Overview & Vibe
At Mill Street is a mother-and-daughter dressmaking and design team working from a home studio at 7 Mill Street, Wodonga. Maxcelle Hall is the one you meet for a consultation or a fitting; her daughter Kate is the technician and runs the business; Maxcelle’s husband Ben mans the stand at the bridal fairs. They come, in their own words, from “a long line of dressmakers, milliners and tailors”.
Dress Styles & Designers
Everything is their own: custom-made wedding gowns designed alongside the bride, plus bridal party, mother of the bride and groom, debutante, formal and race wear. Their published collections lean to “simple lines, unique fabrics and a touch of vintage” chantilly and guipure lace, 3D lace inserts, silk chiffon godets, beaded overjackets, detachable trains and tulle overskirts.
Ideal For
A border bride who wants a gown made for her rather than bought, and who values a maker who will say plainly that custom is not the cheaper option. It suits anyone with a gown that needs work too — alterations are a full part of the business and are priced openly. And for a bride who wants something made but not made-to-order, there is a sample rail of ten ex-runway gowns.
The Need-to-Knows
By appointment, 10am–5pm, and the first consultation is free and no-obligation bring pictures, drawings or just ideas. Book as early as you can: they say they fill quickly in peak wedding season. Custom wedding gowns generally plus your fabrics, and flexible payment plans are offered on every custom garment and alteration.
Standout Feature
They publish an alterations price list, to the dollar. Wedding gown hems, taking in or letting out, bridesmaid hems for two layers, a formal skirt hem because it is done by hand. Almost nobody in this trade puts those numbers on a website, and it means a bride can work out what her dress will really cost before she walks in.