Melbourne's Top 10 Dress Designers

(Courtesy keroiam.tumblr.com)

We’ve rounded up the best of the best wedding dress designers in Melbourne, so that finding your perfect dress is a piece of (wedding) cake. That’s right, you no longer need to tramp around the streets of Melbourne feeling overwhelmed by all of the choices – just head straight to one of these fabulous designers and book a consultation. Here are our absolute best finds, in no particular order.

Henry Roth

(Courtesy outincanberra.com.au)

Henry Roth’s bridal empire is a three generational family business, based in Australia and New York- so needless to say, his passion for his art runs deep. Not only does he run the family business, he’s also been a mentor on Project Runway Australia, and often provides fashion commentary for red carpet events. With such a keen eye for style, it’s no surprise that Henry Roth wedding dresses are often regarded –by fashion critics and stylish modern brides – as being highly chic and sophisticated.

For an original Henry Roth piece, visit one of these local stockists:

Raffaele Ciuca

Brunswick, Victoria 3056
Phone: (03) 9380 4044

Fairy Tales Bridal Boutique
8

Croydon, Victoria 3136
Phone: (03) 9723 2454

Afective Formal & Bridal

Preston, Victoria 3072
Phone: (03) 9478 0755

The House of Bridal Elegance
263

Essendon, Victoria 3040
Phone: (03) 9374 1577

Maggies of Dandenong

Dandenong, Victoria 3175
Phone: (03) 9706 7688

www.henryroth.com.au

Annette of Melbourne

(Courtesy myweddindress.blogspot.com)

Annette of Melbourne is renowned for creating fabulously stylish dresses that are absolutely unique to each bride. She has an eye for style and is often able to tell brides-to-be, the moment they walk in the door, what style would best suit their body shape. During your initial consultation, Annette, or one of her expert designers, will sketch a personalised dress design just for you. Then, over the coming months, they will collaborate with you and bring it to completion, with perfection in mind. Most of her brides agree that what sets Annette and her small team apart is their friendly approach and their passion for their craft – they’ll soon feel more like family than “just” designers.

If you’d like a unique dress, fit for a princess, visit their studio address:

Annette of Melbourne
103

Seddon, Victoria 3011
Phone: (03) 9687 3981

 annetteofmelbourne.com.au

Mariana Hardwick

(Courtesy marianahardwick.com.au)

For over 30 years, happy brides have walked down the aisle in gorgeous Mariana Hardwick dresses. This multi-award-winning designer was the first to launch a contemporary Australian bridal wear label, and now, the Mariana Hardwick label is internationally recognised. These beautifully crafted, 100% Australian-made frocks tend to turn the head of every guest and inspire “oohs” and “ahhs” from even the most finicky of brides.

To get your hands on a Mariana Hardwick dress, be sure to visit one of these locations:

Bridal Emporium / The HardwickBuilding

Brunswick, Victoria 3056

Phone: (03) 9388 0399

Bridal Boutique / Armadale

Armadale, Victoria 3143

Phone: (03) 9388 0399

www.marianahardwick.com.au

Anna Campbell

(Courtesy fashiondivadesign.com)

Anna Campbell is a relatively new kid on the bridal block, but she sure has hit the ground running. Her dresses are luxuriously elegant, feminine and romantic. The design style is slightly rustic and vintage, and each dress is lovingly hand-made with the highest quality fabrics and materials, so that you will look and feel stunning on your special day.

For a beautiful Anna Campbell dress, pop into one of the following stores:

Anna Campbell

Brunswick, Victoria 3056

Phone: (03) 9387 0001

Anna Campbell

1014

Armadale, Victoria 3143
Phone: (03) 9500 9128

www.annacampbell.com.au

Karen Willis Holmes

(Courtesy karenwillisholmes.com)

Karen Willis Holmes launched her label in 2000 and has since become well-known for her classy and affordable Australian-made wedding dresses. Her gowns are made of the highest quality fabrics and materials from around the world, and are sewn with love, care and attention to detail. In addition to being cut in a super flattering fashion, Karen’s gowns often feature intricate beading and embroidery, setting them apart from run of the mill styles. The most frequent comments that Karen receives from brides? Well, they’re along the lines of, “It’s better than I could have dreamed!” and “You’ve exceeded all of my expectations”.

If you’d like to stand out in a Karen Willis Holmes dress, head to:

www.karenwillisholmes.com

d’Italia

(Courtesy ditalia.com.au)

d’Italia is made up of a team of 17 designers who are dedicated to fitting out each and every bride in her dream dress. d’Italia’s gorgeous gowns are made with imported Italian silks and French laces, so that you feel every bit the princess that you deserve to be on your wedding day.

For a luxurious bespoke wedding dress without the exorbitant price tag usually attached to such a gown, visit the store:

d’Italia
62 Glenferrie Road
Malvern, Victoria 3144
Phone: (03) 9509 4633

www.ditalia.com.au

Arpie and Maral Couture

(Courtesy www.arpieandmaral.com.au)

Arpie and Maral Couture aim- as their name implies- to bring haute couture to every one of their customers. With years of designing and producing couture dresses, they use embroidery techniques used by all major fashion houses, executed with only the highest quality materials, and moreover, offer their services at an extremely competitive rate. In addition, each wedding dress is uniquely designed to best accentuate your figure and embody your personality. On top of these standout services, they do create their own couture bridal headpieces, veils, jewellery and crystal bouquets.

If you’d like to say “I do” in an Arpie and Maral gown, visit:

Arpie and Maral Couture Showroom
10 The Parade
Clarinda Vic 3169
Phone: (04) 23 206 104
By appointment only

www.arpieandmaral.com.au

Simonelli Couture

(Courtesy simonellicouture.com)

Julie Simonelli-Valentino and her team of designers have a reputation for creating stunningly gorgeous wedding dresses. This award-winning label specialises in crafting wedding gowns with luxurious fabrics and unique embellishments. Each step of the dress-making process – pattern design, fabric cutting, sewing, beading, fittings and alterations – is lovingly and carefully completed right in their Melbourne workshop, so you can truly say that you’re wearing a 100% Australian-made gown.

For a wedding dress with a bit of unique flair, visit:

Simonelli Bridal Couture
282

3078
Phone: (03) 9481 3088

simonellicouture.com

Connie Simonetti

(Courtesy conniesimonetti.com)

Since 1987, Connie Simonetti has been designing wedding gowns with passion, attention to detail and precision in accentuating the bride’s feminine figure. She uses the finest silks, laces and beads to create unique masterpieces that are glamorously unforgettable.

If you’d like to be draped in a Connie Simonetti gown, visit her store:

Connie Simonetti
1258 High Street
Armadale, Victoria 3143
Phone: (03) 9509 8737

conniesimonetti.com

J’Aton Couture

(Courtesy blog.sugarandspiceevents.com.au)

Founded by Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino in 1995, J’Aton has firmly established itself as a couture powerhouse. Drawing on such varied sources of inspiration as architecture, history and art, the brand ’s aims to inject a sense of femininity and elegance into each of their gowns. Needless to say, only the highest quality laces, beads and fabrics are use throughout. Each client deals directly with one of the brand’s designers, and collaborates with a small team throughout the production of the dress, (which usually lasts around 6 months), during which they are encouraged to actively help design the piece .

Although J’Aton is based in Melbourne, they do offer their services nationwide.

For those interested in enquiring further, please contact info@jatoncouture.com.