Iconic Australian designer Collette Dinnigan prepares to farewell her Sydney boutique this week with a happy heart, and so did we- as we took a sneak peek at the many beautiful archive and current pieces that will be available in store in these final days! The incomparable designer, who went from humble beginnings, dying fabrics in her kitchen, to becoming the first Australian designer to show at the Paris ready to wear shows has truly left her mark on the Australian fashion industry. To mark the end of a very elegant era, and to celebrate Dinnigan’s label, we spoke with the designer about the memories she treasures, her favourite shows, and what she has planned for the future. Read on for our interview with Collette Dinnigan…
RESCU: What are your three best memories from the past 20 years?
Collette Dinnigan: There are so many great memories, it is hard to narrow it down to three.
I felt very honoured when Australia Post put me on a stamp as part of the Australia’s Legends series which honoured people who have made a unique contribution to Australia’s way of life, meeting the Queen in 2011 at Buckingham Palace and publishing my book Obsessive Creative last year after two years in the making. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to share my story.
RESCU: Who wore it best? Fave celebs to have worked with?
Collette Dinnigan: The likes of Helena Christensen, Sarah Murdoch, Nicole Kidman to name a few…there are so many more!
RESCU: What will you be keeping in your closet?
Collette Dinnigan: I have an archive of many of my favourite pieces from over the years, some of which I am selling in my Woollahra and High Street boutiques, many that celebrities have been photographed in and others that I will keep for not only sentimental reasons but because they are extraordinary one off pieces.
RESCU: Which were your favourite shows?
Collette Dinnigan: The show in 1997 at The Dome in Sydney with internationally-renowned choreographer, John “Cha Cha” O’Connell because the creativity and spectacle really took everybody by surprise
The 2004 Autumn Winter show at Le Louvre, Paris. It came together as I had imagined and just felt good.
RESCU: What do you find most inspiring?
Collette Dinnigan: My travels. Spending time in places like India and China have been very influential to both my designs and shows. I also design collections as though they are movies – making clothes for a particular place, time or event in my mind.
RESCU: How will you farewell your team?
Collette Dinnigan: I will never say goodbye to my team – I’ll say so long. I hope that I work with many again in the future and thank them for their contribution to my business.
RESCU: What can we look forward to next?
Collette Dinnigan: I think it’s going to be a fun time. I am looking forward to surprises.
You will also have the opportunity to meet Collette in person this weekend at her Woollahra boutique before doors close for good this Sunday
The boutique will enjoy extended hours on Sunday, March 2, opening from 10am-6pm.
LOCATION:
104 Queen St, Woollahra, NSW
For more information, visit Collette Dinnigan’s Facebook Page.
Click through for our peek at the archive pieces available in store for the Collette Dinnigan boutique’s final weekend…
