life. At the end of the day, I am a working Mum trying to juggle work and school lunches – and I think my page highlights that. I am still attainable and relatable.

Not only are you renowned for your high end fashion aesthetic, you are favoured amongst many leading brands to collaborate, including your latest collaboration with Billini shoes. What is it about Billini that you admire?

Billini are such a strong female-led business and as females it can be so hard to try and juggle and be taken seriously when we start working on a larger business scale. The fact that the owner of Billini, Susannah Khouzame, is a working Mum, as are many of the team, is admirable. We are managing to create these amazing collections, all whilst still doing school pick up.

What sets this latest collaboration apart and what can fashionistas expect from the Rozalia / Billini collection?

With this latest collection, we have still designed them with a high fashion look however haven’t compromised on the comfort. It was important for me to have these shoes be as comfortable as possible, so we have thickened the sole and added extra padding to ensure they look good whilst helping you last in them all night!

Your previous collaborations have sold out in minutes, and the same is expected of your latest Billini collab. What do you ascribe your popularity to? Is it your fan base, your sought after fashion aesthetic, your styling advice? 

I am honestly not too sure and I am always blown away when I hear that the collections do so well! Right before every collection I always have moments of self doubt and wonder if I have done enough. I guess maybe it comes down to engaging with my audience to build up that relationship. I always answer every DM and am more than happy to engage with people I meet out and about. I think when your audience sees you as an actual person and not just someone on social media, they are more likely to want to buy into the collection.

Your collabs have garnered international success and been endorsed by celebs around the world, including Rita Ora, Sophia Richi, Eva Longoria and Kylie Jenner. What is the enduring legacy you would like to leave on the fashion world?

The biggest legacy I want to leave is within myself; being able to tell myself I gave it a crack. My biggest regret in life would be knowing I had an opportunity to push myself and put myself out there and give it my all. I am a big believer that regret is worse than failure.

You have cemented yourself not only as one of Melbourne’s foremost style icons, but as a prominent businesswoman. What do you attribute your drive and passion to?

Having a daughter, it is very important for me to teach her that in life you can do and be anything you want to be. Just because you are a female or a Mum shouldn’t stop you. Yes it slows you down but I am so proud to be able to be a working mother. I really believe in giving life your absolute all! I want to look back and say that I did just that.

What part of you business journey are you most proud of?

What people may not realise is that I have been doing this for close to 10 years and in the early days I would receive so many No’s and never dreamt of being in the position I am in now. I would say I am most proud of working with so many international luxury brands such as Bulgari, Fendi, Armani, Dior, Louis Vuiiton, Ralph Lauren… We are such a small market here in Australia so to be recognised by them is amazing.

What has been your greatest achievement or ‘pinch me’ moment to date, both personally and professionally?

Earlier this year I was in Tokyo as the offical Australian Bulgari Ambassador for the launch of their new hotel. Being there with Anne Hathaway right next to me was very special.

What is next for Rozalia Russian? The brand, the mum, the wife and the businesswoman?

Rozalia the stand alone clothing brand.

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SHORT & SWEET

Which dream brand would you love to collab with next?

We are so lucky to have so many incredible Australian brands here such as Venroy, Viktoria & Woods, Camilla & Marc and Sir The Label. It would be an honour to work with any of them.

Most treasured piece of clothing in your wardrobe?

My wedding dress. I am saving it for my daughter.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

I was a huge Harry Potter nerd but prefer the bad boys so naturally it was Draco Malfoy.

Your ideal date night outfit?

A chic LBD with a blazer paired with some killer Billini x Rozalia heels.

Favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere in Italy.

Who is your style icon?

Anyone who owns their own style without following a trend. 

Favourite shoe style from the Rozalia /Billini collection?

The Mary Jane. It is such an underrated classic style.

You can shop the new Rozalia / Billini range here.