There are two ways to a school formal dress at Catherine Colubriale Couture: a bespoke dress designed from scratch with Catherine (from $3,500, six to twelve months), or a gown from the Evening Couture Collection made to your measurements in four to six weeks. If the formal is less than four to six weeks away, call the atelier on +61 2 9922 4193 to talk through your timing.
Should my formal dress be bespoke or made to order?
Each suits a different student, budget and timeline. Both are seen in the same atelier, so you can talk them through in one appointment.
| Bespoke | Evening Couture Collection | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Designed from a blank page with Catherine | One of Catherine’s New York Fashion Week evening looks |
| Fit | Patterned to your measurements, three to five fittings | Made to your measurements |
| Time | Six to twelve months | Four to six weeks |
| Price | From $3,500 | Quoted at your consultation |
| Suits | A student with a clear idea nobody else is wearing | A student who loves one of the collection looks |
A bespoke dress means you choose everything: the shape, the neckline, the straps or sleeves, the colour and the fabric. Catherine draws the design by hand, a toile (a test version in plain fabric) is cut to your measurements, and the dress is built over three to five fittings. For a dress nobody else at the formal will have, this is the way.
The Evening Couture Collection is four coloured gowns from Catherine’s New York Fashion Week show in September 2026, each made to order to your measurements.
When should we start looking for a Year 12 formal dress?
Year 12 formals in Sydney are often held towards the end of the school year, though dates vary from school to school, so check yours first. Then count back:
- Bespoke: six to twelve months. For a formal late in the year, that often means a first consultation early in the year, or even late in Year 11. Timing for your design is confirmed at your consultation.
- Evening Couture Collection: four to six weeks once ordered. Leave room for exams and holidays, and order with a margin.
- Less than four to six weeks: call the atelier on +61 2 9922 4193 to talk through your timing.
Term time is busy, and fittings need to fit around school, sport and study. Saturday appointments (10am to 3pm) help. Our full school formal dress guide has a month-by-month plan.
How much should a formal dress cost?
We would rather be honest about this up front. A bespoke evening dress at our atelier starts from $3,500, and every dress is quoted individually before you commit. That is a significant amount for a school formal, and it suits families for whom the dress is also a keepsake or a planned gift.
Every gown at our atelier, from the collection or bespoke, starts from $3,500, so it helps to agree a budget as a family before your first appointment.
A private consultation is $150, credited in full to the dress if you go ahead, and it can be moved free of charge with 48 hours’ notice. A 50% deposit begins a bespoke or made-to-order dress. There are no hidden costs: the only extra cost is changing the design or fabric once the dress is in production, and we talk about that first. For more detail read what an evening gown costs.
Should a parent come to the appointment?
Students are welcome to bring a parent or guardian, and we recommend it. It helps: parents often remember the practical questions (how will it travel, can it be worn again, what shoes) while the student focuses on how the dress feels.
Some tips for the day, for both of you:
- Bring a few pictures of dresses, colours or details you like. Screenshots are perfect.
- Wear or bring the shoe height you plan to wear, so lengths are right.
- Talk about the budget before you arrive, so the conversation is easy.
- Keep the group small. One or two people you trust is plenty.
- The student has the final say on how a dress feels. It is her night.
What happens at the first appointment?
Over a conversation, Catherine talks with you about the formal, your school’s guidelines if there are any, the colours you love and how you want to feel. She will show you fabrics such as silk organza, georgette, satin and tulle, and if you are leaning towards bespoke, she sketches ideas. You will leave knowing which option fits your timing and budget.
Everything we make is designed, cut and sewn in the Dulwich Hill atelier. We also make bridesmaid dresses and mother of the bride gowns, so some families come back to us for the next big occasion.
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.
When you are ready, book a consultation for you and your parent.
