A Petite Celebration: Timeless Design, Tailored to You
Every collection is a conversation—a reflection of the women who wear our pieces and the lives they lead. This season, that conversation led us to something truly special: our Petite Collection, created in response to the overwhelming call from women seeking fashion that fits—not just their frame, but their sense of self.
To honour the launch, we hosted an intimate luncheon at Matilda 159 Domain, bringing together some of our most loyal supporters: our Golden Ticket Winner from the April promotion and four of our top-tier VIP customers. In a setting as refined as the collection itself, guests gathered to celebrate not only beautiful clothing, but a deeper message of inclusivity and thoughtful design.
The Petite Collection embodies the OnceWas aesthetic—moody tones, rich textures, and timeless silhouettes—meticulously reimagined for women 5’4” and under. With shortened hemlines, refined proportions, and a flattering fit throughout, each piece is a study in quiet confidence.
Left to right:
1. Frankie Mazzeo wearing the Sybil Chevron Faux Fur Bomber in Moss, Sylvan Leather Jogger in Moss and Sevilla Cotton Silk Shirt in Blanca.
2. Neha Wahlia wearing the Reina Faux Fur Jacket in Jade Mist and Esmeralda Viscose Dobby Midi Dress in Mariposa Zafiro.
3. Rebeca Little wearing the Esmeralda Cotton Silk Dress in Winter Granadilla and Reina Faux Fur Cropped Jacket in Rosa.
Left to right:
1. Crystal Wang wearing the Petite Espada Linen Viscose Maxi Dress in Mariposa Nero.
2. Victoria Tomaro wearing the Mirador Cotton Silk Maxi Dress in Night Sky.
3. Jo Hall wearing the Espada Linen Viscose Maxi Dress in Mariposa Nero.
Left to right:
1. Zoe George wearing the Leighton Leather Herringbone Coat in Onyx.
2. Rachel Watts wearing the Petite Leandro Lace Viscose Stretch Blazer in Night Sky & Petite Leandro Linen Viscose Stretch Pant in Night Sky.
3. Bianca O’Neil wearing the Odessa Merino Wool Blend Knit Top in Onyx & Pavillion Leather Jogger in Husk.
Left to right:
1. Jo Stanley wearing the Luna Merino Wool Knit Top in Blanca & Mabel Leather Skirt in Wheat.
2. Belinda Abbott wearing the Montoya Leather Straight Leg Pant in Onyx, Espada Linen Viscose Maxi Dress in Mariposa Nero & Viscose Base Cami in Black, Linda Cerny wearing the Sevilla Cotton Silk Shirt in Onyx, Scarlett Faux Suede Pant in Black and Reina Faux Fur Cropped Jacket in Rosa.
3. Sneza Jovanovic wearing the Sutton Wool Blend Double Breasted Coat in Oat, Sevilla Cotton Silk Shirt in Blanca & Scarlett Faux Suede Pant in Black and Zeljka Abaza wearing the Leandro Lace Viscose Stretch Blazer in Night Sky, Leandro Linen Viscose Stretch Pant in Night Sky & Sevilla Cotton Silk Shirt in Blanca.
The luncheon reflected everything we value at OnceWas: a deep appreciation for considered design, lasting quality, and a shared love for style that tells a story—season after season. Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced produce, while Belinda Abbott, our Director and Head Designer, offered a personal walkthrough of the collection, sharing her inspiration and signature styling advice—including how to master her much-loved half-bow belt tie.
“The idea for our Petite Collection came from our community—real women who were passionate about OnceWas but needed our pieces tailored to suit them. Designing for petite frames was a beautiful challenge, and the response has been incredibly moving. I’m so grateful I get to do what I love in a way that truly impacts people. That’s what drives me every day.” — Belinda Abbott, Director & Head Designer
Whether you joined us at the table or are discovering the collection for the first time, we invite you to experience the difference that perfectly considered design can make. Explore the Petite Collection here.
Not a VIP yet? We’d love to welcome you into the community. From exclusive invites to early access and rewards, it’s more than a membership—it’s a front-row seat to everything we do. [Insert VIP sign-up link here.]
With love,
The OnceWas Team
Room details at Matilda 159 Domain.
The Solana Viscose Chiffon Midi Dress in Altamira, Rylie Reversible Faux Fur Jacket in Altamira & Blanca & Milton Leather Belt in Oatmeal.
The Leandro Lace Viscose Stretch Blazer in Night Sky, Leandro Linen Viscose Stretch Pant in Night Sky & Sevilla Cotton Silk Shirt in Blanca.
Left to right:
1. Crystal Kimber wearing the Leighton Leather Herringbone Coat in Onyx & the Sevilla Cotton Silk Shirt in Onyx, Scarlett Faux Suede Pant in Black.
2. Shathie Nkoni wearing the Elvira Viscose Stretch Crepe Blazer in Onyx & Elvira Viscose Stretch Crepe Pant in Onyx.
3. Christina Coco wearing the Francine Viscose Nylon Knit Top in Onyx & Elvira Viscose Stretch Crepe Pant in Onyx.
Left to right:
1. Dezi Cooks wearing the wearing the Mirador Cotton Silk Maxi Dress in Night Sky.
2. Natalia Kalinowski wearing the Solana Viscose Chiffon Midi Dress in Altamira.
3. Tahan Lew wearing the Merida Linen Viscose Pant in Altamira & Rylie Reversible Faux Fur Jacket in Altamira & Blanca.
