With Vanessa Pearce at the helm, the fashion label – The Wolf Gang – has mastered the art of turning bold prints and vintage silhouettes into pieces that radiate confidence and undeniable edge.
From Adelaide’s creative hub to a global audience, The Wolf Gang is a fashion revolution in the making.
Born in the heart of Adelaide, The Wolf Gang is more than just a label; it’s a celebration of boldness, wanderlust, and timeless style.
Since its inception, the brand has captured the imaginations of women worldwide, with vibrant collections that offer a modern take on vintage inspired silhouettes.
The babe behind the brand, Vanessa Pearce, is a visionary who has turned her passion for unique design into an international success story.
Vanessa recently sat down with us to discuss the journey of The Wolf Gang, sharing insights into her creative process, her inspirations, and how she balances being a mum of three with leading a global fashion empire.
A CREATIVE SPARK TURNED FASHION ICON
Every great brand starts with a spark of inspiration, and for Vanessa, that spark was born out of a love for artisan fashion and the vibrant textiles she encountered on her travels.
“Straight out of school, I started in the beauty industry, working at department stores and doing freelance wedding makeup on weekends,” Vanessa says. “In my early twenties, I crossed over to fashion retail while finishing my public relations degree.
After graduating, I had a short PR contract with a fashion brand in Sydney, followed by a marketing role in Adelaide. Neither job was long-term, but the experience solidified my burning desire to start my own brand. That’s how The Wolf Gang formed.”
The journey began with a humble yet striking offering: soft suede pouches inspired by the bustling markets of Morocco. These pouches, particularly the now-iconic Bedouin Clutch, set the tone for the brand’s signature style—a mix of bold colours, artisanal embellishments, and global influences.
FROM LOCAL LABEL TO GLOBAL SENSATION
Today, The Wolf Gang is stocked by major retailers, including Revolve, Anthropologie, and Shopbop, alongside boutiques worldwide. Securing these partnerships has been a dream come true for Vanessa and her team.
“We definitely popped a bottle when we secured Shopbop and Revolve. International expansion is no easy feat, and I’m blessed by my team’s combined effort to make it a reality.”
Vanessa’s dedication to nurturing global relationships has also taken her to fashion hubs like New York, London, and Paris.
“Travelling for work is like a dream come true,” Vanessa admitted. “The brand is performing really well in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s important to understand the market and nurture buyer relationships.
“Being away from my kids is extremely difficult—though I think they hardly notice when I’m gone!”
As The Wolf Gang has expanded globally, so has Vanessa’s team, which now spans across cities like London, Sydney, LA, and Bali.
Despite the distances, Vanessa has a hands-on approach to keeping everyone connected and the brand running seamlessly.
“I love having these touchpoints close to our markets and manufacturers, it’s been a real advantage for us,” Vanessa says.
Regular check ins, combined with the use of a communications app for updates, help keep the team aligned. Vanessa admits that she often pulls her laptop out at night after the kids go to bed to ensure things are moving forward.
“I’ve found communicating with our London team to be relatively easy, even with the time difference. It’s just part of the job, and I’m happy to make it work!”
Her commitment to staying connected with her team – no matter where they are – is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and consistency. This personal involvement is just one of the reasons why The Wolf Gang has managed to build such a strong, cohesive presence on the global stage.
Despite this global reach, The Wolf Gang remains deeply connected to its Adelaide roots. Vanessa credits the city’s relaxed vibe and immense creative talent for shaping her approach to design and business.
“Adelaide hosts an incredible amount of talent, and some of the best creatives are from here. The comfort of home allows me to be creative, work on growing the business, and still have time for family and friends.”
When asked how Adelaide influences her designs, Vanessa says it has a lot to do with the city’s easy-going lifestyle. “Adelaide gives me the space to create timeless yet bold pieces that transcend trends.
Indeed, balancing timeless elegance with bold innovation is at the core of The Wolf Gang’s design ethos.
Vanessa’s creative process begins with one question: What makes this piece special?
“I look for a combination of uniqueness and wearability. A piece has to feel distinctive— whether through its shape, fabric, or details—while also being versatile and wearable. Most importantly, it has to evoke a feeling—a sense of confidence, beauty, or empowerment. That’s what’s truly important to me– knowing the wearer will look her best, feel confident and be given lots of compliments on her outfit.”
This philosophy extends to the brand’s aesthetic, which draws inspiration from silhouettes from as far back as the 60s, and 70s. Vanessa elaborates,
“We avoid all trend forecasting platforms and instead look to bygone eras and faraway cities for inspiration. At the same time, we incorporate unexpected details and modern twists that make each piece feel fresh and relevant.” The brand’s seasonal offerings cater to a variety of needs, from vacation dressing to statement event wear.
When asked which pieces she’d pack for a dream vacation, Vanessa was quick to name her essentials:
- The Sunmor Dress: “It’s comfortable, versatile, and an absolute knockout.”
- The Suri Shell Bag: “It fits so much and looks unique for day dates or events.”
- Crochet Bikinis: “A poolside must-have always!”
Each piece is designed with purpose, ensuring that every item in The Wolf Gang collection is both functional and unforgettable.
Vanessa’s personal style is a perfect mirror of The Wolf Gang’s bold and eclectic aesthetic. Her wardrobe tells a story of creativity and individuality, with one collection holding a special place in her heart: her shoes.
With a smile, Vanessa reveals that this is her most cherished fashion lineup. “My extensive shoe collection features in almost every shoot we do,” she says.
“Even though I have a small foot, we somehow manage to make my personal collection fit on all the gorgeous tall models who come through our studio!”
THE WOLF PACK
As a mum of three—Marty (8), Heidi (7), and Odie (5)—Vanessa somehow manages to juggles the demands of running a global brand with family life.
“I cherish any time off after work with my three gorgeous kids and husband, Sam,” she said. Whether it’s escaping to the beach, enjoying a kid-friendly dinner, or indulging in a rare date night, Vanessa prioritises quality family time.
Her kids also play a surprising role in the creative process. “They definitely give me feedback! They often comment on the colours, fabrics, and even the names of the collections. Their honesty and fresh perspective sometimes make me rethink my choices!”
When asked about her dream collaboration, Vanessa’s answer was as bold and inspired as her designs. “Mexican architect Javier Senosiain. His organic, nature-inspired approach to design aligns beautifully with our ethos. I’d love to create a collection of clothing and objects inspired by his flowing, sculptural architecture.”
Looking ahead, Vanessa is committed to furthering The Wolf Gang’s vision as a lifestyle brand that transcends borders and trends. “We want to continue creating pieces that evoke emotion and allow women to carry a bit of the otherworldly into the everyday.”
Even amidst a packed schedule, Vanessa finds time to explore Adelaide with her family. “Some of our go-to spots include Chalk Hill Winery and Lost Phoenix Farm in the Fleurieu. In summer, we spend a lot of time at Seacliff beach, watching the kids enjoy the ocean and soaking up the sun.”
In a world of fast fashion, The Wolf Gang stands out as a brand that values quality, craftsmanship, and individuality. Whether you’re drawn to its vibrant prints, handcrafted embellishments, or timeless silhouettes, each piece tells a story of wanderlust and creativity.
As Vanessa Pearce continues to shape The Wolf Gang’s legacy, she invites women everywhere to embrace boldness and beauty—one unforgettable piece at a time.
Welcome to a wardrobe of wearable art. Welcome to The Wolf Gang.
For more information:
thewolfgang.com | @the.wolf.gan
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter
