It’s a sad day for Australian fashion, with the announcement that after twenty-four years of stunning designs and international acclaim, Collette Dinnigan is set to shut up shop by the end of the year.
Despite her passion and continuing success on a global scale, Dinnigan has made the decision to wind up her business to spend more time with her baby son, and nine year old daughter.
Dinnigan says that the publication of her book was the catalyst for the decision, making her stop and think about her journey, and the time she has sacrificed on her way to the top.
“I have met and worked with some of the world’s most talented people, as well as realizing my own creativity while driving a financially viable, profitable business,” she said.
Dinnigan showed her final collection at Paris Fashion Week this month to great acclaim.
The company is set to close by the end of the year, and her retail outlets including Sydney, Melbourne and London will be closing early in the New Year.
It’s not all bad news— Collette by Collette Dinnigan will continue to be sold through David Jones, Neiman Marcus and Net-a-Porter, and Collette Dinnigan Enfant will relaunch next month.
She will also carry on designing eyewear for Specsavers.
Dinnigan says that financial reasons are not the motive behind the decision, merely the wish to spend more time with her family.
This closure is just the latest Australian label to shut down following the cessation of Lisa Ho, Kirrily Johnston and Poppy Lissiman earlier in the year.
Glynis Trail-Nash interviewed Collette for Rescu. about her collaboration with Specsavers, Paris Fashion Week and juggling work and family:
