Throwback: Shiels & Paolo Sebastian Million Dollar Diamond Dress Designer Collaboration

2023 marks ten years since Shiels collaborated with legendary Australian fashion designer, Paolo Sebastian on a one-of-a-kind diamond-encrusted gown. Adorned with over $1 million worth of diamonds, the lace gown is the stuff of dreams with over 1000 white, yellow and cognac Australian diamonds weighing a whopping 300 carats. 

As part of the Paolo Sebastian Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, the mystifying gown which was also adorned with 12-metres of lace, 20-metres of silk organza and almost 70-metres of French tulle, the brand's Creative Director, Paul Vasileff took over six months to put together the ballgown, while a further two weeks were required for a team of four jewellers to set in the stones. Now that's guaranteed to make you feel like a million bucks (no pun intended). 

Cinched in at the waist, the gown is straight out of a Disney princess movie with sheer long sleeves and a bouffant hemline that has become somewhat of a signature for the Paolo Sebastian brand and their enchanting gowns. It was showcased as the finale dress for the Paolo Sebastian Autumn/Winter 2014 showcase. 

The partnership between the two iconic South Australian brands also included a special collection of diamond jewellery created by Shiels for the Paolo Sebastian Couture Line. The line featured ten pieces, mostly diamond rings set with white, yellow, cognac and pink diamonds to coordinate with each garment from the Autumn/Winter range. 

Shiels' Managing Director, Toby Bensimon worked closely with Paul Vasileff for over six months to ensure that each piece paired seamlessly with the design of each gown.