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About The Designer Precinct

Founded by Vicki Vlahos

The Designer Precinct was founded by Vicki Vlahos, a Sydney‑based fashion designer with over 20 years of experience in fashion and design.
Vicki is the creative force behind luxury label Portia & Scarlett, a globally recognised formalwear and pageant dress brand that has dramatically influenced contemporary evening wear and designer dresses worldwide.

A Visionary in Luxury Fashion & Occasionwear

Vicki Vlahos nurtured her lifelong dream of becoming a fashion designer by first opening The Doll House, a Sydney boutique dedicated to high‑end, statement dresses. Recognising a growing demand for distinctive designer gowns and formalwear, she launched Portia & Scarlett in 2014, a brand that combines bold silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and expert craftsmanship for special occasions, proms, formal events, and pageants around the world.

Today, Portia & Scarlett’s designer dresses are stocked in more than 1,000 stores across 15 countries, reflecting Vicki’s international impact and global recognition in the luxury fashion space.

Global Reach & Recognition

Under Vicki’s leadership, Portia & Scarlett quickly became a standout in the pageant and formalwear community, with red‑carpet‑ready gowns beloved by young women seeking unique and statement‑making dresses. The brand’s designs have seen widespread adoption and popularity in the United States, UK, Australia, and beyond.

The label’s prestige was celebrated globally at its 10‑year anniversary event in Atlanta, attended by international retailers, media personalities, and influencers — a testament to its prominence in the world of luxury occasionwear.

In addition to her creative achievements, Vicki’s influence extends into global beauty pageant fashion — with involvement in Miss Universe related dress collaborations and brand exposure through pageant communities.

Combining Couture Craft with Boutique Experience

With The Designer Precinct, Vicki brings her deep industry experience—spanning bridal couture, bridal fashion, prom dresses, formal gowns, designer dress hire, and custom made‑to‑order creations—to one distinguished Sydney destination. Her philosophy centres on empowering women to feel confident, elegant, and unforgettable in luxury designer dresses that are exclusive and expertly crafted.

Why The Designer Precinct Stands Apart

  • Founder‑led by Vicki Vlahos, with two decades of fashion design excellence.
  • Creatively rooted in the legacy of Portia & Scarlett and contemporary couture.
  • Designsand sources exclusive designer dresses you won’t find anywhere else.
  • Expert guidance for bridal, formal, prom, and special occasion fashion.
  • Sydney‑based boutique with worldwide reach and shipping.

A Global Celebrity Designer

Vicki Vlahos travels all over the world as a celebrity guest
designer
, hosting trunk shows and boutique events for luxury
retailers and fashion communities. Her international appearances include:     

  • Henries, Ohio     
  • Diane & Co, New Jersey
  • Castle Couture, NewJersey       
  • Peaches Boutique chicagoTerry Costa dallas

Through these collaborations, Vicki showcases her exclusive Portia & Scarlett and Designer Precinct collections, providing clients worldwide with luxury, couture-level gowns that cannot be purchased anywhere else.