With 50 years of experience, Calèche has earned a reputation for modern and timeless bespoke designs for the contemporary bride. Calèche proudly specialises in a meticulous made-to-measure experience. The team at Calèche meticulously designs and makes every garment in-house at our Adelaide atelier.
Calèche’s story began in 1973, spanning from the fashion capital of Paris to the iconic shores of Sydney Harbour, when Colette Foubert, her husband Olivier, and their four children embarked on a new adventure in Australia. Settling in Adelaide, Colette founded the business with humble beginnings: a single machinist, carefully drafted patterns, and rolls of fabric spread across the floor. Colette took on the role of designer, while Olivier served as the cutter, and together they brought their vision to life. For five years, they travelled across the country, visiting every township with a drapery or fashion store. Their dedication paid off when agents began promoting their range in every capital city and regional centre, cementing Calèche as a beloved name in Australian fashion.
As Calèche flourished, the family legacy grew, with each of Colette and Olivier’s four children eventually joining the business. The impeccable attention to detail from the Calèche workrooms in Norwood soon graced select stores across Australia and adorned boutique windows in France and Italy.
Today, Calèche Bridal House provides an exclusive made-to-measure experience from its Adelaide-based boutique. Here in Norwood, brides-to-be can explore the latest collections of European-inspired designs or collaborate with our talented team of dressmakers to bring their dream gowns to life.
Step into the heart of creation—our vibrant workroom nestled in Norwood, just moments from Adelaide’s city centre. This is where the Calèche flair unfolds, with dedicated spaces for design, cutting, sewing, and intricate handwork. The hum of craftsmanship fills the air, a harmonious rhythm we affectionately call ‘organised chaos.’
Situated within the same building as our boutique, the workroom offers a connection to the creative process. When you visit for your appointment, we’ll gladly invite you behind the scenes to witness the craftsmanship that brings each gown to life.
For many brides, building a personal connection with those creating their gowns is an integral part of the made-to-measure experience. Face-to-face interactions foster trust and understanding, allowing us to truly capture your vision and expectations. This connection is at the heart of what we do and is why we decided to step away from wholesaling across Australia—to focus entirely on offering an exclusive, intimate, and bespoke experience for every bride.
With that in mind, we’re delighted to introduce the extraordinary women of Calèche Bridal. These are the skilled hands and creative minds behind every gown, the talent and dedication that form the backbone of our renowned South Australian label. Without them, Calèche simply wouldn’t be what it is today.
The team at Calèche Bridal is committed to creating exceptional custom wedding dresses while ensuring the process is seamless and enjoyable. As your wedding day is important to us, our philosophy is to keep the process as calm and memorable as possible.
At Calèche, we offer four distinct categories to suit your timeline, budget, and desired gown style: Ready-to-wear, made-to-measure, Bespoke, and Couture. Each option follows a unique process, designed to cater to different needs, but no one option is inherently better than another—it all depends on what works best for you.
We recommend starting with a standard Calèche Collection appointment, where you can explore our designs and begin narrowing down the perfect option for your bridal journey.
Any of our collection gowns can be made ready-to-wear. Ready-to-wear gowns are made to completion in a standard size. These gowns are designed to be purchased as is, without fittings or alterations included. However, once your gown is ready, you may schedule a fitting with us for any desired adjustments, or take it home as it is. Every ready-to-wear gown is made in our Norwood workroom, with a production timeline of approximately four months.
Choosing a made-to-measure gown means a unique pattern will be created to match your exact measurements. This process includes three or four fittings to ensure a perfect fit. Made-to-measure gowns incur an additional charge of $2000, covering the creation of a custom pattern, fittings, and the adjustments needed to tailor the gown to your proportions. This option bridges the gap between standard sizing and bespoke design, offering a personalised fit that remains more budget-friendly than a fully bespoke gown.
For brides seeking a completely custom design, our bespoke category is the perfect choice. During a bespoke appointment, you’ll collaborate closely with a couture designer in an in-depth consultation. Together, you’ll bring your dream gown to life, starting with a beautifully detailed sketch and continuing through a tailored design process.
Couture gowns start at $10,000 and encompass both made-to-measure Calèche styles and bespoke designs that exceed this price point. As a couture bride, you’ll enjoy exclusive two-hour appointments with one of our couture designers and as many fittings as required to perfect your gown. This option offers an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring a truly exceptional bridal experience.
Visit Calèche Bridal House for a personalised consultation and explore our collection of handcrafted bridal couture inspired by European style. From the initial consultation to the final stitch, let us guide you through a truly exclusive experience.
pronounced: ka-lesh
Calèche Bridal House is a European-inspired couture fashion house that creates elegant bridal and evening wear pieces. With 50 years of experience, Calèche has earned a reputation for modern and timeless bespoke designs for the contemporary bride.
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