An Alloa-based designer has unveiled a new sustainable luxury knitwear label inspired by Italian heritage and conscious fashion.
Valeria Vacca, founder of ValeriaVH, relocated from Sardinia to Scotland more than a decade ago and now balances running her growing brand alongside her role in finance at the Scottish Childminding Association in Stirling.
Driven by a shift away from fast fashion, Valeria created the label with longevity and transparency at its core.
“I’ve always loved beautiful clothes, but I became much more conscious about where they come from,” she said. “I stopped buying fast fashion after watching a documentary about factory conditions and it completely changed how I think. Now, I always check labels, fabrics and where things are made. I wanted to create something that lasts – something people can wear and enjoy for years rather than replacing every season.”
At the heart of ValeriaVH is regenerated cashmere sourced from Prato in Tuscany, one of Italy’s most renowned textile districts. There, unsold garments are broken down and re-spun into new yarns, giving premium fibres a second life while maintaining the softness and quality associated with traditional cashmere.
The debut collection, Mare d’Inverno – meaning ‘The Winter Sea’ – draws inspiration from the Mediterranean coastline during its quieter months. Reflecting the muted tones and stillness of winter shores, the collection features dresses, tops, scarves, hats and versatile knitwear designed to form the basis of a capsule wardrobe.
Pieces from the collection are currently being introduced to a select group of retailers across the UK and Europe, with a limited outlet range also available via the brand’s website.
To support the launch, Valeria secured a £15,000 loan from DSL Business Finance through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The funding enabled the development of the brand’s website, professional photography and the creation of samples used to refine the first collection.
Each garment is accompanied by a handwritten note from Valeria, detailing the story behind the piece, the materials used and the values underpinning the brand.
“I wanted people to understand what they’re buying and why it matters,” she added. “Every garment reflects the care and craftsmanship that goes into creating it, from the mills in Tuscany to the finished design. It’s about choosing quality over quantity and investing in pieces that will stand the test of time.”
Looking ahead, Valeria plans to open a dedicated showroom where customers can experience the collection in person, while also expanding storage and fulfilment capacity as demand grows.
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Since its launch in 2012, the Start Up Loans programme has provided £747,000 in funding to businesses in Clackmannanshire, with an average loan value of £8,029. Recipients also benefit from support in areas such as marketing, business development and business planning.
Barry McCulloch, senior manager for Scotland at the British Business Bank, said: “Through the Start Up Loans programme, we’re pleased to support entrepreneurs like Valeria who are building a business with a clear sense of purpose and quality at their core.”
Gillian Ayton, loan officer at DSL Business Finance, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with Valeria on her loan application and seeing the passion and clarity behind her vision. Valeria presented a strong concept for building a sustainable, high-quality brand rooted in craftsmanship and purpose. At DSL Business Finance, we’re proud to have supported her through her Start Up Loan and look forward to seeing ValeriaVH continue to grow.”
