Australian Designer Dresses: The Best Labels and Dresses to Know
Australian Designer Dresses: The Best Labels and Dresses to Know
Australian labels design for warm weather and long days, so their dresses lean on easy fabric, colour and print, and each house has a clear signature. Start with Scanlan Theodore for polished knit and workwear, then explore the rest of our designer dresses and midi dresses from Zimmermann, Alemais, Aje, Rebecca Vallance and Christopher Esber.
Key facts
- Australian sizes match UK sizes: AU 8 is a UK 8 and a US 4
- Scanlan Theodore, founded in Melbourne in 1987, leads for workwear
- Zimmermann, Alemais and Shona Joy lead for holidays and weddings
- Acler, Maticevski and Christopher Esber lead for evening
The labels, and one dress from each
1. Gingham Dress in Blue
Scanlan Theodore, Melbourne, 1987. Polished workwear and Crepe Knit; this cupro gingham shirt dress is the newest.
2. Zimmermann Clash Print Bow Midi Dress
Zimmermann, Sydney. Romantic prints and volume.
3. Alemais Rosette Silk Midi Dress
Alemais, Melbourne. Printed silk and relaxed shapes.
4. Aje Florence Mini Dress
Aje, Sydney. Sculptural volume and bold colour.
5. Rebecca Vallance Imogen Midi Dress
Rebecca Vallance, Sydney. Tailored, feminine and polished.
6. Christopher Esber Vivenda Drape Front Dress in Black
Christopher Esber, Sydney. Cut outs, drape and minimalism.
7. Camilla and Marc Suri Midi Dress in Black Suri Print
Camilla and Marc, Sydney. Clean tailoring with an edge.
8. Shona Joy Omri Draped Shirt Mini Dress
Shona Joy. Easy dresses with a romantic streak.
9. Acler Ramshaw Maxi Dress in Sapphire
Acler. Modern evening and occasion dresses.
10. Carla Zampatti Navy Crepe Cape Midi Dress
Carla Zampatti, Sydney. Classic Australian tailoring.
11. Maticevski Phantom Dress
Maticevski, Melbourne. Sculpted evening dresses.
How Australian sizes work
Australian dress sizes match UK sizes: an AU 8 is a UK 8 and a US 4. Most labels run true to size, but some cut slim at the bust, so check each brand's notes. Scanlan Theodore sizes in Australian numbers, which are the same as UK sizes: an AU 6 is a UK 6 and a US 2, an AU 8 a UK 8 and a US 4, an AU 10 a UK 10 and a US 6. Full conversions are in our Scanlan Theodore size guide.
Which label suits you
For the office: Scanlan Theodore, Carla Zampatti and Camilla and Marc. For holidays and weddings: Zimmermann, Alemais and Shona Joy. For evening: Acler, Maticevski and Christopher Esber. For more on the scene, read Australian fashion brands and brands like Scanlan Theodore.
Frequently asked questions
Which Australian designer is best for workwear dresses?
Scanlan Theodore, for its Crepe Knit and polished tailoring, with Carla Zampatti close behind.
Are Australian dress sizes the same as UK sizes?
Yes. An AU 8 is a UK 8, and a US 4.
What is the most famous Australian dress label?
Zimmermann is the best known internationally, with Scanlan Theodore, Aje and Alemais also widely stocked abroad.
Can I buy Australian designer dresses outside Australia?
Yes. Coveti stocks these labels and delivers worldwide by express courier.
Read next: Australian fashion brands, Scanlan Theodore in New York, Shirt dresses.
By Gemma Deeks, Coveti Fashion Editor. Updated 20 October 2026.
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