Di Cant

For 40 years, Di Cant has been a leading figure in the Australian Fashion Industry.

"To make an impression on the fickle Brisbane and Australian fashion industry, you need to have a number of tenacious qualities. To make that impression span over a number of years, you need a whole lot more. Not only tenacious, but driven by a love of style Di Cant is that..." - Tracey Whealy

Throughout her long career in the Fashion industry, Di has styled and compered fashion shows and season launches and, for the past 25 years, has held the position of Fashion Manager for the Australian Fashion Design Awards, as seen on Channel 9 each year.

Di has been head fashion educator for June Dally Watkins modelling and deportment school for 30 years. Many a model who struts the catwalk today has been styled by Di Cant.

Because of Di’s extensive knowledge of fashion styling and Imaging, she is in demand for speaking to both the professional sector in forums and for personal consultations. Di offers three in-depth packages appealing to: individuals, corporate clients, Employers and Retailers.

Di continues to travel the world attending trade fairs, Fashion weeks, launches and regular visits to Fashion Houses. Attending many shows over the years including, Versace, Missoni and Calvin Klein, she has also had the pleasure of meeting Ralph Lauren and Valentino.

When Di isn’t travelling she keeps up to date via Import Freight fashion magazines and the world wide web, as she has a great library of Fashion sites that allow her to keep in touch daily.

Di and her late husband John Cant had a huge involvement with Charities and together they have helped raise hundreds of thousands of Dollars for Cancer, Leukaemia and many Children’s Causes.

One of Di’s major fundraisers was “50 Years of Catwalk” where she brought back five decades of catwalk models from the Australian industry, raising $120,000 for the Cord Blood Bank . Di continues to give a lot of her time free of charge to such events.

With a passion for Fashion, Di Cant’s philosophy is more about style and showing people how to develop what works for their individual lifestyle.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Di is in huge demand for Public speaking appointments, particularly appealing to conferencing with women attendees or partners of attendees. Di’s knowledge of fashion, style and travel is covered in her 3 great topic areas of Wardrobe Audit/Planning, Suitcase Savvy and Retail Therapy - all of these can be tailored to suit the personal or professional sectors.

AUSTRALIAN FASHION DESIGN AWARDS

Since its conception 25 years ago, Di has held the position of Fashion Manager at the Australian Fashion Design Awards. This role - the linchpin of the awards – entails co-ordinating the creative side, including designers, models and choreography with the needs of Channel 9 and the National Retailer Association.

FASHION AND DESIGN CLIENTS

Di consults to major fashion Retailers on a seasonal basis, helping market their business image and products through parades, gala nights, charity events or launches.

Depending on the client, this can vary dramatically, however, her ability to vary such events from season to season appeals to the likes of clients such as, Westfield, David Jones and Myer.

Di has a core group of accounts in south east Queensland, among those accounts: Westfield, Conrad Treasury, Wintergarden and Brisbane Arcade.

SHOWS, CONVENTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS

This is a very diversified area which requires special attention for each individual event,which is why Di ‘s knowledge appeals to such events as:

• Concours D’Elegance
• International Motor shows
• Australian Boat shows
• 50 Years of Catwalk (Sponsored by Peugeot Australia)
• People of Excellence (Sponsored by Jaguar Australia)
• Ferrari 355 Launch

PERSONAL STYLIST

Di also acts as a wardrobe stylist for private customers. This entails examining what still works within a given wardrobe, then carefully planning what new pieces are required – all whilst staying within the customer’s budget. A huge consideration is the lifestyle of the client and, of course, what works for the individual and their body shape.

INTERNATIONAL & CORPORATE EXPERIENCE

Di was invited by the Government Trade Mission to Tokyo to head up the Fashion contingent. Here, Di was responsible for putting forward a polished presentation showcasing a dynamic and diverse cross section of our Fashion and Designers. Di was also responsible for the press launch parade for the Commonwealth Games; and the 1988 World Expo Launch. Di had for many years, a Television Segment for Fashion (sponsored by Mathers shoe group) in addition to roles in numerous other television promotions and Advertisements.

SUMMARY OF SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Fashion Manager
• Fashion Marketing Consultant
• Public Speaker
• Event Stylist and Compere
• Fashion Columnist
• Wardrobe Stylist

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