Finalist 2024

Transformative Treasures

Burkin Designs Pty Ltd Trading as Gwendolynne / Gwendolynne Burkin

Versatile, sustainable wedding gowns, some made from recycled materials, seamlessly transitioning from weddings to events, supporting local artisans in Melbourne.

This capsule collection transforms traditional wedding dresses into versatile gowns suitable for multiple occasions, from weddings to red carpet events and parties. Some made from recycled materials, others from dead stock or in small quantities to order these gowns are sustainable, elegant, and adaptable, featuring unique designs that ensure comfort and durability. With the Gwendolynne’s signature intricate Deco Egyptian-inspired embellishments, each dress is meticulously crafted to be both beautiful and practical. Proudly made in Fitzroy, Melbourne, our collection supports local artisans and promotes a modern, eco-friendly approach to bridal fashion.

Design Brief:

One of the few beautiful rituals modern Australians still cherish is the wedding. But as the pressure of cost of living makes it harder for lovers to afford to dress to a standard for their commitment. There is also an issue regarding the sustainability of the white single use wedding dresses. This capsule collection embodies the seamless blend of traditional elegance and modern practicality, creating wedding dresses that transcend the confines of a single-use garment. Designed to transition effortlessly from the sanctity of wedding ceremonies to the glamour of red carpet events and lively parties, these dresses address the evolving demands and lifestyles of contemporary brides. Rooted in sustainability and versatility, each piece is crafted to offer beauty that endures beyond the wedding day.


This project was developed by:

Design Process

The journey to create this collection was one of meticulous dedication and profound artistry utilising my knowledge being employed in the industry for 38 years. Our design process began with extensive research and heartfelt conversations with our clients, delving deep into their desires and challenges. Leveraging 27 years of expertise in crafting exquisite wedding gowns, we ensured that each dress meets the highest standards of craftsmanship. Hand-finished to perfection, these dresses are a testament to our commitment to quality and attention to detail.

In meeting and exceeding the design brief, we focused on innovative solutions to the common dilemmas faced by modern brides. We have introduced convertible features, allowing each gown to be worn multiple times for various occasions. This adaptability not only enhances the dress’s functionality but also extends its life, aligning with our ethos of sustainable fashion.

Pattern cutting is constructed in a way that allows for flexibility of fit which means these pieces can be handed down to further generations or easily hired or sold for further wears to others without the extreme need for major adjustments. Embellishments are digitally designed by Gwendolynne and then outsourced and created to order minimising over supply of materials.

We have also carefully selected colours of pale tones; gold, nude, silver, oyster and some have bold red highlight embellishments. Colours have been considered with care and years collating a palette that brides are drawn to which is not the expected, impractical uniform of pure white. The final effect connects somewhere between weddings and events. With proven colours that have been tried and tested and popular over the many years with my forward thinking exisiting clients who have already embraced the re-wear concept through my Fitzroy based atelier.

Design Excellence

Exemplifying design excellence, our collection harmonizes aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Each dress is a masterpiece that embodies the fundamental criteria of good design: it is functional, of the highest quality, easy care and sustainable. We have carefully crafted each piece to ensure a comfortable and adaptable fit, to adjust as the owner may vary, creating a holistic and superior user experience.

Gwendolynne, an established fashion wedding business, has built a strong reputation for creating designs that have both a niche appeal and a broad international following. For decades, they have showcased Victorian designs at a professional and proven level.

Our collection sets a new benchmark in the bridal fashion industry, integrating the principles of a circular economy with modern design aesthetics. The result is a series of gowns that not only fulfil but elevate the expectations of what wedding dresses can be.

At Gwendolynne we want to show how sustainability can be timelessly, glamorous, beautiful with a connected meaningful process.

Design Innovation

Innovation lies at the heart of this collection. We have addressed the pressing need for versatile and sustainable bridal wear by creating gowns that are not limited to a single, fleeting day. Some dress are designed with unique, changeable features such as drawstrings that make a long dress mini and interchangeable slips of different colours, making them suitable for various events beyond the wedding day.

These gowns are not only practical but also imaginative and user-centered, tailored to meet the individual needs of modern brides. By offering flexibility and practicality without compromising on style, our collection redefines the traditional wedding dress and opens new avenues for bridal fashion.

The aesthetic nods to a nostalgic mood with design elements that makes each piece transformative and elevating to the wearer. Appealing to the feeling that as the world gets faster people seem to dream of the past when things seemed slower and easier to manage. This signature style has been tried and tested in my atelier since the labels conception in 1997.

Wearers express a ”dizzying” mystical, heightened state when they experience a Gwendolynne gown particularly through the connectivity of the intimate process we offer. Thus transformative treasures for moments in life that we never forget.

Design Impact

Our collection is designed to make a positive impact on social, environmental, and commercial fronts. By promoting the reuse of wedding dresses, we significantly reduce waste and champion sustainable fashion practices. Each dress adheres to the principles of a circular economy, utilizing recycled materials sourced by local importers in small quantities and pattern cut to minimize waste thus reducing each pieces environmental impact throughout its lifecycle.

Moreover, our collection contributes to the reputation and status of Victoria’s design and creative culture. It showcases the benefits of investing in professional design, highlighting the innovation and sustainability that can be achieved within the industry.

Artisan bespoke, handmade skills are a dying breed particularly in Australia and the impact of this collection expands the commercial aspect of this small business relevance in a changing world where clients and the environment must focus on seeking long lasting environmentally considerate solutions.

Circular and Sustainability Criteria

Our commitment to sustainable wedding designs is evident in our careful selection of materials. We use recycled fabrics, dead stock, do not carry stock only materials to order and hand-washable materials to reduce both environmental impact and the costs associated with dry cleaning. This thoughtful choice ensures that our dresses are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.

Adaptability is a cornerstone of our design philosophy. Each gown is crafted to transition seamlessly from weddings to other formal events, increasing its usability and value. This collection blurs the boundaries between wedding attire, red carpet glamour, and party elegance, offering versatility that modern brides desire.

All dresses are proudly made (and always have been made) in Fitzroy, Melbourne, supporting local artisans and the community. We address practical concerns such as minimal storage space and ease of travel, making our gowns suitable for modern living. These dresses are not only easier to store and transport but also designed to require minimal ironing, ensuring they remain pristine and ready to wear at a moment’s notice.

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