Recently, when a friend of mine was faced with looking for a christening outfit for her son, so fraught was her search that she ended up dusting off her home sewing machine and knocking one up herself. “There’s nothing out there!” she told me.

This is something Janice Schmitzer, owner of Ivy Emerald knows all too well. Inspired by her love of babies and beautiful babywear, she has developed a range of designer christening gowns and accessories for bubs’s special day. Janice has also sourced other designers of gowns and accessories – making The Ivy Emerald a perfect one-stop-shop for busy mums and dads.

All gowns are made in Australia using the finest fabrics, and matching accessories are available for each gown – including bonnets, bibs, shoes, frilly underwear and wraps. The girls’ gowns are all stunning – no question – but I do love the range for boys, who generally are hard-done by in this field. How great is the Thomas?

Those on the lookout for flowergirl dresses will be pleased to know that Ivy Emerald has recently extended its collection to include said dresses for little girls aged two to eight. Call or email Ivy Emerald for pricing.