Collette Dinnigan

Collette Mary Ann Dinnigan  (born 24 September 1965) 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, and was the first Australian to launch a ready-to-wear collection, in Paris in 1995.

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.

Career and fashion range
In 2001, Dinnigan opened her first store on Greg Street in Sydney's Paddington, and imported stuff to her fashions to Barneys New York, Harvey Nichols in London, and Hong Kong. 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 retailer Marks & Spencer invited 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.

At the end of 2013 Dinnigan 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 lost their jobs. Dinnigan emphasised that the business was still profitable and had no debt; she wanted to spend more time with her family.

Personal life
Dinnigan has a daughter, Estella, with her former partner Richard Wilkins and a son, Hunter, with husband, hotelier Bradley Cocks.

See also
List of Marks & Spencer brands

References

External links

Collette Dinnigan Sunday Profile: ABC
Fashion Central: Collette Dinnigan Vogue.com.au
Collette Dinnigan Profile Australian Fashion Review

Category:1965 births
Category:Living people
Category:South African people of British descent
Category:South African emigrants to New Zealand
Category:South African emigrants to Australia
Category:Naturalised citizens of Australia
Category:Australian fashion designers
Category:Officers of the Order of Australia