Black tie means a floor-length evening gown, or a very formal cocktail dress where the invitation allows. In Sydney you can have one made by our atelier in two ways: a gown from the Evening Couture Collection, made to order to your measurements in four to six weeks, or a bespoke evening gown designed with Catherine from a blank page.
On this page
What does black tie mean for women?
Dress codes vary between hosts, so read the invitation and ask if unsure. As a general guide:
| Dress code | What it usually means | Typical gown |
|---|---|---|
| White tie | The most formal: state dinners, some balls | Full-length ball gown, often with long gloves |
| Black tie | Formal evening events, galas, evening weddings | Floor-length evening gown |
| Black tie optional | Black tie welcome but not required | Floor-length gown, or an elegant cocktail or midi dress |
| Formal | Often used like black tie optional | Long gown or a dressy cocktail dress |
| Cocktail | Smart evening, shorter hemlines | Knee to midi length dress |
For a wedding, avoid white or ivory unless the couple asks for it.
What is the Evening Couture Collection?
The Evening Couture Collection is four coloured gowns that Catherine showed at New York Fashion Week in September 2026, each made to order to your measurements in four to six weeks:
- Look 2, Gold and amethyst
- Look 4, Silver organza
- Look 6, Scarlet velvet
- Look 8, The finale: black Chantilly lace over tiered silk dupion
The collection suits you if one of these looks already feels right and your event is a couple of months away. Prices are quoted at your consultation.
What about a bespoke evening gown?
A bespoke gown is designed with Catherine from a hand-drawn sketch, cut to a toile and fitted to you over several fittings. You choose the colour, fabric and shape. Emma’s royal blue ball gown, in silk Mikado and organza, shows how far colour can go. Allow six to twelve months for bespoke.
We also design for the people around a wedding: mother of the bride and groom gowns, bridesmaids and engagement or milestone occasions. Anna F said of her mother of the groom gown: “She listened to my vision and went above and beyond to create a spectacular gown for my son’s wedding.”
| Evening Couture Collection | Bespoke | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | One of four New York looks | Designed for you |
| Fit | Made to your measurements | Drafted to your body, with a toile and fittings |
| Time | Four to six weeks | Six to twelve months |
| Price | Quoted at your consultation | Quoted individually |
How do you choose a black tie gown?
- Start with the event. A gala, a wedding and a ball each have their own feeling.
- Think about movement. Will you dance, sit through speeches, climb stairs?
- Pick fabric for the season. Velvet for winter; organza and chiffon for summer. Our fabric guide explains each.
- Choose one focus. A neckline, a back, a colour or a lace, then keep jewellery in support.
What to wear with it
Black tie suits evening jewellery, a small clutch and shoes you can stand in for hours. If the gown has a train, plan how you will carry it or ask for a wrist loop. A wrap or evening coat matters in a Sydney winter, so choose it alongside the gown rather than at the last minute.
Allow time
For a collection gown, allow the four to six weeks of making plus a margin before your event. For bespoke, start as soon as you know the date.
To see the collection or start a design, book a consultation in our Dulwich Hill atelier.
