cover image Obsessive Creative

Obsessive Creative

Collette Dinnigan. Harper Design, $75 (264p) ISBN 978-0-06-2337-12-2

In this scrapbook-style autobiography, the internationally renowned Australian fashion designer gives readers an intimate glimpse into her glitzy, glamorous world. Beginning with a story from her bohemian childhood when she and her parents sailed from apartheid South Africa to New Zealand, Dinnigan reveals how serendipity aligned with intense ambition, a strong work ethic, and marketing skills to take her to the Olympian fashion heights she occupies today. Fashion lovers will drool over the photographic abundance of Dinnigan's lushly girly gowns and underwear, and aspiring designers may be both inspired and daunted as Dinnigan outlines the effort it took to design, sew, and sell her hallmark lingerie line. When it comes to parenting advice, Dinnigan is less convincing (the chapter "Being a Mama" is strangely focused on Dinnigan's work life and her own mother). This pretty book works perfectly as delightfully sensuous object and light, effervescent read. (Aug.)