Bridal Dress Stores · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory · Visit in person

Maison De Challie

About

Overview & Vibe

Maison De Challie is a classic couture atelier with a showroom on Anthony Rolfe Avenue in Gungahlin, Canberra. It was founded by couturier Hajar Gala in 1990s Sydney, in the Strand Arcade, and has been making to order for more than two decades. Her line: “No matter how many times one redefines style, classical simplicity and charm can never be outdated.”

Dress Styles & Designers

One designer, twelve named collections — Bridal, Seascape, Paris, Timeless, The Bridge, Fable, Rustic, Mystic, The Helicopter, Black and White, Hand Painted and Enchant. The work is silk, French lace and sheer organza, with “elegant volumes and special draping… like a painting”. Published bride gowns include a cream halter neck in silk crepe de chine layered with bias-cut silk georgette and a sheer hand-beaded bodice, and a champagne ball gown with a ruched bodice of clustered crystal and pearl beading over flounced, pleated tulle. Black and hand-painted gowns are as central here as ivory.

Ideal For

The bride who wants a couture gown in the strict sense of the word, and is prepared for what that takes. Press reporting on the house notes an average of 200 working hours to complete one dress. Hajar’s own framing: “in couture, each gown is developed irrespective of cost using as much material and time as is required to realise the artistic vision of the piece.”

The Need-to-Knows

Consultations are by appointment only. No prices are published — gowns are quoted to the design. Contact is direct to Hajar by phone or email.

Standout Feature

The first Australian collection ever shown in Europe. After presenting her 1997 collection at the Sydney Opera House couture event Mondo Moda, Hajar was invited to show at Florence’s Palazzo Pitti. She trained in the French Method of Haute Couture, was a fixture of the Australian Couturiers Ball, and has since shown at Paris Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Baku. Her gowns have dressed Tara Morice, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Melissa George. Nothing else in this directory has that record.

Appointment Policy

Consultations are by appointment only.
Appointments and enquiries go to enquiries@dechallie.com.au, or by phone on +61 2 6259 9182 or mobile +61 431 857 445.
The designer can be contacted personally at hajar@dechallie.com.au.
Online orders are placed using the house's measurement chart, which you fill in and send with your enquiry.
International enquiries are directed to a separate contact.
No appointment fee, appointment length or guest limit is published.

Dress Designers

Hajar Gala for Maison De Challie — The house's own and only label. Hajar Gala founded Maison De Challie in Sydney's Strand Arcade in the 1990s, trained in the French Method of Haute Couture, and designs every gown. No external labels are stocked.

Dress Experience

Maison De Challie is a classic couture atelier with a showroom at Shop 429/1 Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Gungahlin, in Canberra, founded and led by couturier and creative director Hajar Gala. Born into Azerbaijani aristocracy and schooled in the classic French method of haute couture, she launched the house to bring that training to Australian brides.

Dress Styles

couture
bespoke
made to measure
ball gown
a-line
sheath
halter neck
silk
french lace
organza
tulle
beaded
hand painted
draped
black
coloured
vintage
romantic
classic

Dresses

Cream halter neck gown — price not published; gowns are quoted to the design. Silk crepe de chine layered with bias-cut silk georgette, with a sheer, hand-beaded bodice. Worn by a Maison De Challie bride.
Champagne ball gown — price not published; gowns are quoted to the design. A structured ruched bodice featuring clustered crystal and pearl beading under the bust line, paired with a full skirt of flounced layers and pleated tulle. Worn by Maison De Challie brides.
Bridal collection — price not published. The house's dedicated bridal collection, one of twelve named collections.
Enchant collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection.
Timeless collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection.
Hand Painted collection — price not published. A named collection; the house's hand-painted silk work was a feature of the Australian Couturiers Ball.
Black and White collection — price not published. A named collection that the house records as having dazzled audiences at the Australian Couturiers Ball.
Paris collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection.
Seascape collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection.
The Bridge collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection.
Fable collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection.
Rustic collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection.
Mystic collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection.
The Helicopter collection — price not published. A named Maison De Challie collection, shot on location with helicopters.

Nearby Landmarks

Gungahlin – Canberra's northern town centre, about 15 minutes from the city
Gungahlin Place – The light rail terminus, a short walk away
Canberra city centre – About 15 minutes south by light rail

Price Notes

No prices are published anywhere on the house's own site; couture gowns are quoted to the design.
The designer's stated position is that in couture each gown is developed irrespective of cost, using as much material and time as is required to realise the piece.
Press quoted on the house's own media page reports an average of 200 working hours to complete one dress.
The house was founded in 1990s Sydney in the Strand Arcade and states it has been creating for over two decades.
Its 1997 collection was shown at the Sydney Opera House couture event Mondo Moda, after which it was invited to Florence's Palazzo Pitti as the first Australian collection shown in Europe.
It has shown at Paris Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Baku, Fashfest Canberra, the Great Hall of the Australian National University, the Black and White Sydney Couture Ball and Canberra bridal fairs.
The designer has dressed Tara Morice, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Melissa George and the Azerbaijani singer Roya.
The atelier previously traded from the Griffith shops in Canberra's inner south and is now at Gungahlin, so older listings may give the wrong address.

Price Range

No details available.

Purchase Options

Made To Measure
Bespoke
Online Ordering

Services Offered

Bespoke Gown Design
Made To Measure Gowns
Couture Evening And Red Carpet
Online Ordering
International Enquiries
Runway And Editorial