Thurley fashion brand and Melbourne shoe label Zomp ceases trading after pandemic hits

The celebrity favourite designer label announced it has ceased trading, shutting its Armadale boutique and online boutique.

Thurley founder and creative director Helen O'Connor.

One of Melbourne’s most successful fashion brands is the latest victim of COVID-19, confirming it has ceased trading this week.

Celebrity favourite designer label, Thurley, created by Helen O’Connor, was a prominent player in the Australian designer fashion landscape for more than a decade.

“After 11 years, iconic Australian fashion brand Thurley has now ceased trading from the 23rd November, as a result of the current retail climate and the impact of COVID-19,” a statement from the label said.

Lauren Phillips in Thurley.

The label was popular among celebs.

The feminine fashion label, renowned for pretty, embellished special occasion dresses was a red carpet favourite with famous faces including Rebecca Judd, Nadia Bartel, Lauren Phillips and Carrie Bickmore.

Stocked nationally throughout David Jones and online retail giant The Iconic, Thurley was also internationally placed in department stores such as Bloomingdale’s, Saks 5th Avenue, Intermix and Harvey Nichols.

Thurley has also graced runways throughout Australia including Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival and Melbourne Fashion Week.

Thurley was known for its feminine designs. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“Thurley created timeless pieces that are both modern and classic, specialising in evening wear with a focus on masterfully embroidered dresses, extravagant outerwear and elegant gowns appearing on a number of celebrities and high street magazine covers across the globe,” company statement says.

The shock shutdown comes as Melbourne designer shoe store Zomp will also close its doors after almost five decades in business.

In an Instagram post announcing the sad closure, the brand said “It’s been a wild and rewarding ride - whether you came to Zomp decades ago at Trinity Arcade or recently fell in love, we are so grateful to have had your continued support.”

Zomp opened its first boutique in 1972, with the mission to bring a curated collection of local and international brands never-before seen in Australia.

“Over the years we expanded into cities across Australia, where many women over multiple generations invited is into their wardrobes and lives,” the statement says.

As a final farewell all stock is 40 percent off.

Like many local labels, Thurley was already feeling the pressure of the fickle fashion industry, and it is believed the devastating impact of the global pandemic left owners with little choice but to shut up shop this week.

A model at a Thurley show during last year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Picture: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images

The brand has closed its boutique and online store.

In a 2017 interview, Thurley boss O’Connor said: “It’s an extremely tumultuous time within the fashion industry, we have tragically seen so many talented designers fall victim to the huge financial and personal pressures of producing four new collections a year and turning a profit with such high costs and increased competition.

“I do think there is a seismic shift going on within the industry and that the next five years will see big change to the retail landscape, my only hope is that the smaller designers are provided with the support they need to flourish in such a challenging environment.”

The Thurley flagship boutique located on High St in Armadale is now closed as of the 23rd November and the Thurley e-boutique has also closed upon completion of trade.

Originally published as Thurley fashion brand and Melbourne shoe label Zomp ceases trading after pandemic hits