Luxury Australian bridal gown company Pallas Couture goes bust

A high-end Australian wedding dress company loved by A-listers and with a flagship studio in Sydney has collapsed, with administrators now urgently exploring options to save it.

Luxury Australian wedding dress brand Pallas Couture has collapsed into insolvency. Picture: Pallas Couture

A luxury Australian wedding dress company loved by A-listers has collapsed into insolvency, with administrators now urgently exploring options to restructure or recapitalise the business.

Pallas Couture, which has a flagship studio in Sydney’s ritzy suburb of Paddington and is sold in the world’s most exclusive bridal stockists, was placed into administration last week.

The bespoke label, which has been featured in Vogue Australia and British Vogue, makes couture gowns starting from $23,000 and is sold across the globe including in Belgium, Italy, Germany, London, Los Angeles and New York.

Insolvency experts from Cor Cordis Jeremy Nipps and Thomas Birch have been appointed administrators.

A Cor Cordis spokesperson said Pallas Couture, which is housed under the company name Evercentre, made the decision to enter voluntary administration, signalling a “proactive step towards revitalising and restoring the business to a profitable state”.

“The process will allow for Pallas Couture to continue prioritising all brides and continue operations as normal, with no disruption to the business or any creation and delivery of gowns currently in production,” they said.

“During this transition, Pallas Couture remains dedicated to its clientele, ensuring a seamless continuation of its services.”

Founded in 2001 by Joy Morris, Pallas Couture, which has studios in Sydney and Perth, has built a global reputation for exquisite designs that are intricate and extravagant, combining traditional elements of haute couture with a sleek, high fashion aesthetic.

Founded in 2001 by Joy Morris, Pallas Couture has built a global reputation for exquisite designs. Picture: Pallas Couture

The brand describes itself online as a “world-renowned luxury bridal and eveningwear house, showcasing modern femininity, elegance and sensuality with each alluring and unforgettable design”.

It has a ready-to-wear line, with limited edition gowns priced between $5,500 and $8,000.

They also have handcrafted couture gown experience – where the bride creates their own bespoke dress – starting from $23,000.

The Cor Cordis spokesperson said the administrators will evaluate the business operations and explore various avenues to restructure or recapitalise the business, including the possibility of a deed of company arrangement.

The bespoke brand has been featured in Vogue Australia and British Vogue. Picture: Pallas Couture

A deed of company arrangement is a formal agreement between a company and its creditors, that outlines how the business’ debts will be managed

“We’ve commenced an immediate assessment of Pallas Couture’s financial position,” administrators Mr Nipps and Mr Birch said.

“Our priority is not only to minimise disruption to operations, but also to ensure the continued delivery and creation of gowns for Pallas Couture’s valued clientele who each have a very important and special day set in the future.

“We’re committed to keeping key stakeholders informed and involved throughout this process.”

Snezana Markoski, who is married to Bachelor Sam Wood after finding love on the reality show, wore a custom sheer, long-sleeve Pallas Couture gown at their wedding in 2018.

The administrators will evaluate the business’ operations and explore various avenues to restructure or recapitalise the business. Picture: Pallas Couture

American world and Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin also wore a Pallas Couture gown at her 2022 wedding to former NFL star Andre Levrone Jr.

English singer, songwriter and TV personality Olly Murs’s wife bodybuilder Amelia Tank was dressed by the brand at the couple’s wedding in 2023.

Founder and design director of Pallas Couture Ms Morris is renowned in the Australian bridal industry with decades of experience.

“Commencing her fashion career as a trained buyer and fashion forecaster 35 years ago, Joy cultivated a love of Parisian couture over many years, attending private showings of the most renowned fashion houses in Europe,” their website states.

“Originally founding Pallas as a high fashion studio, Joy began by offering exclusive international brands to her discerning clientele.

“With the introduction of an in-house patternmaker and seamstress at the studio offering an additional custom service, the transition to Pallas Couture was a natural progression, and Pallas has since grown to become one of Australia’s leading bridal couturiers.”

Administrators are expected to hold the first creditors meeting on Tuesday next week.

Originally published as Luxury Australian bridal gown company Pallas Couture goes bust