Rachel Gilbert Sequin and Embellished Dresses

Rachel Gilbert sequin dresses are embellished by hand, and that is the difference you can see. The Sydney house applies its sequins, beads, crystals and claw stones by hand, often over an internal corset that keeps the heavier fabric close to the body. The label splits its range into embellished and semi-embellished pieces: the first are covered from neckline to hem, the second keep the hand work to a trim. Luxury Handbags carries both, from about $1,295 for a dress with an embellished neckline to $7,450 for the Lani Gown.

This guide explains the two families, walks through the strongest pieces in each, and covers how to wear and care for them. Everything is in our Rachel Gilbert edit.

Rachel Gilbert at a glance

• Founded: 2007, in Sydney, Australia, by the designer Rachel Gilbert.
• Known for: eveningwear and bridal, with hand-applied embellishment and an internal corset with waist tape in most gowns and minis.
• Boutiques: Paddington and The Strand in Sydney, and Emporium in Melbourne.
• Sizing: RG 00 to RG 6, which is UK and AU 4 to 18 and US 0 to 14.
• Latest collection: Resort 2027, titled Sejour.
• At Luxury Shoes : more than 190 Rachel Gilbert pieces, shipped worldwide.

Embellished vs semi-embellished

Rachel Gilbert uses these two words on its own site, and they are a useful way to shop.

The fully embellished gowns

The Sinclair Gown in Gold ($4,995) is the Resort 2027 headline: a full-length gown under a high turtle neckline, embellished by hand over its whole surface, with a corset inside and a satin lining. The Maison Gown ($5,495) is a strapless column covered in gold and black sequins in a tiger stripe, over a fully boned corset.

From earlier collections, the Rosalie Gown ($4,828) is densely hand embellished with reflective silver sequins and silver claw stones, with a hand-twisted strapless neckline. The Remy Gown ($4,828) is a strapless column covered in flat gold and silver sequins. The Florentine Gown ($5,843) is hand beaded in tonal gold with a square neckline and a small V cut-out, and the Pierre Sleeve Gown ($4,495) carries dense floral embroidery on a mustard-gold ground.

The fully embellished minis

• Sinclair Mini in Gold ($3,295): the short version of the Sinclair Gown.
• Maison Mini ($3,295): an A-line in the gold and black tiger sequin.
• Rosalie Mini Dress ($3,661): silver sequins and claw stones, strapless.
• Phillipe Mini Dress ($3,958): a long-sleeve micro mini in gold.
• Posie Mini Dress ($2,798): flat metallic sequins and a beaded fringe at the hem.

Our full guide to Rachel Gilbert mini dresses covers the plainer minis too.

Sequin separates

The Maison Top ($2,395) and Maison Skirt ($2,995) bring the tiger sequin to a two-piece. The top is sleeveless with a square neckline and a sculpted peplum, and the skirt is a fitted pencil with a back split. Worn apart, the skirt suits a black knit and the top suits black tailoring such as the Sutton Pants ($895).

Semi-embellished: hand work on the trim

For a client who wants the hand finish without the weight, these are the pieces to try. Each one puts its embellishment in one place.

• Malik Column Gown ($2,600): a gold trim along a strapless neckline.
• Riley Gown ($2,200) and Sorrento Column Gown ($2,200): trim along the armholes.
• Lyon Gown ($2,295) and Lyon Dress ($2,395): trim at the neckline, with a U-wire for support.
• Aiya Dress ($1,795): hand-embellished fringing at the neckline.
• Anice Mini ($1,895): a chandelier trim at the hem.
• Dovetta Mini ($1,295) and Dovetta A-Line Dress ($1,495): silver embellishment at the neckline.

Semi-embellished pieces are the better buy for a client who wants to wear a dress often. The trim lifts a plain dress for evening without making it a one-event piece.

How to wear a sequin dress

Let the dress lead. With a fully embellished gown, wear a plain sandal, one small earring and no necklace; the Attie Earring ($250) is enough. With a semi-embellished dress, you can add a statement earring away from the trim: the Tansy Diamante Drop ($695) suits a high neckline. Match the metal of the jewellery to the embellishment, gold with gold and silver with silver. More ideas are in how to wear Rachel Gilbert.

How to care for embellished Rachel Gilbert

• Follow the label. Several fully embellished styles, such as the Sinclair Gown, are spot clean only, with no dry cleaning, steaming and ironing. Most semi-embellished styles are dry clean only.
• Cover the trim. On trimmed styles such as the Aiya Dress, Rachel Gilbert asks you to cover the trim before dry cleaning and before steaming.
• Store flat. Heavy beading pulls on a hanger over time. Fold the dress in acid-free tissue and store it flat in a garment bag.
• Expect a little movement. Hand-applied sequins can shift slightly with wear. Keep any spare beads that come with the dress.

Fit

Embellishment adds no stretch, so fit matters. Most Rachel Gilbert sequin dresses are true to size with a form-fitting cut, and the corset sits at the natural waist. Sizes run RG 00 to RG 6, which is UK 4 to UK 18. See the full chart in our Rachel Gilbert size guide.

How Rachel Gilbert embellishment compares

Hand embellishment is common at the top of eveningwear, but the way it is used differs. Rachel Gilbert keeps its shapes simple, mostly columns, strapless bodices and A-line minis, and lets the surface carry the dress. Alex Perry is more about architectural cut, and Rasario uses embellishment more sparingly on minimal shapes. We compare the houses in brands like Rachel Gilbert.

Frequently asked questions

Are Rachel Gilbert sequins sewn on by hand?

Yes. Rachel Gilbert applies its sequins, beads and crystals by hand, from a single trim on a neckline to a fully embellished surface.

What is the difference between embellished and semi-embellished Rachel Gilbert?

Embellished pieces are covered in sequins and beads from neckline to hem. Semi-embellished pieces keep the hand embellishment to one area, such as a neckline trim, and are lighter to wear.

How much is a Rachel Gilbert sequin dress?

At Luxury Shoes , fully embellished Rachel Gilbert pieces cost from about $2,650 to $7,450. Semi-embellished dresses with a hand-embellished trim cost from about $1,295 to $2,600.

Can you dry clean a Rachel Gilbert sequin dress?

It depends on the style. Several fully embellished styles, such as the Sinclair Gown, are spot clean only. Most semi-embellished styles are dry clean only, with the trim covered first.

Which Rachel Gilbert sequin dress is best for a gala?

The Sinclair Gown in Gold and the Maison Gown are the strongest gala choices in Resort 2027. From earlier collections, the Rosalie Gown and the Remy Gown are both fully embellished columns.

Are Rachel Gilbert sequin dresses heavy?

Fully embellished styles are heavier than a plain dress, which is why most of them have an internal corset with waist tape to carry the weight close to the body.