Who Is Mela Purdie? A Closer Look at Australia’s Most Loved Designer

6 min read

Key Takeaways

• Mela Purdie is an independent Australian fashion designer known for elegant, easy-care wardrobe staples.

• Her garments are made from exclusive, non-crease technical fabrics and designed for longevity.

• The brand is ethically produced in Australia and size inclusive, with styles available from 6 to 24.

Mela Purdie is Impulse Boutique’s most beloved Australian fashion designer, and we’re proud to have been a part of her incredible journey from the very early days. For over 21 years, we’ve watched her brand grow into one of Australia’s most trusted names in timeless fashion, and many of you have joined us along the way.

There isn’t a lot of detailed information about Mela out there, so we’ve drawn from over two decades of experience, customer feedback, and media features to answer your most frequently asked questions about Mela Purdie, the designer, the label, and the legacy.

Who Is Mela Purdie?

Born in Perth, Mela completed her secondary education in Melbourne, then went on to study at Sydney University, graduating with Honours in Design. She followed this with four more years at Sydney College of the Arts, where she graduated top of her class in 1984. Just one year later, she became Head Designer at Carla Zampatti, one of the most iconic names in Australian fashion.

After years working in the “rag trade” and identifying gaps in the market, Mela launched her eponymous label in 2001. She started with a single $1500 roll of stretch jersey fabric, one stockist at Sydney Airport, and one simple design: her now-famous Boat Neck Top. Fast forward to today, and Mela Purdie has become a globally recognised name in fashion, with a multi-million-dollar brand and loyal international following.

Despite the growth, she has stayed true to her roots, keeping over 90% of production in Australia. Only a few specialist knits and rainwear pieces are made offshore due to technical limitations.

With tailoring, embroidery, and design in her blood (thanks to her mother and grandmother), and a sharp eye for colour and form, it’s no surprise that Mela became one of Australia’s most influential designers.

“I always had a great love of art - combinations of colours and simplicity in particular. My logical thought processes led me to love simple shapes, structures and silhouettes. I have designed many different types of fashion but my business is very much about essentials. The range is almost like a jigsaw; it all goes together.”

Mela’s Italian background fostered a love of good wine, food and family culture and she loves to entertain in her home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Being a design maven, her beautiful house has been featured in several interior design editorials and she has spoken to the Sydney Morning Herald about her connection to wine and food here:  https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/what-i-drink-when-mela-purdie-20120609-2029j.html

Who Owns Mela Purdie?

Mela owns her company outright. This independence gives her complete creative control and the ability to adapt quickly, without answering to a board. She designs everything herself, supported by a tight-knit, long-standing team and valuable feedback from boutique owners like us.

She also believes in building on core wardrobe pieces, not starting from scratch each season. Around 30% of her collection remains consistent, allowing customers to confidently add to their wardrobe knowing everything will mix and match.

Where Is Mela Purdie Made?

As mentioned above, 90–95% of Mela Purdie’s collections are made in Australia. Only select knitwear and rainwear styles are produced offshore, due to fabric technologies not available locally.

At Impulse Boutique, we value this local production approach for several reasons:

• Ethical manufacturing – fair wages, safe conditions, and accountability

• Fast turnaround – reorders delivered in just 4–6 weeks

• Flexibility – special orders can often be made if you need a particular size or colour

• Support for the local industry – your dollars go back into our communities

Why Is Mela Purdie So Expensive?

This is the question we hear most often, especially from those unfamiliar with the brand.

Let’s be honest: yes, Mela Purdie is a premium product, and for some it may seem expensive. But for those who’ve worn her garments, the value is obvious. The fabric, the fit, the longevity, it’s all there.

But, for those who don’t have the pleasure of owning any Mela yet, let us explain. 

First of all, let’s get this out of the way: Yes, Mela Purdie is a premium and exclusive product and the prices reflect that. This is true for many fashion labels, and it’s simply a fact of life that we can’t all afford the things we’d like to own. I’d love to be dripping in Saint Laurent clothing and drinking Krug champagne with my private chef-cooked meals every night but alas, that’s simply not my destiny!

Now that I’ve made that point, let’s look at practical reasons for the price range that Mela Purdie sits in. 

First, local production costs more, but it ensures fair treatment of workers, premium quality control, and flexibility. As a customer, you’re investing in a garment that won’t fall apart after a few wears. You're buying once and buying well.

Second, Mela’s exclusive fabrics are custom-woven and dyed using advanced technologies. They’re made to resist creasing, skim the body, and flatter mature silhouettes, without clinging or clumping.

Fashion editor Janice Green Burns explains: “[Purdie] often uses technically advanced fabrics to do a better job than cheaper alternatives do in younger collections, to skim, cloak, drape and hold their shape… Silkier technical fabrics of the right weight and density enable Purdie to control the drape and behaviour of a garment against a woman’s body at a time when she’s fussier than she’s ever been about flattery (especially around the belly, bust and bum), fit and flesh exposure. “It’s drape that doesn’t cling, or look too sheer” Purdie says. “It’s drape and weight without puff and bulk”.”

A Mela Purdie piece is an investment. Many of our customers wear their jersey basics for 5–10 years before needing to replace them. The comfort is second to none. The designs are timeless. And the versatility? Unreal.

Whether you’re dressing for work, a holiday, or a casual dinner, her clothes always work. And let’s not forget, no ironing necessary!

Even if you can only collect one or two pieces a season, I predict those will bring you more joy and longevity than the 10 cheaper items you could have bought. It’s all about buying less, but buying better.

Does Mela Purdie Offer Plus Sizes?

Yes! Mela Purdie is one of the rare labels that has always offered inclusive sizing, with most styles available from sizes 6 to 24. At Impulse Boutique, we consistently stock sizes 8 to 18, and we’re expanding our extended size offering based on customer demand. You’ll now find many pieces available in sizes 20–24.

Where Should I Start My Mela Purdie Wardrobe?

Start with the piece that speaks to you. Most of us fall in love with a garment before we even know why, go with that feeling.

My first Mela Purdie purchase was a white satin charmeuse blouse in 2011. It’s still in my wardrobe today, still washable, still wearable, and still receives compliments. That shirt was the beginning of what is now a wardrobe that’s one-third Mela and I wouldn’t change a thing.

If you're just getting started, we've included some staple pieces below to explore. 

Looking ahead, I’ve got my eye on the Wide Cross Pant in Microprene for a super comfy light summer pant, and the Batwing Top in Maché for an elegant day to night top I can wear with pretty much anything! (Shop the links below)

Final Thoughts

Mela Purdie is more than a label, it’s a lifestyle of comfort, quality, and confidence. Every piece is made to feel good, wear well, and stay relevant. Impulse Boutique has proudly supported the Mela Purdie brand for over two decades, and we’ll continue to champion her timeless vision, designed by women, for women, right here in Australia.