FAQ

Our showroom is at Unit 44, 11–21 Underwood Rd, Homebush NSW 2140 (Sydney). Get directions

We're open 7 days: Monday–Wednesday 9am–5pm, Thursday late night 9am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 9am–5pm, Sunday 10am–5pm.

Yes, on Thursdays we're open until 9pm.

Yes, we're open on public holidays. Hours can vary, so check our Google listing for that day's opening times.

Yes, free on-site parking.

We're appointment only, and all guests must register before visiting, so please register and book before you come in. Booking guarantees you a stylist and a fitting room, and it's complimentary.

Phone (02) 8018 8639, WhatsApp +61 426 503 655, or email info@thedesignerprecinct.com. You can also use the form on our Contact page.

We usually reply to chat within an hour during opening hours. Emails are answered as soon as possible.

We have one showroom, in Homebush, Sydney. You can also shop online, and we ship worldwide.

We were founded by Sydney designer Vicki Vlahos, the creator of Portia & Scarlett, who has more than 20 years in fashion. Read our story on the About Us page.

Yes! Follow us at @thedesignerprecinct for new arrivals and customer looks.

Of course, see our Reviews page.

Yes, all visits are by appointment. Booking is free and guarantees you a stylist and a fitting room.

Yes, all guests must register before visiting the showroom. It only takes a minute: register here, then book your appointment.

So we can prepare for your visit and keep the showroom secure. Register, then book your time on our Book an Appointment page.

Yes, every guest attending needs to register, including friends and family. You can come as a group of up to 3.

You can come as a group of up to 3. Everyone attending needs to register before the visit.

Book online on our Book an Appointment page. Choose what you're shopping for and pick a time.

Appointments are complimentary.

One hour.

Bridal, Bridesmaids, Formal (including prom), Modest, Mother of the Bride/Groom, Guest Of (wedding guest and events), Special Occasion, Sale Dresses, Rental, Custom Made, Alterations and Pick Up.

Yes, choose a Formal appointment. It covers prom, formal and evening gowns, including Portia & Scarlett.

Yes, book a Modest appointment for long-sleeve, full-length and covered styles.

Bring the shoes and any shapewear you plan to wear on the day. Inspiration photos are helpful too.

Yes, book a Bridesmaids appointment for fittings for the whole bridal party.

Yes, we're open 7 days, with Thursday appointments until 9pm. Weekends book out fast, so book early.

Reply to your confirmation email or call us on (02) 8018 8639.

Please call or WhatsApp us on +61 426 503 655 so we can hold your fitting room.

Pick ups are by appointment too. Book a Pick Up appointment and we'll have your dress or rental steamed and ready for you.

Designer bridal gowns, bridal minis, bridesmaids, prom and formal gowns, pageant and couture gowns, cocktail and mini dresses, and mother of the bride/groom dresses. We also offer dress hire and custom-made gowns.

Portia & Scarlett, Dollhouse Bridesmaids, Terani, Elvée, In Couture, Doll House exclusives, PS I Love You, Delilah and Avary Alexandra.

It's the formalwear and pageant label our founder Vicki Vlahos created in 2014. It's stocked in more than 1,000 stores across 15 countries.

Prices range from around $285 to over $2,000 AUD depending on the style. Bridesmaids dresses start from about $340, and we have a Dresses under $500 collection.

Yes, all prices on our website are in AUD.

Most styles come in US sizes 0–24. Size availability varies by style, so check the product page.

All our sizes are US sizing. AU size is 4 more than US size, so US 6 = AU 10 and US 10 = AU 14. See the size charts below.

Use the Size Chart and "Find my size" calculator on each product page. Measure your bust (fullest part), waist (narrowest part) and hips (fullest part), keeping the tape snug but not tight.

We recommend the larger size. It's easier to take a gown in than to let it out.

It depends on the style; many beaded and lace gowns have no stretch. The product description will say, or ask us about a specific dress.

Yes, email info@thedesignerprecinct.com with your measurements and the style, or visit us for a fitting.

Stock dresses are ready-made and available for collection or dispatch within 4 weeks of purchase. Made-to-order dresses show their production timeframe in the product description.

Please contact us before ordering. Fast-track options must be approved and added by our team before your order is processed. Rush fees may apply.

Yes! We're better in person. Book an appointment and we'll have styles ready to try.

Colours can vary slightly due to screen settings, lighting and fabric dye lots. If colour matters, see it in store or order a swatch.

Many styles come in several colours, shown on the product page. For something different, ask about our Custom Made service.

Yes, see our Pageant and Couture collections. Portia & Scarlett is a favourite on pageant stages worldwide.

We custom make accessories to complete your look. Ask us at your appointment.

