Rachel Gilbert Gowns: Every Black Tie Style We Stock

Rachel Gilbert gowns are the reason most women know the label. The Sydney house builds an internal corset with waist tape into most of its full-length styles, applies the embellishment by hand, and cuts for black tie, weddings and galas. Coveti stocks more than 70 Rachel Gilbert gowns, from $1,395 for the Anya Column Gown to $7,450 for the Lani Gown.

This guide sorts them the way a client shops: by neckline and silhouette, by how much embellishment you want, and by occasion. Everything links to the Rachel Gilbert edit at Coveti.

Rachel Gilbert at a glance

• Founded: 2007, in Sydney, Australia, by the designer Rachel Gilbert.
• Known for: eveningwear and bridal, with hand-applied embellishment and an internal corset with waist tape in most gowns and minis.
• Boutiques: Paddington and The Strand in Sydney, and Emporium in Melbourne.
• Sizing: RG 00 to RG 6, which is UK and AU 4 to 18 and US 0 to 14.
• Latest collection: Resort 2027, titled Sejour.
• At Coveti: more than 190 Rachel Gilbert pieces, shipped worldwide.

What makes a Rachel Gilbert gown different?

Three things. First, the structure: a corset with waist tape sits inside the bodice, so the gown holds the body in place without relying on stretch. Second, the hand finishing: crystal, bead and sequin work is applied by hand, from a single trim on a neckline to a fully embellished surface. Third, the cut: Rachel Gilbert favours the column, the strapless bodice and the cape, and it repeats these shapes across seasons so a client can return to a silhouette she knows fits.

The label describes its pieces as hand crafted in collaboration with global artisans, and its design studio is in Sydney, where the house was founded in 2007.

Column gowns

The column is the house’s most reliable shape: straight from the bust to the floor, usually with a back split for walking. In Resort 2027 the columns keep their decoration to one place.

• Riley Gown ($2,200): black, high square neckline on narrow straps, embellished trim at the armholes.
• Malik Column Gown ($2,600): strapless black acetate crepe with a gold hand-embellished neckline.
• Sorrento Column Gown ($2,200): wine, square neckline, contrast trim at the armholes.
• Lyon Column Gown ($2,395): black with long sleeves and a trimmed square neckline.
• Anya Column Gown ($1,395): strapless black with a sculpted contrast drape at the neckline.

From earlier seasons, the Oryx Column Gown ($3,040) and the Charlotte Gown ($2,798) are both still at Coveti.

Strapless gowns

A strapless bodice works at Rachel Gilbert because of the boning inside it. The Maison Gown ($5,495) is the season’s headline: a strapless column covered in gold and black tiger-striped sequins over a fully boned corset. The Salma Strapless Gown ($2,010) and the Sienna Strapless Gown ($1,645) are the quieter alternatives.

Cape and draped gowns

The cape is a Rachel Gilbert signature, and it is the answer for a client who wants coverage on the arms without a sleeve. The Sorrento Gown ($1,995) has a long cape that falls over the arms and down the back to the floor. The Dion Cape Gown ($2,363) and the Amara Cape Gown ($2,450) follow the same idea from earlier collections.

For drape without a cape, the Brigitte Gown ($1,495) gathers into a sculptural knot at the left shoulder, and the Mali Gown ($1,995) has a draped jersey bodice and comes with a separate floor-length scarf.

Fully embellished gowns

These are the gowns that carry the most hand work and the highest prices. The Sinclair Gown in Gold ($4,995) is embellished by hand over its whole surface, from a high turtle neckline to the floor. The Pierre Sleeve Gown ($4,495) carries dense floral embroidery on a mustard-gold ground. At the top of the price range sit the Lani Gown ($7,450) and the Karter Gown ($6,710). Our guide to Rachel Gilbert sequin and embellished dresses goes through the full family.

Sleeved and relaxed gowns

For a client who prefers a sleeve, the Lyon Column Gown has long sleeves, and the Dover Sleeve Gown ($1,928) is a cleaner option. The Lyon Gown ($2,295) is the relaxed one in Resort 2027: a plunging V on a U-wire, padded shoulders and side splits instead of a corset.

Which gown for which occasion?

The mother of the bride has her own guide: see Rachel Gilbert for the mother of the bride. Brides should read our Rachel Gilbert bridal guide.

How do Rachel Gilbert gowns fit?

Most Rachel Gilbert gowns are true to size, with a form-fitting cut and minimal stretch. Sizes run RG 00 to RG 6, which is UK 4 to UK 18 and US 0 to US 14. Because the corset sits close to the waist, order your waist size first. The gowns are long: most measure 118cm from the waist to the hem on the house’s sample, so plan for a heel, then have the hem taken up if needed. The full chart is in our Rachel Gilbert size guide.

Are Rachel Gilbert gowns worth the price?

For a client who wears black tie several times a year, yes. The corset and the hand embellishment are the costly parts of a gown to make, and they are what keep it looking good after the third wearing. We look at value in more detail in are Rachel Gilbert dresses worth it, and at the case for renting in Rachel Gilbert dress hire vs buying.

How Rachel Gilbert gowns compare

Among Australian eveningwear houses, Rachel Gilbert is the one most focused on the corset and the hand finish. Alex Perry makes sharper, more architectural gowns, and Rasario cuts minimal shapes with little decoration. For more, read brands like Rachel Gilbert and our comparison of Bronx and Banco vs Rachel Gilbert.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a Rachel Gilbert gown?

Rachel Gilbert gowns at Coveti cost from $1,395 for the Anya Column Gown to $7,450 for the Lani Gown. Most Resort 2027 gowns cost between $1,995 and $2,600, and the fully embellished styles cost more.

Do Rachel Gilbert gowns have a built-in corset?

Most do. The column, strapless and embellished gowns have an internal corset with waist tape, and the Maison Gown has a fully boned corset. The relaxed Lyon Gown is an exception.

Are Rachel Gilbert gowns true to size?

Most Rachel Gilbert gowns are true to size, with a form-fitting cut and minimal stretch. Sizes run RG 00 to RG 6, which is UK 4 to UK 18.

Which Rachel Gilbert gown is best for a black tie wedding?

For a black tie wedding guest, the Sorrento Column Gown in Wine and the Mali Gown in Wine are strong choices. Both are full length and in colour, so they stay clear of the bride’s white.

Does Rachel Gilbert make gowns with sleeves?

Yes. The Lyon Column Gown has long sleeves, the Dover Sleeve Gown has a sleeve, and the Sorrento Gown has a cape that covers the arms.

Where can I buy Rachel Gilbert gowns outside Australia?

Coveti stocks more than 70 Rachel Gilbert gowns and ships them worldwide by DHL Express and FedEx International Priority. Most regions ship Delivered Duty Unpaid, as set out on our shipping and returns page.