Karen Mizzi Couture

22/08/2025

After a quiet pause, the studio has been beautifully refreshed and once again takes its place as the creative home of Karen Mizzi Couture — a space where vintage gowns are imagined and brought to life. 👗👗👗

06/07/2025

✨ Vintage Glamour on Stage ✨
How breathtaking is Deborah Thomson from The Vintage Drawer in this restored 1930s gown?

I had the privilege of altering and restoring this piece at The Studio Longwood, and seeing Deborah wear it with such elegance and grace—even just through the photos—was pure magic.

Deborah performed with The Elegant Associates at the Royal Mail Hotel in Braidwood, and although I couldn’t be there in person, I’m beyond proud to see this gown brought to life by such a radiant and talented woman.

Thank you, Deborah, for trusting me with this special garment. You made it sing.

20/05/2025

Maison Belle — The Forgotten Glamour of 1939

This late 1930s gown, restored here in the studio, was originally designed by Maison Belle, a once-renowned London fashion house known for its elegant silhouettes and hand-finished embellishment.

In 1939, Maison Belle featured gowns like this one in the fashion press — describing cornflower-blue jersey, “draped in lush folds from the shoulder-line” and secured with a “barbaric, broad jewelled belt.” It’s a striking combination of softness and structure that reflects the interwar aesthetic — romantic yet bold.

Operating out of Great Marlborough Street, Maison Belle was a thriving atelier that frequently advertised for tambour beaders, machinists and cutters. Their garments were crafted by skilled people working behind the scenes — the invisible workforce of couture.

This particular gown has now been meticulously restored: the beadwork revived, the bodice repaired and the skirt brought back to its original glory. It is currently available through The Vintage Drawer and will be showcased at the Sydney Fair unless it’s sold beforehand.

It fits close to a modern size 12 — making it not just a museum-worthy piece, but a wearable one.

Swipe through to see original 1939 newspaper clippings alongside photos of the fully restored dress.

19/05/2025

A closer look at Maison Belle

When we shared this 1930s Maison Belle gown, many were surprised to learn the bodice is entirely hand-beaded and sequinned.

Here’s a detailed photo — the motifs are stitched bead by bead in black and iridescent tones, forming a spectacular Art Deco pattern across sheer crepe de chine. No machine work, no shortcuts — just old-world craftsmanship and an eye for beauty.

Lovingly restored by Karen Mizzi Couture.
Available at through The Vintage Drawer.

15/05/2025

Forget the poodle skirt! 🦒

This bold red satin circle skirt brings all the drama of a 1950s silhouette, finished with a genuine hand-applied 1940s silver sequin giraffe.

Styled to perfection by Deborah from The Vintage Drawer with a cropped velvet jacket (also mine) and a sheer vintage blouse, this look is equal parts retro and refined.

All pieces are available now at The Vintage Drawer in Braidwood—and the skirt and jacket will be heading to The Sydney Fair unless sold before then.

If you’d love to see them in person or try them on, pop into the store or send Deborah a message. She’ll take great care of you.

Karen 👗💕
KAREN MIZZI COUTURE – the studio
In collaboration with The Vintage Drawer

14/05/2025

Maison Belle of London — A Hidden Fashion Legacy

This extraordinary 1930s gown, newly restored by Karen Mizzi Couture, was designed by Maison Belle — a now little-known but once flourishing London fashion house established in the late 1920s.

Specialising in sequinned and beaded eveningwear, Maison Belle operated from London’s Great Marlborough Street throughout the 1930s and was a regular advertiser for skilled couture staff. The label remained active into the 1960s, producing elegant gowns for the discerning woman.

This particular piece — with its Art Deco embellishment, flowing silk chiffon skirt, and original metal centre zip — likely dates to the cusp of WWII. A rare survivor from a label whose story is only just beginning to re-emerge.

Available exclusively at the Sydney Fair through The Vintage Drawer.

Historical research by Tom McEvoy.

14/05/2025

Seafoam Silk – Beaded Garden Gown

An early 1960s treasure in shimmering seafoam silk, embellished with hand-sewn beadwork and appliqué florals. This gown evokes summer soirées and candlelit verandahs, its botanical motifs cascading down the skirt in a gentle curve.

Lovingly restored by Karen Mizzi Couture, the beadwork has been resecured and the silk refreshed to its former lustre.

Don’t miss your chance to see this rare piece in person at The Sydney Fair — available through The Vintage Drawer.

14/05/2025

Scalloped Rose Brocade – 1950s Showstopper

This luminous coral-pink gown is a tactile dream — rich brocade rosettes, scalloped edging and a body-skimming silhouette that flatters from every angle. Dating from the late 1950s, the fabric alone is a work of art.

Karen Mizzi Couture’s restoration brought the dress back to life while retaining its glorious original shape and finish.

One-of-a-kind and available through The Vintage Drawer at the Sydney Fair.

14/05/2025

Suzy Perette – New York Elegance in Bloom

A classic 1950s silhouette from the celebrated Suzy Perette label, this magenta rose-print gown is all curve and poise. With its structured bodice, deep V back and sculpted bow detail, it channels the drama of mid-century cocktail hour.

Expertly restored by Karen Mizzi Couture, this piece was carefully reinforced and revitalised for modern wear while honouring its original construction.

Available exclusively at The Vintage Drawer stand at The Sydney Fair.

04/05/2025

Light through an old window. 💕

01/05/2025

01/05/2025