Collette Dinnigan

Collette Dinnigan at the Puss In Boots Australian premiere, in November 2011

Collette Dinnigan (born 24 September 1965)[1] is an Australian based fashion designer. Born in South Africa, Dinnigan moved to New Zealand, then Australia, where she obtained work with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She opened her own range in 1990, with the launch of a dry-clean only lingerie collection,[2] and was the first Australian to launch a ready-to-wear collection, in Paris in 1995.[3][4]

Early life

Collette Dinnigan was born in South Africa on 24 September 1965. When she was eight, her family (including a younger brother) lived on their yacht for a number of years, eventually sailing around the southern coast of Australia and on to New Zealand, where they decided to remain. She graduated from a fashion design course at Wellington Polytechnic because she liked fashion designing. She later moved to Sydney, where she worked for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's costume department.[4]

Career and fashion range

In 1992, Dinnigan opened her first store on William Street in Sydney's Paddington, Australia, and exported her fashions to Barneys New York, Harvey Nichols in London, and Hong Kong.[4] In 1995, Dinnigan was the first Australian to launch a ready-to-wear collection in Paris; she was also the first to be asked to be in the 'ready-to-wear parade' in Paris. Her range is now stocked in her stores in Sydney, Melbourne and London, and in David Jones department stores. In 2002, UK super retailer Marks & Spencer invited Collette Dinnigan to create a branded collection of lingerie exclusively for their stores and Target stores in Australia. Wild Hearts by Collette Dinnigan launched and recorded impressive results.[5]

On 29 October 2013, it was announced that by the end of 2013, Dinnigan will have significantly scaled down her business, closing her boutiques in Sydney, Melbourne and London and stopping production of her bridal and evening wear lines. Approximately 80% of her staff will lose their jobs. Dinnigan emphasised that the business was still profitable and had no debt but the decision was the only way to free her up so she had time for her family.[6]

Personal life

Dinnigan has a daughter, Estella, with her former partner Richard Wilkins and a son, Hunter, with husband, hotelier Bradley Cocks.[7][8][9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hornery, Andrew (2005-12-31). "Birthday bash a perfect fit". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  2. ↑ "Collette Dinnigan Clothing – Designer Women's Fashion". Australian Fashion Review Blog. 15 March 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  3. ↑ "Dinnigan flies Aussie flag in Paris". The Age. 2002-10-04. Retrieved 2008-06-18.
  4. 1 2 3 "Transcript: Collette Dinnigan". Talking Heads. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2003-03-03. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  5. ↑ Tilley, Elizabeth (2008-04-01). "Collette Dinnigan lingerie set for Target, joining the ranks of Stella McCartney & Zac Posen.". Entertainment: Fashion & Beauty. News.com.au. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  6. ↑ "Collette Dinnigan to close her boutiques" by Katrina Strickland, The Age, 29 October 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  7. ↑ "Collette Dinnigan: I quit to regain balance in life" by Andrew Hornery, The Age, 29 October 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  8. ↑ Boland, Yasmin (2004-10-15). "Essentially Collette". The Age. Retrieved 2008-06-17.
  9. ↑ Attard, Monica (2005-04-24). "Sunday Profile – Colette Dinnigan". ABC Local Radio. Retrieved 2008-06-17.

External links

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