Consumer Warning: Our Experience with Ché Couture (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa)

In July 2024, we commissioned a custom graduation dress from Cheline Redlinghuys of Ché Couture, operating out of the Fabric Gallery in the Worq Centre, Pietermaritzburg. Our daughter, who studies abroad, dreamed of wearing a dress made in her home country to mark this important milestone. We entrusted this designer with that vision.

We paid R12,375.00 in full by mid-August 2024. Despite nearly a year’s notice, clear timelines, and consistent communication, the dress was not completed or shipped until early June 2025—far too late. We paid over $500 for priority international shipping, but the dress arrived after the event.

When it finally did arrive, the quality was shockingly poor:

The bust is drastically oversized—several sizes too large.

The waistline is nearly three inches too low, completely throwing off the fit.

The waist is puckered, with poor construction and finishing.

The custom lace detailing we were charged R9,000 for is completely missing from the skirt.

We were charged for a dress bag, but none was included.

The overall quality resembles a cheap factory-made dress, not a custom couture piece.

Even more frustrating is the response—or lack thereof. Cheline has refused to take any responsibility for the poor fit, missing elements, or the failure to deliver on time. When we raised concerns, we were met with blame, deflection, and now complete silence. She has stopped responding altogether.

We have kept all documentation: the original sketch, messages, proof of payment, and shipping records. We have also posted the design and photos of the finished product in international sewing forums—where multiple professional seamstresses questioned whether the dress was actually sourced from a budget site like Temu or Amazon.

This has caused not just financial loss—over $1,700 including shipping and emergency replacements—but emotional distress during what should have been a joyful occasion for our daughter.

We strongly advise others: do not trust Ché Couture with your money, time, or special moments. What we received is not only unacceptable but deeply hurtful.