Brides frantic as celebrity wedding dress designer owes over $1 million to the ATO

CELEBRITY dress designer Johanna Johnson is feeling the wrath of angry brides, with the embattled business owner now turning to Julie Bishop for help.

Johanna Johnson’s Alexandria-based business has been put in to liquidation from today. Photo: Bob Barker.

CELEBRITY gown and wedding dress designer Johanna Johnson is feeling the wrath of angry brides, with one woman revealing her disappointment over allegedly being left empty-handed after paying $5000 for her dream gown.

Celebrity designer Johanna Johnson’s company officially went into liquidation last week, after reports the Alexandria-based business was pursued by the Australian Taxation Office and former employees for owing a reported $1.1 million. This figure reportedly included $300,000 in superannuation charges the company failed to pay employees.

While Johnson’s dresses are a red carpet favourite among Hollywood actresses, including Mad Men star Christina Hendricks and model Chrissy Teigen, the designer has angered a growing number of brides who are devastated they may be left without a dress on their big day.

Actress Christina Hendricks wore a Johanna Johnson gown to the 2014 Emmy Awards. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

Model Chrissy Teigen at the 56th Grammy Awards in 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.

30-year-old Georgia Slade, who is getting married in just 6 weeks, admitted to falling in love with a Johanna Johnson dress last year, after seeing it on Zoe Ventoura at her wedding to Daniel MacPherson in November.

“It’s just so disappointing more than anything, to have to go through this experience as a bride when it should be a fun, exciting and happy time,” Ms Slade told The Daily Telegraph.

“I’m actually currently looking for wedding dresses and have had a little cry. I don’t know how I am going to afford my next one.”

Mr & Mrs... We were married last Thursday surrounded by family friends & lots of love! We couldn't be happier...D&Z pic.twitter.com/LwiideaT5C

— Daniel MacPherson (@DanMacPherson) November 30, 2015

According to the ABC, Timothy Cooks from Balance Insolvency has been appointed liquidator and will now assess, secure and sell the designer’s assets.

News.com.au has attempted to contact Mr Cooks for comment on the process.

The Daily Telegraph reported Ms Johnson approached Foreign Affair’s Minister Julie Bishop to assist in meeting her tax obligations, but the minister and former client refused.

Ms Bishop’s office said the minister was often asked to assist in resolving disputes.

“Members of Parliament are regularly asked to assist in resolving disputes between individuals and the bureaucracy, including in the areas of immigration, social security and taxation,” the statement said.

“Ms Johnson sought this assistance in an effort to meet her tax obligations while continuing to operate her business.

“However, Ms Bishop did not become involved in resolving the dispute and at no time was there any direct contact between Ms Bishop and the ATO, nor has there been any request for preferential treatment for Ms Johnson.”

Ms Bishop has been a supportive client of Ms Johnston, wearing her creations at various fashion events, including the Leeuwin Estate Concert earlier last year.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop wore a Johanna Johnson gown at the Leeuwin Estate Concert. Pictured from a port on Johanna Johnson 's Facebook in March 2015.

Along with Ms Slade, a number of brides have taken to the designer’s Facebook page to vent their concern and frustration with Ms Johnson. Some have labelled the whole experience as “stressful” and ”disappointing,” while others are just after answers on how they will have final fittings and receive their dresses.

“I have a fitting that was pushed from today to tomorrow ... can I please have some assurance that there will be someone in the Alexandria office,” one bride-to-be posted late last week.

“What does this mean for brides who have already paid in full but dresses have probably not been made yet? I ordered my dress in February ... As you would know you need to order a dress at least 6 months in advance ... I need to know if I need to be looking for another dress? Please let us know in writing what is happening?” another customer wrote.

Johanna Johnson’s Facebook page has been inundated with bridal complaints and questions about the status of their dresses. Picture: Facebook.

The administrators behind the Johanna Johnson Facebook page assured all brides in a post last week that they will not miss out on receiving their gowns, and that a “further update” would be provided.

“None of our brides have ever missed out on receiving their gowns, nor will they” the JJ post said.

According to panicked brides, that update is yet to be received.

“Johanna I have called 7 times, my mother has called, I have messaged you and emailed,” one bride wrote in response.

“How can you do this to all of us?

“I was so excited about being a JJ bride and after paying for my dress in full have to now find a new dress and $5,500 for my dress in September.”

Johanna Johnson said in a post that she was “unable to comment further due to legal proceedings”.

Paddington dressmaker Johanna Johnson has assured all brides they will receive their dresses. Picture: Supplied.

Earlier this month, an affidavit filed in the NSW Supreme Court stated the company owed over $1 million to the Australian Taxation Office.

The company’s voluntary administrator, Adam Shephard, said the company ““failed to pay employee superannuation entitlements over many years”.

Johanna Johnson’s debt came into public awareness after an employee obtained a court order to have the company wound up.

According to Fairfax, the company failed to comply with a court order to pay employee Alana Teasel more than $35,000 in contractual damages and penalties for unpaid entitlements.

Johanna Johnson hasn’t replied to calls made or emails sent by news.com.au.

Are you a bride-to-be with a Johanna Johnson dress on order? Email [e-mail]