Couture gowns are cut slightly differently, so check this chart for any style ending in "C" (e.g. PS25453C).

Bridesmaids run from US 00 to 28 as standard, and can also be made in any size. Measurements are in inches.

Go by your largest measurement and choose the bigger size. It's easier to take a gown in than let it out, and our seamstress can tailor the rest.

Yes, inches are on the size chart, linked on every product page.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, Union Pay and Afterpay.

Yes, Afterpay is available at checkout so you can pay in instalments.

Yes, we offer layby, including on sale dresses. Pop in or contact us on (02) 8018 8639 to set one up.

Yes, you can secure your dress with a 30% or 50% deposit, and pay the balance when you pick it up. Please note all garments must be paid in full before alterations start.

Yes! Join our mailing list for 10% off your first order with code WELCOME10 at checkout.

Yes! You can use more than one code on an order, and WELCOME10 works on sale items too.

Yes, gift vouchers are available online and in store, and they never expire. The perfect gift for a bride, formal or special occasion.

Orders are processed automatically, so we can't make changes once placed. Email info@thedesignerprecinct.com as soon as possible and we'll see what we can do.

Email info@thedesignerprecinct.com. If your order hasn't been dispatched, we'll send you an e-gift voucher for the full purchase amount.

You can create an account to track orders and speed up checkout.

Check your junk/spam folder first. If it's not there, email info@thedesignerprecinct.com with your name and the email you used.

Yes, we ship designer dresses Australia-wide.

Shipping is $20.

Yes, we ship worldwide! We also cover import duties, so there's nothing extra to pay when your dress arrives.

No, we cover import duties, so there are no surprise fees when your dress arrives.

In-stock orders are usually dispatched within 1–2 business days (longer during busy periods). Made-to-order dresses are sent once production is complete; see the timeframe on the product page.

Once shipped, delivery within Australia usually takes 5–10 business days. International delivery takes about 3–5 days for in-stock dresses.

The production timeframe is shown in each product's description. Stock dresses are available for collection or dispatch within 4 weeks of purchase.

Tell us your event date before ordering and we'll confirm whether the dress can arrive in time, or offer fast-track options.

We email your tracking details as soon as your order is dispatched.

Yes, you can collect from our Homebush showroom. Book a Pick Up appointment and we'll have it steamed and ready.

Please check with neighbours and your local post office, then email info@thedesignerprecinct.com with your order number and we'll help.

We have a no-refund policy unless a dress is damaged or faulty. For change of mind or size on full-priced dresses, we offer an exchange or store credit.

Email info@thedesignerprecinct.com within 7 business days of receiving your dress. Requests after that can't be accepted. Orders placed in December get an extended 14-day return period.

Email info@thedesignerprecinct.com with your order number and what you'd like to exchange. We'll confirm stock and send you the return address.

Yes, approved exchanges have a $50 USD restocking fee.

Unworn, unaltered, undamaged, not washed, in original condition with all tags attached.

You do, for change-of-mind or size returns. Please use a secure, prepaid and trackable service and send us the tracking number. We're not responsible for lost parcels.

Only one exchange per style is allowed, unless the dress is faulty.

We'll issue store credit instead.

No, all sale items are final sale and can't be refunded, exchanged or credited.

No. Once alterations begin, the dress is final sale.

We're so sorry! Email info@thedesignerprecinct.com straight away with photos and your order number and we'll fix it promptly.

On beaded or embellished dresses, a few loose beads during transport is normal and isn't considered a fault. We're happy to advise on a quick repair.

Small colour variations from screens, lighting and dye lots aren't considered a fault. Order a swatch first if colour matching is important.

No, custom-made dresses are final sale.

Both! You can hire or purchase. We have bridal, bridal robe and occasionwear rental collections, and every dress in store is available to buy.

Yes! If you fall in love with your hired dress, ask us about buying it.

Bridal gowns and bridal minis, bridal robes and occasionwear for formals, proms, weddings and events. See our Bridal Rental collection.

Bridal hire is from about $534 to $1,422 AUD depending on the gown. Prices are shown on each rental listing.

Hire is for 4 days.

Yes, a $510 bond. $500 is refunded when the dress comes back on time and in its original condition. $10 covers admin and processing.

Within 4 days of the dress being returned and checked.

The full hire fee is due at booking, and the $510 bond must be paid before the dress is released.

By credit card, bank transfer or other approved payment methods.

Yes, book a Rental appointment to try gowns from our rental collection and lock in your dates.

Yes, we hire Australia-wide (Australia only). Dresses can be collected from our Homebush showroom or sent by post.

Return it by the agreed date to our showroom, or by secure, trackable post. You pay return postage.

Late returns may incur extra fees, or part of your bond may be kept.

