My earliest influences were undoubtedly from my English mother, who made most of mine, and my two sisters clothes. She was always sewing, buying new patterns and fabrics. I could sew well before I went to design school. But my Italian father’s hands on approach to everything from home renovations to cooking, really defined my practical sensibilities. And, like him, as soon as a job’s finished, it’s old news and requires a renovation.

At school I was clear from early high school that I wanted to be a designer. On completing my HSC I went to Sydney College of the Arts & studied Textile & Design. On completion, it was straight to East Sydney College and the Fashion Design Course. This was, and still is, the premier fashion design course in Australia.

The class of ’83 also produced some other luminaries that have become household name in Australian fashion industry. It was a time of unbridled creativity in prosperous times. Australia was just beginning to establish it’s own fashion identity.

One of my early jobs was with my now husband Geoff, who at the time had a fledgling women’s wear business. This business went on to become a well recognised manufacturer of woman’s suitings, under the label of Womenz Clothez.

We later launched my signature label Jacqueline DiMicco, with retails stores in Mosman and Bondi. Who could forget the “SMASH” dress.

In 2001 we decided to launch Piccolina to meet the demand of parents looking for unique and affordable girls clothes. And here we are today.

We want you to have something truly unique that will instil in your children the essence of quality design from an early age. Piccolina is always original, and produced in low volumes.

Next time you purchase one of my designs give some thought to blood sweat and tears that have gone into it. I give every step my heart and soul, and no decisions are taken lightly.

I hope you love it.

Best wishes

Jacqueline