One of Australia’s most popular fashion designers reveals her shock health diagnosis forcing her to shut down her brand

Australian fashion designer, Alice McCall, has revealed that she will be shutting down her namesake label after receiving a tragic health prognosis.

As a lifestyle expert, I am McCall, age 48, sharing my personal health journey with you today. Over the past few days, I’ve been battling multiple lesions on my pelvic bone and vertebrae, and I am currently awaiting test results to determine if this is bone cancer. My heart is heavy, but I remain hopeful and steadfast in my pursuit of healing and wellness.

Beyond that, McCall is concerned she might have experienced an unfavorable response to a radioactive intravenous treatment at the nuclear department of the cancer hospital.

McCall, having recently revamped her company with assistance from Shein following its bankruptcy, stated that she is left with no other option except to close down her business once more.

As a dedicated follower, I am compelled to share that I will be closing down my brand once more, as my current health circumstances unfortunately prevent me from working. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my valued business partners for their unwavering support and belief in both me and the investment we’ve made together. Regrettably, due to my severe health issues, we must close our operations at this time.

She expressed her passion for design and creativity, but shared that she’s deeply troubled by her current health issues, as one problem seems to follow another.

Her focus now is to improve her health, and ‘cultivate light and love’, McCall said. 

McCall has been struggling with various health conditions for some time. 

Back in June, she shared with her Instagram audience that she had been diagnosed with foraminal stenosis, a health issue which involves the narrowing of spaces within the spinal column, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves, leading to sensations of pain, numbness, or weakness.

About a year ago, she received a diagnosis for a functional neurological condition. This refers to an issue where the brain and nervous system have difficulties in transmitting and receiving signals, despite the fact that there is no visible structural damage.

She mentioned on Instagram that her symptoms include both neurological and mental issues, but what’s particularly alarming for her right now are the physical symptoms.

As a devoted follower, I’m experiencing growing challenges in performing daily tasks such as carrying my handbag or taking a sip from a cup of tea. My deteriorating condition has forced me to cease employment, and even the chore of grocery shopping has become an uphill battle. The once effortless acts that were second nature to me are now causing strain.

McCall stated that she had entirely lost feeling on her skin everywhere, and argued that her muscles were deteriorating unusually quickly.

‘I want to get better. I’m scared. My body and my mind are failing me,’ she wrote.

Previously in April 2025, she shared about her neurological issue through a post on Instagram. In it, she mentioned experiencing a ‘sudden detachment from reality’ 18 months prior, and she hasn’t regained that feeling since then.

Six months prior to her business facing liquidation due to nearly a million dollars worth of outstanding debts, she started experiencing these symptoms.

McCall stated that it felt as though he was disconnected energetically from his environment, similar to switching off an electrical power source.

McCall reached out to various medical professionals, including neurologists, naturopaths, and even energy healers or psychics in search of an explanation, but has not received a diagnosis as of now.

As an ardent advocate, I find myself often grappling with a complex condition that, unfortunately, remains elusive to many, making it challenging for others to fully comprehend and recognize. This leaves me feeling overlooked and unheard in the process, adding another layer of difficulty to my journey.

‘But know just because you can’t see something or label it, doesn’t mean it’s not real.’ 

Alice McCall, a label established in 2004, gained popularity amongst Australian fashion enthusiasts due to its collection of delightfully feminine party dresses, playsuits, and individual pieces that quickly became favorites for various occasions.

The designs frequently graced red carpets and prestigious fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. The brand was adored for its light-hearted, whimsical approach to style.

Despite facing hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company encountered financial difficulties and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in February 2023, leaving a debt of $1 million to its creditors.

In November 2023, McCall endeavored to reemerge by teaming up with the popular fast fashion brand Shein, offering an affordable line of clothing showcasing her unique, playful design aesthetic.

Critics, including fans of the brand, have spoken out against it due to its longstanding controversies related to widespread environmental damage accusations and the practice of borrowing designs from larger and frequently lesser-known fashion houses.

Despite the achievement, McCall continued to work alongside Shein once more in 2024 after the remarkable sales of her inaugural line.

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2025-08-15 07:18