After 30 years in the industry, designer Steven Khalil brings his eponymous label home in a “full circle” moment for the 2025 Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Grand Showcase. Ahead of the monumental event, we sat down with Khalil to chat about the evolution of his brand, dressing JLo and why “bridezilla” is such a problematic term.
Marie Claire: How does it feel to be the Melbourne Fashion Festival Grand Showcase designer?
Steven Khalil: It’s a surreal feeling to be the Grand Showcase designer at Melbourne Fashion Festival. The last time we showed at an international level was in Paris, so bringing our work back home to Australia feels like a full-circle moment. It’s an incredible honor to be recognized as part of such a prestigious event, and I’m deeply proud of how far we’ve come. The international market is taking notice of what we’re doing, and that makes me incredibly excited for the future. This event gives us the chance to showcase our craft to an even wider global audience, and knowing that images from the show will be seen worldwide only adds to the excitement.
MC: Your career inspiration came from watching Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s wedding at age six. How has that early fascination with royal weddings influenced your design aesthetic over the years
SK: Watching Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s wedding at such a young age left an indelible mark on my design aesthetic. The grandeur, elegance, and timeless beauty of that royal event deeply influenced my sense of style, and over the years, it has consistently shaped my approach to creating bridal pieces. I strive to incorporate classic, regal elements that evoke a sense of majesty and grace, much like the silhouettes and fabrics worn by royalty.
MC: From making flower girl dresses as an apprentice to dressing celebrities like Jennifer Lopez—what has been the most challenging aspect of growing the brand?
SK: The most challenging aspect of scaling my business over the past 30 years has been staying true to the brand’s aesthetic while continuously evolving it to remain relevant and timeless. Balancing the core identity of the brand with modern trends and changing customer preferences has required careful attention.
MC: How do you maintain the delicate balance between preserving tradition and innovating in your bridal designs?
SK: By focusing on evolution rather than reinvention. The bridal industry is rooted in tradition, and elements of classic design, like timeless silhouettes or rich fabrics, remain integral to what we do. However, we constantly seek ways to refresh these designs—by updating details like embroidery techniques or experimenting with modern textures. Think of it like a Chanel handbag, which has maintained its iconic shape over the years but evolved in terms of materials and finishes.
MC: You mentioned the word “bridezilla” is problematic. Could you elaborate on your philosophy of managing client relationships during such an emotionally charged time?
SK: For me, the key to managing client relationships during such an emotional journey is empathy and open communication. Brides often feel an immense amount of pressure, not just from the wedding itself, but from societal expectations and the weight of choosing the “perfect” dress. We ensure that every bride feels heard, supported, and understood, removing any potential stress points.
MC: From Campbelltown to international success, what advice would you give to young designers from similar humble beginnings?
SK: The key to success is consistency, hard work, and mastery of your craft. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to get distracted by the noise or the temptation to rush your journey, but building a long-lasting brand takes time and dedication. It’s not about immediate results but about focusing on getting better every single day. Mastering your craft means continuously learning, evolving, and pushing the boundaries of what you can do. Never stop improving, whether it’s learning new techniques, refining your design process, or understanding the business side of things. Stay persistent, trust the process, and take pride in every step of growth, no matter how small.
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