How an Australian designer's fashion fame spurred a mental health unravelling
Fashion designer Rochelle Gregory has opened up about her mental health struggles through a short film showcased at her recent runway show. After achieving success with her label Rocky Rafaela, Gregory faced significant personal challenges, including multiple mental health diagnoses. She now uses her experiences to inspire others and is collaborating with Lifeline to raise awareness and funds for mental health support.
- ▪Rochelle Gregory's fashion label Rocky Rafaela gained fame after her designs were worn by celebrities like Ruby Rose and Gigi Hadid.
- ▪Gregory has battled mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder and depression, while building her fashion career.
- ▪She recently premiered a short film at Melbourne Fashion Week that details her struggles with mental health and her journey to recovery.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Fashion designer Rochelle Gregory uses film to untangle her mental health battleABC ArtsTopic:FashionMon 18 May 2026 at 8:53amMon 18 May 2026 at 8:53amMon 18 May 2026 at 8:53amRochelle Gregory, who runs fashion label Rocky Rafaela, has laid bare her mental health battle in a short film screened during her latest runway show. (Supplied)abc.net.au/news/rochelle-gregory-rocky-rafaela-fashion-mental-health/106677864Link copiedShareShare articleMelbourne fashion designer Rochelle Gregory found success in 2018 when one of her custom-designed leather jackets was worn by actress Ruby Rose in a cosmetics billboard campaign.The moment marked a career gear shift for Gregory, but as her sartorial narrative soared a mental health unravelling almost derailed her.Now the rock 'n' roll-inspired designer…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).