Brisbane Arcade fashion designers have been designing and making garments for almost a century. Hardworking dressmakers groomed Brisbane women between the wars; Queensland’s fashion industry revolved around Brisbane Arcade in the second half of last century. A constant destination for Brisbane glamour, Brisbane Arcade now introduces new generations to unique, local couture in elegant showrooms. Upstairs, the Arcade’s saloons are home to designer’s workrooms. Here, styles are imagined and sketched, patterns drafted, exquisite garments created.
Meet the designers: the artists and visionaries who create couture #MadeInBrisbaneArcade
Pia du Pradal
Celebrated Brisbane-based label Pia du Pradal is renowned for meticulously tailored, flattering garments created using beautiful European fabrics. The diverse range covers occasions including race wear, day wear, career wear, and special occasion dressing. Pia du Pradal lovingly creates fashion in the Brisbane Arcade workrooms and the boutique prides itself on its exceptional customer service. You can be confident when walking out with a Pia du Pradal design, that the look is tailored to you. Pia has a distinguished client base which includes many of Queensland’s most notable identities such as former Governor General of Australia, Dame Quentin Bryce AD, CVO who famously wore Pia’s suits throughout her years in office and most recently Queensland Governor, Jeanette Young.
Julie Tengdahl
Luxury label Tengdahl is an authentic Australian-made label that transcends generations and global trends. Tengdahl has called Brisbane Arcade home for the past 30 years. Each garment is thoughtfully crafted by Julie Tengdahl and her expert team in the Brisbane Arcade gallery level workroom. In the ground floor showroom, explore collections ranging from basic staples to contemporary occasion dressing. All are fashioned from the most luxurious fabrics and accoutrements sourced across the globe. By using the highest quality materials, Tengdahl pieces last generations.
Julie says of her designs:
“It’s an evolution of ourselves to love what we see in the mirror. My purpose is to help bring out the light in every woman.”
Darb Bridal
Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most important decisions for your special day. Darb Couture specialises in creating perfect wedding gowns for clients who seek custom, contemporary, and beautifully made dresses. Designer and owner Brad Webb is renowned as one of Australia’s maestros of bridal and black-tie couture which is all expertly crafted by Brad himself in his Darb Bridal studio on the loft level of Brisbane Arcade. Every gown is made-to-measure; every detail is carefully selected. Over two decades, Brad has searched the globe to source magnificent Italian silks, deluxe embellishments, French lace, and specialty fabrics, which Darb Bridal Couture conjures into exquisite gowns that fit perfectly.
Irma J Smith House of Fashion
Life’s too short to wear boring clothes is the mantra of Irma J Smith House of Fashion. The Brisbane design house has been creating ready-to-wear and bespoke collections – hand-made on premise in the Brisbane Arcade – since 1993. Designer Bronwyn Smith creates two labels: custom-made Irma J Smith House of Fashion, and the Miss Smith Collection aimed at the younger glamour seekers. All garments are created in the Irma J Smith House of Fashion’s busy Brisbane Arcade workroom. The label’s reputation as an icon of Brisbane’s fashion industry has strengthened over the last 50 years and is worn by many well known Brisbane women. Think timeless Chanel-style suits, fringed skirts, pussy bow tops, classic evening gowns, bridal designs, and specialty day wear sewn with exceptional workmanship from elegant fabric imported from France, England, Italy, and throughout Europe.
Maiocchi
Fun, flirty and extremely popular Brisbane label, Maiocchi’s only physical shop can be found fronting the Adelaide Street entrance to Brisbane Arcade. Designer Deanne Mayocchi prides herself on her designs which are often simple but personalised with precious handmade details, quirky touches and delightful textures and trims.
