An elegant cocktail dress is shorter or lighter than a full evening gown but made with the same care. At our Sydney atelier there are two ways to one: the Gold and amethyst mini from the Evening Couture Collection made to your measurements in four to six weeks, or a bespoke cocktail dress designed with Catherine from $3,500.
On this page
Is there a cocktail dress in the Evening Couture Collection?
Yes. Look 2 from Catherine’s New York Fashion Week show, Gold and amethyst, is a gold-embroidered one-shoulder mini with a pleated amethyst drape and a sculpted bow. It is the shortest look in the Evening Couture Collection, and it is made to order to your measurements in four to six weeks. Its price is quoted at your consultation.
It suits an engagement party, a fortieth or fiftieth, or a cocktail-dress-code wedding where you want colour and a little drama. The rest of the collection is longer: Silver organza, Scarlet velvet and the black Chantilly finale, all shown on the New York Fashion Week runway.
Can I have a cocktail dress made for me?
Yes. A bespoke cocktail dress is designed from a blank page with Catherine, cut to your measurements and sewn in the atelier. It starts from $3,500 and follows the same process as our evening gowns: a hand-drawn sketch, fabric chosen together, a toile, and three to five fittings. Allow six to twelve months. A shorter dress can be a simpler build, but timing is confirmed at your consultation, so please don’t count on less.
Bespoke is the right choice if you want something nobody else will wear: a particular colour, a neckline that suits you, sleeves, a back detail, or fabric with movement for dancing. As our Bespoke page puts it, “Scarlet tulle, emerald silk, gold sequins. Couture is where colour comes alive.” More on how it works on our custom evening gowns page.
What if the party is soon?
The quickest route is the Gold and amethyst look, made to order in four to six weeks. If the party is sooner than that, call the atelier on +61 2 9922 4193 to talk through your timing.
Which option suits my occasion?
| Your situation | Usually the best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|
| The party is less than four to six weeks away | A call to the atelier | Call +61 2 9922 4193 to talk through your timing |
| You love the Gold and amethyst look | Evening Couture Collection, made to order | Four to six weeks |
| A milestone birthday planned well ahead | Bespoke | Six to twelve months |
| Your own engagement party, with the wedding gown to come | Bespoke, designed alongside your wedding dress | Six to twelve months |
If you are the bride-to-be, you can also design your engagement party dress at the same time as your wedding dress.
What should I wear to an engagement party or milestone birthday?
Engagement parties
Cocktail length or a short dress is the usual choice, and colour is welcome. If it is your own engagement, you may want to stand out without looking bridal: a colour, metallic or soft pastel works well. If you are a guest, avoid white. Our engagement party dress guide goes into detail.
Milestone birthdays
A thirtieth, fortieth, fiftieth or sixtieth is your night, so wear what makes you feel like yourself. Think about the venue (a restaurant, a garden, a dance floor) and choose fabric that moves and sits comfortably for hours.
Cocktail dress codes
Cocktail usually means knee to midi length, or a refined short dress, dressier than day wear and less formal than black tie. For full-length occasions see our black tie guide.
Visit the atelier
Appointments are at 422 New Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill, in Sydney’s Inner West: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 3pm. Call +61 2 9922 4193, text +61 417 681 217 or email info@catherinecolubriale.com.au.
Tell us your occasion and date, and book a consultation.
