Lasting Impressions Bridal and Formal Wear
Lasting Impressions is a full-service occasion boutique on Prince Street in Grafton, in the Clarence Valley, owned by Leah Stevenson since 2002.
Bridal Dress Stores · Coffs Harbour, New South Wales · Visit in person
Melanie Jayne is a family-owned couture house on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour, where every gown is designed and manufactured in their own studio from fabrics and laces sourced globally. Melanie works with her daughter Kimmie, who drafts the patterns and does the hand embellishment. Their own line for it: “creating moments of magic, because from the beginning of the day to the end, it’s really all about you”.
One label — their own. 48 named bridal gowns across the Bridal, Classic and Oceania collections, from Serenity and Blake to the beaded silk Wisteria and Little Paradise. Structured corsetry runs through the work — built-in waist-reducing corsets, longline silk bodices, beaded lace. There are bridesmaid and formal gowns, handmade heirloom veils in seven lengths, boleros and bridal jewellery.
A bride who wants a gown made for her rather than ordered in, and who is drawn to real structure — this is a corsetry house. It also suits anyone who sews: the studio sells bridal fabrics, lace and haberdashery over the counter, which almost no bridal boutique does. A full gown starts around $950 for the Eveana separates set and $1,500 for a one-piece; the couture pieces run to $16,150.
Open Tuesday to Friday 9am–4.30pm and Saturday 10am–2pm, closed Sunday and Monday — and appointments get priority, so book rather than walk in. Phone (02) 6651 6048, or text the shop mobile. Allow 12 weeks for a gown to be made, plus shipping; anything already in stock ships in 1 to 7 days. Delivery is free over $150 within Australia.
They will design it with you from a blank page. A Style and Design Bridal Consultation starts with a sketch, moves to choosing fabrics, colours and laces, and ends in a gown made to your measurements in the studio behind the shop. Kimmie studied Applied Fashion Design and Pattern Making and will sketch your idea for you — and because the workroom is on site, alterations and changes never leave the building.
Lasting Impressions is a full-service occasion boutique on Prince Street in Grafton, in the Clarence Valley, owned by Leah Stevenson since 2002.
A ready-to-wear bridal and formal boutique in the heart of the Coffs Harbour CBD, and the shop that opens this catchment.