Steven Khalil - The Elie Saab of Australia

Remember a few years ago when you'd pick up a wedding magazine that's produced out of Melbourne or Sydney, and every second bride would be wearing an Alex Perry gown? Well fast forward to 2012 and the designer to replace Mr Perry is the amazingly talented Steven Khalil.

Based in Sydney, Steven is known for his luxurious, hand-crafted couture gowns. By combining classical elements of European couture and contemporary edgy designs he creates gowns which are gob-smackingly glamorous. Using sumptuous fabrics to create stunning silhouettes and embellishments to make you dazzle, a Steven Khalil bride is distinguished and exquisite.

A favourite of Australian celebrities, Steven Khalil has been the designer of choice for actresses Kate Ritchie, Tessa James, Jessica Napier and Christie Hayes on their wedding days.

His 2012 collection named 'Ruby' should be seen as just inspiration for your bridal gown, as each gown is a one-off. Mr Khalil works with each of his brides for between six to eight months leading up to their wedding to develop a dress that encapsulates her day perfectly. Glamorous, unique, sophisticated... Steven Khalil, dream maker !!

Like most bridal designers, i have found that the best place to find photos of what their gowns really look like (on a real bride and not a model pinned into the gown) is on their Facebook page. Here is a small sample, but i've seriously just spent the entire day mesmorized by all the stunning brides in their Steven Khalil gowns. What I truly love is that every bride is either a 'Khoury' or a 'Serafino' or a 'Georgiou' ... all my gorgeous little 'wog' friends... It takes me back to when i lived in Beirut, Lebanon. In fact, you could even call Steven Khalil the Elie Saab of Australia, they both know the woman's body so well and work their magic by playing with layers, overlays, volumes and alluring necklines. Head to Steven Khalil Facebook page to see what this amazing designer can really do... Yellah !! (Arabic for 'hurry/go').

Actress Tessa James wore two Steven Khalil gowns at her recent wedding.

Steven Khalil Haute Couture

207 Glenmore Road

Paddington, Sydney, NSW 2021

Ph: (02) 9380 7547

A selection of off-the-rack and made-to-order gowns are also available at

David Jones, Bridal on Seven

Elizabeth Street

Sydney NSW