Kristin Davis was the picture of understated glamour at the And Just Like That season three premiere in New York, stepping out in Rachel Gilbert’s signature Francesca gown. The actor – best known as Charlotte York Goldenblatt in the Sex and the City reboot – opted for the ivory colourway of the hand-embellished dress, featuring pearlescent and silvery tones, delicate spaghetti straps, and an internal corset that sculpts the waist. Finished with a sleek, ankle-skimming column skirt, the Francesca gown balances structure with femininity.
When Rachel Gilbert launched her eponymous label in 2007, her vision was clear: to create eveningwear that would elevate life’s most meaningful celebrations. Sixteen years on, that founding philosophy hasn’t wavered – it’s only deepened.
“I had recently moved back from New York and was inspired by the city’s nightlife, the way people dressed up just to go out,” Gilbert tells marie claire. “At the time, my own social calendar was full of weddings, parties, milestones – I wanted to create pieces that felt worthy of those moments.”
Today, the Sydney-based designer continues to craft dresses that are more than fashion – they’re memory markers.
Hollywood’s New Favourite Gown
The Francesca Gown – one of Gilbert’s most intricate creations – has been making the rounds on red carpets of late. In addition to Davis, actress Victoria Justice wore the same silhouette in a soft blush-pink hue to the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The romantic palette, paired with hand embellishment and Gilbert’s signature tailoring, struck a note of feminine modernity that perfectly captured the night’s celebratory tone.
The Dress As Experience
Gilbert describes her designs as “experiences to be lived” – not just garments to be worn. “Our dresses are often chosen for a milestone – an engagement party, a 40th birthday, a best friend’s wedding,” she explains. “They become keepsakes, worn in moments you’ll never forget.”
Each garment is intricately constructed, often with internal boning or corsetry, to accentuate the female form while offering structure and support. “It’s about making women feel beautiful, but also strong and secure,” says Gilbert. “There’s power in that.”
Designing For ‘Her’
At the heart of the brand is a singular focus: her. The Rachel Gilbert woman is confident, well-travelled, and deeply attuned to her own style. “I usually start a collection by imagining a muse – who she is, where she’s going, what she’s experiencing,” Gilbert shares. “Everything is built around her.”
Rather than chase fleeting trends, Gilbert stays committed to the principles of modern elegance and long-term wearability. “We call our pieces timeless investments. They’re not capsule wardrobe staples in the traditional sense – but they’re the dress you reach for, year after year, because it still makes you feel amazing.”
Crafted With Purpose
Behind every Rachel Gilbert piece is an artisan story. The brand works with a small network of global craftspeople – many of whom have been part of the journey since day one. “Their level of skill and understanding of our brand DNA is part of what keeps our product so consistent,” Gilbert says. “They bring soul to the garments.”
That soul extends beyond aesthetics. Gilbert is a committed advocate for women’s causes, and the brand’s partnerships with the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation and Women’s Community Shelter speak to a deeper purpose. “We have the platform to support and uplift women,” she says. “That’s a responsibility I take seriously.”
The Evolution Of Eveningwear
Since launching her label in a pre-Instagram era, Gilbert has witnessed the industry shift dramatically. “In 2007, everything was driven by department stores and buyers. Now, we have a direct line to our customers, and they expect more than just a beautiful dress – they want a meaningful brand experience.”
What hasn’t changed is the power of craftsmanship. As quiet luxury continues to shape fashion’s current mood, Gilbert’s eveningwear – particularly her hand-embellished mainline gowns – feels perfectly of the moment. “Women want to invest in pieces that are unique, considered, and that make them feel like the best version of themselves,” she says.
And when a Rachel Gilbert gown becomes part of a woman’s most unforgettable night? That’s the magic. “To know we’ve helped make someone feel extraordinary – that’s why I do what I do.”
Go to www.rachelgilbert.com
