Collette Dinnigan is famous by design

Collette Dinnigan. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand-trained fashion designer Collette Dinnigan will be honoured by Massey University this week.

Collette Dinnigan is one of Australia's most established and recognised fashion designers, with high-profile stockists, fans and shows at Paris Fashion Week. But we do like to claim her as our own.

Based in Sydney but born in South Africa and raised in New Zealand, Dinnigan's career in fashion began while studying towards a certificate in clothing and textiles at Wellington's Polytechnic. She will return to New Zealand this week to be inducted into Massey University's "Hall of Fame", for her contribution to the global fashion design world, at a black tie gala dinner in Wellington on Saturday night. Past inductees include fellow fashion designers Rebecca Taylor and Kate Sylvester; this year's group includes Dinnigan, industrial designer Mark Elmore, typographic designer Joseph Churchward and the school's founder Arthur Riley.

Before she arrived in New Zealand, Dinnigan answered some quick questions via email, talking about some of her achievements, favourite places and best party memories.

You have been included in the "Australian Legends" series of stamps, received a lifetime achievement award, and now been inducted into the Massey University Creative Arts Hall of Fame - how does it feel to receive such accolades?

I am honoured but it is not what motivates me. It's the recognition for all the hard work and what I have achieved that is great for my business and team.

You have had many celebrities wear your designs. Who has been the most exciting to dress?

The Duchess of Cambridge is probably one of the most notable women that I have dressed as she has so many people following what she does.

How often do you come back to New Zealand? What do you miss most?

I am in New Zealand at least two to three times a year. I miss my family, but also the can-do attitude of Kiwis, the beautiful coastline, and the freshness.

Your best entertaining tip?

Use fresh produce and keep it simple and themed, such as all Asian or Italian, so you can match wines easily. If I am attending I always give the host a small gift, and it is good manners to write a thank you note.

How do you like to entertain at home?

I like to be prepared but with the feeling that it is effortless and casual.

What do you think makes a good party?

A good party is all about the music, people, low lighting, and lots of champagne.

What is the most fabulous party you've been to?

Our New Year's Eve party for the millennium was amazing. We all got together and planned it, myself, Sarah and Lachlan [Murdoch], Tom [Cruise] and Nicole [Kidman], Baz [Luhrmann] and his wife Catherine. We bought a boat and shipped it from Tasmania. Great guests and friends.

Your favourite party outfit at the moment?

A cotton dress from my latest Resort Collette by Collette Dinnigan collection.

Your favourite places in Paris?

Merci, for the stationery, the cafe in [department store] Le Bon Marche, Cibus Restaurant in Rue Moliere for dinner, and I love staying at Le Meurice hotel as it has the best staff, and the most amazing views across the Jardins des Tuileries to the Eiffel Tower. The Clignancourt markets are good for vintage and antiques.

Your favourite places in Sydney?

Parterre Garden in Woollahra, and Sally Campbell - you can find great interior and exterior pieces here. My favourite places to eat are Sean's Panaroma, and The Boat House at Palm Beach. Ultimo Wine Centre is well stocked, as is Thomas Dux Grocer. [boutique paper store] Paper2 on Crown St, interiors store Ici et La in Surry Hills, and of course my own store in Woollahra.