AUSSIE designer Collette Dinnigan is closing her business after 24 years in the fashion industry.

In a media statement, the Australian fashion legend said she was closing her business to spend time with her family.

“I have sacrificed a lot of family time in building and maintaining my business,” Dinnigan said. “Now I want balance back in my life with my husband, nine-year-old daughter and baby boy.

“I have met and worked with some of the world’s most talented people, as well as realising my own creativity while driving a financially viable, profitable business. I truly feel blessed,” she said.

Dinnigan, who is famous for her intricate beaded gowns and delicate lace pieces, cited the publication of her book, Obsessive Creative, as a factor in the decision to close down.

“I almost feel the publication of my book was a catalyst,” she said. “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,” she said.

Dinnigan’s publicist Deeta Colvin said her decision to close had been “a very difficult one, as she is incredibly passionate about design and her entire business, including all of the people within it, but 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.”

According to the Australian Financial Review, Dinnigan has spent two years looking for someone to manage the company and/or invest in it, but could not find the right person.

“I am not closing for financial reasons, at all. It has absolutely nothing to do with it. This is about finding a way to spend more time with my family,” she told them.

But that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill swirling that she has hit tough times like several of her design peers.

Earlier this year Lisa Ho was forced to shut almost her entire retail network after a failed attempt at listing her company on the National Stock Exchange.

In August, Alannah Hill relenquished control of her brand after falling out with her business partner David Heeney from Factory X.

And in 2012, ‘Jeans Queen’ Bettina Liano closed her flagship Melbourne boutique and moved to New York, citing exorbitant rents as the reason for expatriating.

The Finer Details

•  The business will close at the end of 2013, with retail closing early in the New Year.
• She will no longer show in Paris 
  

•  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 relaunched in November 2013 and will continue to be sold through David Jones stores.
• Dinnigan’s range for Specsavers will also continue.