Collette Dinnigan Photo: Simon Upton
Collette Dinnigan is one of Australia's most successful fashion designers. Born in South Africa, she spent her childhood in New Zealand and then moved Australia where she initially worked for the ABC. She opened her own range in 1992 and was the first Australian to launch a ready-to-wear collection in Paris in 1995.
A working mother, Collette took the time to chat with Essential Baby about how motherhood has taught her to slow down.
Collette, you have one daughter. How old is she?
Estella is four, almost five.
What has surprised you the most about becoming a mother?
Experiencing a new love, a very different love.
Do you miss anything about your life prior to having a child?
Quiet nights at home. Time for two and undisturbed nights.
What do you think about 'me time'? Do you manage to get it and what do you do?
'Me Time' is incredibly hard to find. When I do get it, I like to read.
As a mother, what are you great at?
Nurturing and embracing Estella's individuality & creativity.
What are you terrible at?
Bedtime & discipline.
What has your daughter taught you over the years?
To slow down, to listen and to have patience.
What do you find 'drops through the cracks', no matter how hard you try?
Motherhood is very unpredictable. I find I just have to allow time for the unexpected.
How do you manage child care as well as running an international business? Do you have help?
Being a single mother - it has been very hard at times. Finding balance is difficult. Now that Estella is at school it has become more manageable.
You were born in South Africa and spent a year sailing with your family before settling in the New Zealand countryside. It sounds like a very free and bohemian childhood. How is your daughter's childhood compared to yours?
There is still a bohemian side as I take Estella with me whenever I can. In fact we leave today for Hong Kong, London, Paris and Italy.
We also visit our country property regularly which has a vegetable garden.
What key differences do you seen in your daughter and the way you were at her age?
She's much more creative than I ever was at the same age!
You've described your own late mother as 'vivacious and very creative'. As a mother, where do you find your influences and motivations?
My mother is my role model and both consciously & unconsciously continues to influence my decisions on a daily basis.
How conducive is designing to motherhood?
Raising a child opens your eyes. You gain new experiences daily so they do work hand in hand.
Do you ever suffer 'mother guilt'?
Everyday! It's really important that I do get one on one time with Estella daily.
Have there been times when you've considered giving up your work to become a full time mum?
I'm always exhausted at the end of designing a collection so often I don't know if I have it in me to do another. But I always find some inspiration somewhere to do it again.
What milestones are happening with your daughter this year?
She is turning 5!!
What is one attribute or skill you want to pass onto your daughter?
Respect for other people & good manners.
Collette, finally a question all mums must face - what are you feeding your daughter for dinner tonight?
Grilled Salmon fillet with broccoli!
