Australia’s most well known fashion designer, Collette Dinnigan, showcased her Printemps Ete 2010 collection at Paris Fashion Week earlier this month, choosing the beautiful and exclusive Hotel Meurice to unveil her gorgeous selection of dresses to the public.
Dinnigan was thrilled with the appropriate backdrop. “Salle Napoleon at the Meurice is a perfect setting and backdrop for my Alice collection,” the designer said, with the whimsical turn of the century hotel complimenting a range that “echoes a fantasy spirit.
The 2010 Alice collection is a delightful wonderland of contrasts. Dinnigan devotes half of her collection to every woman’s best friend, the versatile and very flattering little black dress, while the second half introduces a kaleidoscopic selection of bohemian mini and maxi dresses.
The little black dress (as well as the maxi black dress) receives a striking make over in this stunning line. Collette Dinnigan’s wardrobe staple is a tailored, sophisticated and demurely sexy piece that drapes smoothly over the body, creating a flattering effect. They’re modest (like the lace appliquéd shift dress) or sexy (like the very low cut, glittering tutu style mini), and totally fabulous.
Collette Dinnigan’s eye catching boho pieces were easily the best thing about this collection, with the designer producing high class beach chic with ease. Tiny dresses in pretty pastels are designed to be worn over bikinis at the beach, while her theatrical, ruffled maxi dresses in amazing acid tribal prints are perfect for effortless cocktail hour cool. Sheer fabrics and bare shoulders add the sexy sizzle necessary for a hot summer.
This assembly of bold and beautiful dresses makes a refreshing change from the floaty gowns and barely there slip dresses that made the designer famous. The Alice collection is evidence of the designer’s innovation and design versatility.
Not that we really needed convincing. Since releasing her first collection in Paris in 1995, Collette Dinnigan is still the only Australian to show on the Chambre Syndicale du Pret-a-Porter Des Couturiers et Createurs de Mode schedule. “As the only Australian designer on calendar, it is very important for me to represent Australia and continue to show our collection to the global market,” Dinnigan says.
And that she does. By combining classic design with interesting embellishments and just a hint of sex appeal, Collette Dinnigan’s 2010 Alice collection is a daring fusion of modernity and femininity.
BLK1 Article: CARLY OGBOURNE
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