After migrating from France to Australia in 1973, Colette Foubert’s flair for fashion and Olivier Foubert’s business acumen led to the founding of Calèche. Offering bespoke European-inspired evening wear and bridal gowns, Calèche by Colette Foubert began stocking in boutiques across Europe. The years to follow would see Calèche grace the catwalk at the 1985 New York Fashion Week and be the only South Australian label to be invited to show at Paris Fashion Week.
In 1992 a London-based designer Liz applied for a job to work under Colette. Little did she know then, but this would lead to a romance between Liz and Colette’s youngest son Herve. Liz continued to work under Colette, taking over the helm of head designer in 2003, with a style and flair notably similar to her late mentor.
Almost 50 years later and Calèche has survived the rapid decline of the Australian manufacturing industry, competing heavily with offshore labels.
“We try to keep up with the new European trends and styles” says Liz, “however, where we have been able to stand out is that we have focused on providing an exclusive and individualised made-to-measure experience to our Adelaide brides”.
Recently moving away from wholesale manufacturing for Australia-wide stockists, Calèche decided to concentrate on providing exclusive couture gowns for Adelaide brides. Today, brides fly interstate from all over Australia to have the Calèche team create their very own bespoke gown.
Now, Calèche is a second-generation family business with sons Eric and Herve taking over the management, Liz as head designer and Herve and Liz’s daughter Jess recently joining the team. Still proudly family owned and operated, Calèche will soon enter its 50th year of business, making it one of the longest enduring South Australian style icons. Designer Liz attributes the success of Calèche to their talented and carefully chosen team.
“Everyone is passionate about creating the best quality workmanship for the brand. When you think of Calèche we want you to think of exclusivity, quality and individuality,” says Liz, “this is what our team has worked so hard to achieve”.