Manuell and Moore Pty Ltd. review: Unethical behaviour 1

December 2015, two months left to my wedding- my experience with Helen Manuell was the worst nightmare.

Ms. Manuell had presented herself as a couturier, capable of replicating any design to perfection. She was warm, friendly and gained my confidence but when I expressed my uncomfortableness with the corset that she produced, Helen became defensive and intimidating-I felt bullied. She ignored my request to redo the corset that would be more suitable to the chosen design and what I felt I would be more comfortable in. I left that 1st fitting in tears and then emailed asking how she would like to move forward. After 9 days of no response, I had no choice but to ask for my $8, 000 fabric back as I had lost my confidence and trust in my wedding dress maker.

She refused to return my $8000 fabric, kept my first progress payment of $1000 and demanded I pay the $4000 balance of the $13, 000 quoted to make the dress.

I had to find an alternative bridal dress within one month and could not take advantage of using my fabric.

I paid an extra $500 to apply at VCAT where she was Ordered to return my fabric. When my mum collected it from her residence/workshop, Helen’s partner, was hostile and refused to give her a copy of the tax invoice or the certificate of authenticity to show that it was an original Elie Saab fabric. This only further demonstrated the nastiness and mean spirit. Helen knew that without these documents I would not be able to resell the fabric (now that I no longer needed it), for its true value.

Her behaviour was unprofessional and I would not recommend her, it is just a pity and had I asked around before going to her, I would have discovered that she is not a reputable wedding dress maker. I hope this post helps other girls avoid having to go through the same experience that I had to.