Raised in London by Irish parents, a Sydney-based bridal designer, Moira Hughes, who has just released her ‘Vantage’ couture collection for 2026, explains her craft process and shares what brides-to-be should prioritise in their search for the dress.
Ever dreamt of the perfect bridal gown sketched in your schoolbooks? Ever wondered what it takes to transform those dreams into a global couture bridal brand? Meet Moira Hughes, who will happily take you on her journey from such dreams to reality. A world-renowned bridal designer, Sydney-based Hughes shares her fascinating journey and explains how she filled a gap in the Australian bridal market with her elegant, sophisticated designs.
“I’ve always loved creating something unforgettable, explains Hughes. “My journey started in London, where I studied fashion design and worked with some of the most legendary names in bridal. I wanted to bring something fresh to the table — combining my love of couture and French corsetry into gowns that felt modern, effortless, and personal. “Moira Hughes' brides don’t settle — they’re all about finding something that feels right,” she continues. “They appreciate quality and artistry, but don’t want to look or feel like every other bride. The Moira Hughes brand is the perfect way to merge my love for timeless craftsmanship with a fashion edge. It is effortlessly cool, a little unexpected, and completely unforgettable.” For 2026,
Tell us how you started as a designer?
I’ve always loved creating something unforgettable. My journey started in London, where I studied fashion design and worked with some of the most legendary names in bridal. I wanted to bring something fresh to the table — combining my love of couture and French corsetry into gowns that felt modern, effortless, and personal. Opening my Sydney boutique was the perfect way to merge my love for timeless craftsmanship with a fashion edge.
What do you love most about the design process?
I love the process of turning an idea into something real. Seeing a bride try on their gown and realise, ‘This is it’ — that’s the best part. It’s not just about the dress; it’s about creating something that makes a bride feel incredible, like the most confident version of themselves. That’s why I’ve spent my life creating gowns, for the emotion it ignites.
Describe the Moira Hughes bride.
The Moira Hughes bride is modern, self-assured, and unapologetically herself. She doesn’t settle — she’s all about finding something that feels right. She appreciates quality and artistry but doesn’t want to look or feel like every other bride. She’s just effortlessly cool, a little unexpected, and completely unforgettable. Don’t overthink it. The right gown is the one that makes you feel incredible. Forget about trends or what anyone else thinks — you’ll know when it’s right. Trust yourself and enjoy the experience.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I’d love to design a gown for a movie — creating something iconic that people talk about for years would be a dream.
Dresses featured are from the ‘Vantage’ 2026 collection by Moira Hughes Couture, which is available in Ireland at The One bridal boutique in Dublin and at Verona Bridal in Belfast.