Style Guru’s Secret To Success

Professional Image Consultants and Stylist’s from around Australia, were given a rare insight to Di Cant’s well known Brisbane Stylist’s business success. For 40 years, Di Cant has been a leading figure in the Australian Fashion Industry.

Brisbane Style Guru Di Cant, shared her tips and success strategies as a keynote speaker at the Association of Image Consultants International Annual Conference in Melbourne recently.

Brisbane's fashion elite and fashionista’s have always adored Di Cant’s style tips and commentary in the media. Though, devotee’s to fashion and style would be surprised to know that Di’s secret to success is not about the label, the fashion, the designer but about the client.

Di Cant revealed her secret to success and longevity within an often fickle industry was the importance of helping the client achieve their goals.

For the past 25 years, Di Cant has held the position of Fashion Manager for the Australian Fashion Design Awards, as seen on Channel 9 each year. Since its conception 25 years ago, Di’s linchpin role means co-ordinating the creative side, including designers, models and choreography with the needs of Channel 9 and the National Retailer Association.

As a key player in the preliminary judging held around Australia, whilst also hosting and compeering, there is no doubt that Di has been a major influence in the Australian fashion industry. Di modestly insists however, that ”The client is the star”.

And while style is a word that epitomises Di, she maintains, ‘It is not just about budget -there is a formula to developing your style. Learning to develop your individual style sets you apart from the rest. The first step is in understanding yourself and your lifestyle”.

AICI Australian Chapter President, Jayne De Wit agreed that “A Professional Image Consultant or Stylist’s role was about supporting the client in achieving their desired image and ensuring their outward appearance and communication reflected their own abilities and potential”. Many executives and entrepreneurial individual’s are seeking advice on how to achieve this. ”Jayne, like Di further encourages, “As the client, you are the star of your own production. Make it a great show!”

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Jayne De Wit

"Di, we believe, has that special knack for transporting a designer's collection to the catwalk as well as interpreting it individually to add pieces to her private clients' wardrobes. Di does it all with a friendly sense of style and wit" - Harry Watt and George Gross

"Dianne’s fashion awareness and perception gives her the unique ability to transpose a fashion designers aesthetic onto the catwalk and into the minds and thoughts of consumers. A rare talent which is only achieved from years of hard work and dedication to the art of fashion". Roberto Pierucci

"We have enjoyed working with Di for many years; whether it be as Fashion Compare, Show stylist or Fashion Judge at award events. As a lady of style, Di portrays confidence and professionalism for any stage or event. With her ability to reach out to all market segments; she is rare commodity. Our recommendation is obvious" - Marilyn Said and Barry Taffs - Covers

"I have worked with Dianne on many shows at the Winter Garden and found her to be totally professional, with a great sense of style and a wonderful personality" -Wayne Cooper

"Dianne Cant has a life long involvement with the world of fashion. Her passion and expertise in styling, creating and coordinating fashion events have established her as one of the most respected and talented people for assisting others with their fashion direction" - Annette Allison

S"Style-Passion-Professionalism. These are but a few words describing the outstanding delivery Di Cant has provided our corporate grooming and customer service etiquette development programs. Results certainly speak for themselves, and on the many occasions Di has been engaged to facilitate various organisational events, I have been extremely elated by the successful outcome of our aims" Colin Pople General Manager, Asia Pacific Operations, Verizon Business, Hong Kong.

"As a Gold Coast girl I began my modeling career in Brisbane with Di aged 16 and was lucky that the work then took me all over the world for the next 15 years. Throughout my time away I worked with literally hundreds of stylists from all corners of the globe. After all I experienced Di Cant is truly world class. She has an ability to not only make people look fantastic but always gives them confidence and presence to go with it. Di has a rare and intuitive flair to simply make people look great – not a mere follower of the latest fad or fashion. She takes time to look and listen and creates something unique for everyone she styles. I have always looked forward to working with her – she’s very clever and above all a lot of fun!" - Megan Ray

"I have had the pleasure of working with Di Cant for almost thirty years. We have certainly shared many exciting and memorable events, particularly in the glamorous eighties. Together we have shaped so many fantastic parades, and, whether they were gala or small and intimate, Di compered them all with great style and professionalism. I have particularly happy memories of all the years of local and Australian awards and, of course, the unforgettable Concours D’Elegance. Di’s gorgeous late husband, John, was always there with his wonderful cars as props and with his support. Throughout it all, Di has always been calm and collected with all of the pressures and problems that accompany such shows. Di is a very stylish lady who always looks wonderful and is totally dedicated to the fashion industry. She is a Fashion Stylist Extraordinaire." - Keri Craig-lee

"Toowong Village has worked with Di Cant many times over the years, as her inimitable style and professional standing in the fashion industry is unsurpassed. Di is a supreme professional when planning and organizing fashion events, and is expert at matching fashion trends and styles with the target audience." - Deanne Abolins Toowong Village & Tower

"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, dedicated to the Brisbane and Australian industry, passionate about ensuring women blossom when they look good, and all done with a unique caring heart that has nurtured and mentored Brisbane’s best fashion designers, models, colleagues and friends. Di Cant’s IS Brisbane Style. What we present to the world as a first impression is important. Di Cant will make that impression the very best." - Tracey Whealy

"I went to Jag to try on the dark denim "High Street" jeans, (which I bought) and the wedges you recommended. They didn't have the black wedges in my size, so I tried a red pair on for size. I was wearing a red shirt at the time, and I thought the shoes looked really good with the outfit - so I bought the red wedges, too. Of course, having bought red shoes… I then went back to Gripp Jeans and bought that nautical, red & white stripe shoulder bag that had the long rope handles, which extended past the bottom of the bag. (I noticed it had caught your eye as we power-walked by - I hope that it was eye-catching in a good way!) Thanks for your time, and I really hope that I will be able to have another styling session with you some time in the future. " - Wendy Giraudo

"Di Cant is famous as the fashion guru of Brisbane and deservedly so and she is the personal stylist. Di has been part of our JDW family for over 45 years. She is a dear friend and we love her. Always my warmest wishes." June Dally - Watkins

"To organize a successful presentation or fashion parade involves a number of talented people with style and discipline to project the creativity of the clothes and the image that the designer intended. Di, we’ve always appreciated your professionalism and experience when working together. You take charge, and add your own class to our events, and I sincerely thank you for that." - Raafat Imam Principal Xile Boutiques