Get to Know These 15 Australian Wedding Dress Designers That Are Shaking Up the Bridal Scene
When you think of the world's main fashion hubs, you might not think of Australia, but with these 15 Australian wedding dress designers making their way into the scene, that's all about to change. Thanks to the innovative work of these creatives, the Land Down Under is quickly putting themselves on the map as one of the best places to shop for unique wedding dresses. No matter what wedding dress aesthetic you're in the market for, Australia is sure to have the look for you.
Oz may seem like a long ways away, but not to worry—you don't have to make a trip across the globe to shop these looks. Many of our favorite Australian brands can be found in a bridal salon near you.
Keep reading to discover 15 wedding dress designers that are shaking up Australia's bridal industry, then, head to our wedding dress designer roundup for even more inspiration.
Our Favorite Australian Wedding Dress Designers
1. Rachel Gilbert
Rachel Gilbert, founder of the namesake brand, hoped to pioneer a contemporary approach to design when she got her start in 2007. Her unique approach to bridal and eveningwear design is revolutionizing the industry in Australia, and around the world. You may have seen her designs on the red carpet, worn by iconic women like Taylor Swift, Heidi Klum, and Kim Kardashian. Gilbert prides herself in knowing exactly what brides need to feel their best on their wedding day, and that is certainly evident in the intricate details of the brand's gowns. The esteemed bridal brand has become a staple in many major retailers, including Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Moda Operandi, FarFetch, Saks 5th Avenue, & David Jones.
How to shop: Rachel Gilbert is carried at many bridal retailers. You can also book an appointment at one of the brand's storefronts.
Prices starting at: $995
2. J. Andreatta
At the intersection of femininity and edge, you'll find Jessica Andreatta, founder of the Sydney based bridal brand, J.ANDREATTA. Andreatta was raised in the world of fashion, as her mother owned her own children's clothing brand and taught at Australia's prestigious Whitehouse School of Design. She fell in love with fashion at a young age and even went on to attend the Whitehouse School of Design herself. After spending time working as a designer at one of Australia's leading bridal labels, Andreatta decided to follow in her mother's footsteps and pioneer her own brand. Thus in 2018, J.ANDREATTA was born. Today, the brand works to break new ground within the bridal industry by experimenting with 'evolving shapes and unexpected fabrications'. Andreatta's designs can be spotted both in wedding aisles and red carpets around the world (as she also specializes in couture).
How to shop: You can visit J.ANDREATTA's Sydney storefront, or contact the team directly to inquire about a gown.
Prices starting at: $8,500
3. Made With Love
Founded in 2013 by designer and creative director, Carla Jenkins, Made With Love Bridal started as a family business on the Gold Coast of Australia, and has grown to become an internationally recognised brand known for providing a uniquely personal experience for brides all around the world. Brides get the chance to experience the Made With Love Collection firsthand by working one-on-one with a professional stylist. The brand offers professional cleaning services for their brides, which is the perfect way to preserve the quality of your dress for years to come. Above all, Made With Love aims to empower brides with gowns they can feel comfortable and confident in.
How to shop: You can book an appointment with one of Made With Love's stylists across Australia and the United Kingdom. The team is known for creating meaningful and lasting bonds with their brides.
Prices starting at: $1,500
4. Lola Varma
Courtney Illfield, founder of Lola Varma Atelier, got her start as a fashion and wedding photographer. Her keen eye for style and detail led her to break into the design world. Illfield was fueled by the idea of creating garments for the unconventional bride—those with a bit of an edge, who feel restricted by tradition. Lola Varma's unique pieces combine elements of high fashion with everyday apparel, and encourage brides to embrace their own individuality and womanhood.
How to shop: You can shop Lola Varma at a number of bridal boutiques around the world.
Prices starting at: $3,500
5. Grace Loves Lace
By now, you probably already have Grace Loves Lace on your radar, and for good reason. The beloved bridal brand is known for its unforgettable wedding looks and affordable prices. Founder Megan Ziems started the company in 2011 with the belief that price tags shouldn't get in the way of brides finding their dream dress. At Grace Loves Lace, you'll find handmade gowns that are effortlessly chic and comfortable. The brand's commitment to sustainability means that you can look good and feel good about wearing it. Each gown is made to order, to prevent accumulation of waste. Plus, the fabrics used are made from 97% recycled materials.
How to shop: Grace Loves Lace has showrooms in a number of major U.S. cities, and around the world. You can also book a virtual appointment with one of the team's expert stylists.
Prices starting at: $1,600
6. KYHA
The inspiration for KYHA Studios came from founder and creative director, Kyha Scott's own experience as a bride. After trying on countless wedding gowns with no luck, Scott couldn't help but feel tired of the traditional. She set out on a mission to design wedding looks that embodied her own vision of the modern bride. Looking to the runway for inspiration, Scott aimed to blur the lines between fashion and bridal. Her collections under KYHA and Chosen by KYHA are shaking things up in the bridal scene both in Australia, and around the world.
How to shop: KYHA's website boasts a wide assortment of ready-to-wear pieces to shop. You can also schedule a virtual consultation or visit one of their studios in New York City, Melbourne, or Sydney.