No, please don't clean, alter or repair a hired dress. Just return it as is.

Damage, stains, rips, missing embellishments or unapproved alterations may mean part or all of the bond is kept, depending on how serious it is.

No, hired dresses can't be altered unless we approve it first.

Rental sizes are limited (often one or two sizes per style) and listed in US sizing. Email us to confirm fit before booking.

Popular gowns book out, so we recommend booking as soon as you know your date.

Yes, we have bridal gowns, bridal minis and reception looks to buy or hire. Book a Bridal appointment for a private stylist.

A short white dress for your reception, after-party, engagement, hens or registry wedding. See our Bridal Minis.

We recommend ordering at least 6 months before your wedding, to allow time for production and alterations.

Yes, our Dollhouse Bridesmaids range has modern styles from about $340 AUD. Every style can be made in any colour and any size, with custom changes available. Shop bridesmaids

Yes, any colour at all. Our 21 swatch colours are a great starting point, or ask us to match your wedding palette.

Any size at all. Standard sizes run US 00–28 (see the bridesmaids size chart above), and we can make outside that range.

Yes, custom changes are available on all bridesmaids styles for a small fee of $50–$100 per dress. Tell us what you'd like and we'll advise.

Yes, mixing styles in one colour is a gorgeous look across the Dollhouse range.

Yes, bridesmaid swatches are $8 AUD each in 21 colours, including Sage, Dusty Blue, Burgundy, Emerald, Latte and Dusty Plum. Order swatches

Yes, each bridesmaid can order with her own size and we ship worldwide. Order as a bridal party and we'll make sure every dress is colour matched.

Yes, when your bridal party orders together, all dresses are colour matched.

Yes, see our Mother of the Bride/Groom collection, or book a Mother of the Bride appointment.

Yes, book a Guest Of appointment for wedding guest, engagement and special-event looks.

Yes, see our Bridal Robes Rental collection.

Yes! Our Custom Made service lets you choose the silhouette, fabric, colour, beading and finish, made to your measurements. Learn more

1. Consultation: share your occasion, style, fabrics and budget.
2. Design and measurements: we measure you and show sketches and fabric samples for approval.
3. Creation and fittings: our artisans make your gown, with fittings along the way.
4. Delivery: your finished piece arrives beautifully packaged.

Book a Custom Made consultation on our Book an Appointment page or email info@thedesignerprecinct.com.

Custom gowns start from $1,350. Your final price depends on the design, fabric and embellishment, and we'll quote after your consultation.

Yes, a 30% or 50% deposit secures your order, with the balance due on pick up. Custom-made dresses are final sale.

Ask us at your consultation, many changes are possible.

Yes, we create custom gowns for pageants and red carpets.

Yes, our in-house seamstress can adjust length and fit. Book an Alterations appointment.

Alterations start from $80. We'll give you an exact quote at your fitting, depending on the work needed.

Yes, we alter dresses from other stores too. Book an Alterations appointment and bring the dress, plus your shoes and shapewear.

Yes, the dress must be paid in full before any alterations start.

Often more than one. Bridal and formal alterations are precise work, and multiple fittings are normal. Please attend each one and try the dress on at every stage.

Usually 1–14 days, depending on the dress and the work needed. Completion also depends on you attending your fittings.

Urgent alterations depend on availability and may cost extra.

The shoes and shapewear you'll wear on the day.

No, once alterations begin the dress is final sale.

Alterations are based on your measurements at the fitting, so we can't be responsible for later changes in weight, shape or pregnancy. Let us know early and we'll do our best to help.

Yes, our Black Friday sale is on until 1 December 2026, with designer gowns at wholesale prices. Shop the sale

Up to 70% off selected designer gowns, for a limited time. Shop the outlet

Yes! We host live sales on Whatnot every week, with designer gowns at special prices. Follow us on Whatnot so you never miss a show.

We go live on Whatnot every week. Follow us on Whatnot and turn on notifications so you'll know the moment our next show starts.

Whatnot is a live shopping app. You watch our live show, see the dresses up close, and bid or buy in real time. It's free to download on iPhone and Android.

Download the Whatnot app, create an account, follow us and join the live show. You pay and check out through Whatnot.

Yes, Whatnot purchases are final sale.

Yes! Message us on chat or Instagram and we'll try to feature it.

Yes, book a Sale Dresses appointment to shop our outlet and sale gowns.

No, all sale items are final sale with no refund, exchange or store credit.

Some sale dresses may have minor imperfections such as marks, stains, small rips or holes. We recommend trying them on in store.

Yes, layby and deposits are available on sale dresses too.

Join our mailing list for first access to new arrivals and private offers, plus 10% off your first order.