Iconic Australian designer Collette Dinnigan has confirmed she will close her business after 24 years in operation.
Dinnigan, who just recently celebrated the success of her 18th year at Paris Fashion Week, has confirmed her decision to close her business by year's end due to personal commitments.
Despite describing the decision to shut-up shop as a “very difficult one”, Dinnigan said the hours and travel required to sustain what is necessary to run such a successful international company doesn't allow for the time she and her family need.
“I almost feel the publication of my book (published this week) was a catalyst. The book is a retrospective of my life and it’s made me stop and think about the amazing journey I have had thus far. It crystallised my thinking, that I have sacrificed a lot of family time in building and maintaining my business, now I want balance back in my life with my husband, nine-year-old daughter and baby boy,” she said.
“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. “I truly feel blessed and also feel very lucky to have had such an amazingly supportive team.”
The decision comes also follows a fruitless two-year search for a business partner to help her scale up and expand into foreign markets, such as Asia – which is understood to have been a goal target market for Dinnigan.
Dinnigan has to date launched and been responsible for brands including – Collette Dinnigan mainline, Collette by Collette Dinnigan lingerie, Collette Dinnigan bridal lingerie and Collette by Collette Dinnigan diffusion.
However, the business will close at the end of 2013, with retail closing early in the New Year.
Collette by Collette Dinnigan will continue to be sold through David Jones, Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter, Matches Fashion and selected boutiques.
Collette Dinnigan Enfant will be re-launched in November 2013 and will continue to be sold through David Jones stores.
Dinnigan will continue to design eyewear exclusively for Specsavers and is currently working with the Specsavers design team on future collections.
Dinnigan also added that, taking into account the many opportunities which have come her way over the years – including design opportunities across hotels, homewares and interiors – she looks forward to such collaboration in the near future.
She also confirmed that the decision was not based on her financial circumstances, which remain positive, with the company “continuing to yield growth into FY14”.
Last year, Dinnigan was recognised for her contribution to the Australian fashion design industry as the recipient of the prestigious fifth annual Australian Fashion Laureate.