Prices starting at: $1,000
7. Christie Nicole
Christie Nicole is known within Australia's bridal scene for creating gowns that are anything but ordinary. Founder, Christie Trowbridge, got her start in lingerie design back in 2013, and her knack for creating sumptuous, sultry pieces certainly did not go to waste when she transitioned into bridal design in 2016. Trowbridge's exclusive collection of made to order and bespoke bridal pieces is revered for its ability to combine elements of romance and edge. Dramatic silhouettes adorned with intricate details and embellishments make Christie Nicole a go-to for the bride that dares to stand out.
How to shop: Head to Christie Nicole's website to book a showroom fitting or online consultation.
Prices starting at: $1,400
8. Harriette Gordon
For as long as she can remember, Harriette Gordon has been enthralled by the art of fashion. She spent her childhood learning to sew garments with her family, and went on to study fashion design at Curtin University. During her time in school, she fell in love with the hands-on aspect of design, and went on to create bespoke pieces under her namesake brand in 2014. Today, Gordon brings the romance of the Renaissance alive in the 21st century, with inspiration from music, art, film and poetry. Her most recent collection aimed to portray themes of motherhood encapsulating femininity, spirit & depth.
How to shop: Shop Harriette Gordon's collection of veils and accessories directly from their website, or contact the team directly to inquire about a gown.
Prices starting at: $1,300
9. Bo & Luca
Shannon Pittman first fell in love with design while living abroad in the Middle East. Here, she was exposed to a wide variety of styles, including the intricate hand-beading of women's saris. She founded Bo & Luca as a way to help her friends find their dream wedding dresses. After two years of research, Pittman opened the doors to Bo & Luca's first storefront in Australia, and small atelier in India. Bohemian brides will rejoice in this brilliant selection of bridal gowns. Their pieces are each handmade and hand beaded in India using the same slow luxury process that Pittman was once drawn to.
How to shop: You can shop all your favorite Bo & Luca designs directly from their website, or in various stockists around the world.
Prices starting at: $3,210
10. Georgia Young
Georgia Young is certainly no rookie to the world of design. She got her start as a young child experimenting with her mother's sewing machine. She went on to study Couture in college and work in a Melbourne Couture house for several years before setting off to start her own brand. The Georgia Young label was founded with the intention of being unlike anything else, and offering choices for those who don't want to look like traditional brides. Georgia Young's gowns are made with love and made-to-order in their Brunswick studio.
How to shop: You can get in touch with a representative from Georgia Young to inquire about one of their handmade gowns.
Prices starting at: $4,800
11. Mariana Hardwick
Mariana Hardwick's gowns were made to reflect contemporary life. That being said, you'll find nothing but the hottest styles in their vibrant collection. Each gown flaunts uniquely modern detail, with timeless structure that roots itself in tradition. The team behind Mariana Hardwick has spent over 30 years perfecting the art of bridal design in order to stay at the forefront of every wedding dress trend. They're best known amongst bridal experts for their figure-flattering mermaid silhouettes.
How to shop: You can book an appointment at Mariana Hardwick's Melbourne showroom, or browse their shoppable looks online.
Prices starting at: $3500
12. Zavana
If you've ever browsed through a bridal boutique, you may have stumbled upon a Zavana gown. This Australia-based bridal brand is known for their intricately detailed pieces that have brides throughout the world swooning. The brand was first established in 2016 as part of the Cizzy Bridal Australia label. Today, they are a go-to destination for sophisticated brides looking for a dress with a true wow-factor.
How to shop: Zavana's gowns can be found at countless stores around the world. Check out their full list of stockists to find a retailer near you.
Prices starting at: $2,000
13. Anna Campbell
Timeless and feminine are two words that come to mind when browsing Anna Campbell's exquisite selection of bridal gowns. At 19 years old, the founder dropped out of fashion design school to pursue her own collection. Little did she know that years later she would become a powerhouse in Australia's bridal design industry. Today, the brand's signature style draws in brides from around the world. Each piece is designed in their Melbourne studio, with a focus on quality and sustainability.
How to shop: With Anna Campbell's virtual consultation services, shopping for your dream dress has never been easier.
Prices starting at: $2,500
14. Karen Wills Holmes
Over the years, Australian wedding dress designer Karen Willis Holmes has grown to become a standout figure within the country's bridal scene. She has received many honors for her beloved designs, including designing a replica of Kate Middleton's wedding gown, which was featured in news outlets around the world. The brand's mission is to provide gorgeous, hand-crafted gowns that place an emphasis on the details. They boast a wide variety of collections, tailored to every type of bride, including their bespoke offerings for brides who are looking for that personal touch.
How to shop: Karen Willis Holmes offers both ready-to-wear and bespoke pieces. You can browse their selection online, or book an appointment at one of their Australia boutiques.
Prices starting at: $1,290
15. Silvana Tedesco
Growing up, Silvana Tedesco found it hard to find pieces that fit her perfectly. Luckily, her creative spirit led her on a quest to solve that problem. She began creating her own clothes and gained confidence in finally finding looks that were (quite literally) made for her. Now, she works one-on-one with brides to help them find the perfect look for their big day, in a process that she calls both intimate and rewarding. Silvana Tedesco Couture has grown to become one of the most popular bridal houses in Melbourne, and is on their way to make their mark on the rest of the world. If you're a bride looking to push the boundaries, Tesesco says she's eager to meet you.
How to Shop: You can book an appointment online to learn more about getting a custom designed gown from Silvana Tedesco.
Starting prices will vary.