Collette Dinnigan Clothing – Designer Womens Fashion

Collette Dinnigan Womens Clothing & Fashion Designer

In a nutshell, Collette Dinnigan is described as one of Australia’s finest exports. She is undoubtedly one of the most respected and honoured female icons known not only for her fashion influence, but also her trademark excellence in everything she does. The following is an extract describing the live thus far of Collette Dinnigan.

 Collette Dinnigan

Collette Dinnigan is no overnight success. Dedicated work and a passionate feeling for what women really want to wear bear their beginnings in New Zealand. In her late teens, Collette attended Wellington Polytechnic. On graduation, she moved to Australia and began her career in fashion, working for the Costume Department of the Australian Broadcasting Commission in Sydney. Attention to detail and a historical perspective on both fabrication and design were the result.

Although Australian in creative essence, the Collette Dinnigan trademark is known throughout the world. Every garment is carefully hand made in Sydney, Australia and shipped to an ever-eager clientele. The collection is merchandised in prestigious stores around the world from the Middle East to the East Coast of the United States.

Stepping out on her own in 1990, the Collette Dinnigan label was born. Collette’s distinctive style meant her in-demand designs were snapped up by hip boutiques and department stores in Australia and New Zealand. Barney’s New York, Neiman Marcus, Harvey Nichols and Joyce in Hong Kong were soon to follow and an international presence was established. In 1995 Collette became the first Australian based designer to mount a full-scale ready to wear parade in Paris and she remains the only one to have been invited to do so by the Chambre Syndicale du prêt-a-porter des couturiers et des createurs de mode.

Collette Dinnigan Eyewear

Collette’s design and business acumen have been recognised on many occasions, notably by winning the 1997 Louis Vuitton Business Award. She was chosen as Australian ‘Designer of the Year’ in 1996, awarded the 1998 ‘Award for Excellence’ by Fashion Group International and was inducted into the ‘Business-Woman’s Hall of Fame’. In May 1998, Collette was appointed Chairperson of The New South Wales Small Business Development Corporation, having previously participated as an adviser to The South Australian Wool Board in 1997. Awarded in 2001 and 2003 Australia’s 50 Most Beautiful Exports Award and in Paris 2002 she was honoured with the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World Award. In April 2004 Collette Dinnigan was presented with the “CLEO and Maybelline” Celebrity Designer of the Year Award, and was also honoured for her contribution to the industry by being presented with the Hall of Fame Award for outstanding achievement. This was voted for by a panel of her peers.

In July 2000, a selection of Collette’s Autumn/Winter collection and Resort 2001 range, was honoured by London’s Victoria & Albert Museum at one of their “Fashion in Motion” events. The selection of her designs featured the exquisite hand-made beaded and embroidered eveningwear for which Collette is internationally famed.

In 2001 Collette teamed up with iconic UK retailer Marks & Spencer and launched an exclusive lingerie collection under the name of “Wild Hearts”.

Collette continues to confirm and strengthen her commitment to Australian retailer David Jones Department Stores by opening ‘in store boutiques’ in Sydney (Elizabeth Street and Bondi Junction), Melbourne and Perth.

In January 2005, Collette Dinnigan was honoured with a stamp issue by Australia Post as part of their Australian legends 2005 campaign.

In March 2005, Collette was voted “Best Australian Designer” by the readers of In Style magazine. In May 2005 she was honoured by Marie Claire magazine, receiving two awards – ‘Readers Choice Winner for Best Australian Designer” and the prestigious “Outstanding Achievement in Fashion” award.

In August 2006 Collette Dinnigan Enfant (children’s wear) made its debut in Collette Dinnigan boutiques and David Jones stores nationally as well as exclusive boutiques throughout the US, UK, Middle East and Asia. The philosophy behind Collette Dinnigan Enfant is to produce beautiful pieces that are affordable, wearable, versatile and child friendly.

August 2006 Collette became the new face of the American Express My Life. My Card campaign and is the only Australian to feature in both an American Express television commercial and print campaign. The ad is the next instalment of the “My life. My card” campaign, which shares stories and lesser known aspects of the lives of many extraordinary people including, actor and director Robert De Niro, actor Anthony La Paglia, actress Kate Winslet, tennis star Venus Williams and professional golfer Tiger Woods. The TVC tells the story of Collette’s extraordinary background and how these diverse influences have come together to shape both her and her work. From Africa, the ocean, to New Zealand, India, Paris and finally Sydney, we see all these influences magically evolve and eventually culminate into one of Collette’s designs. January 2007 Collette was honoured alongside Olivia Newton John, at the G’DAY New York Penfolds American Australian Association (AAA) Gala on Friday 17th January 2007. “We are thrilled to have two great Australian icons, Olivia Newton John and Collette Dinnigan participating in our G’Day USA celebrations. Their undeniable talents and achievements are an inspiration to us all,” said Australian Consul General to New York, the Hon John Olsen

Collette Dinnigan Bridal

“I am delighted and humbled to be honoured in the international arena for doing something I am truly passionate about. Australian fashion is now recognised internationally and I am proud to be a part of that” said Dinnigan.

March 2007 Collette triumphantly returned to the Paris catwalk with her Autumn / Fall 2007 Collection “Equinox Girl” at the Carrousel du Louvre. Collette Dinnigan was the very first Australian designer to be invited to show her Collection in Paris by the Chambre Syndicale. Collette has been showing her Collection in Paris now for twelve years and to this date remains the only Australian on the Paris schedule. Collette Dinnigan revealed her Cruise 2008 Collection, at the much anticipated opening celebrations of Qantas’s new Sydney First lounge designed by Marc Newson on Thursday 10th May. The collection exudes sophisticated glamour with an element of fun and luxury.

“I am delighted to be previewing my Resort 2008 Collection in collaboration with Qantas, the iconic Australian airline offering both glamour and travel to the market together,” said Collette. In August 2007, Collette was voted ‘Best Australian Designer’ by the readers of Harper’s Bazaar. October 2007, Collette showed her Spring Summer collection in Paris at Le Carrousel du Louvre. Her Spring Summer 08 collection brings with it personality, attitude and glamour where nothing is compulsory and individuality is everything – Modern Love. “If you have a party to go to and some boys to impress, Collette Dinnigan is as close as you’ll get to guaranteed success” said Dolly Jones of Vogue.com in her show
review.

March 2008, Collette revealed her Autumn/Winter 08 Collection “Midnight in Moscow” at Carrousel du Louvre. The vision was decadent; its dark with an armoured feel coupled with silver hues and darker shades making ‘Midnight I Moscow’ a luxury self indulgence. “Gladiator-style dresses were must-haves for nights out on the town, while girly pleated gowns and military-style jackets gave the collection balance” Ally Pyle, Vogue.com in her review.

March 2008, Collette was honoured by the National Retailers Association receiving the prestigious Award for Fashion Excellence. This award honours exceptional individuals whose outstanding achievements and ongoing commitment have made a significant contribution to the Australian Fashion Industry.

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