Collette Dinnigan was in New York to talk up her new lower-priced range, Collette. The short, colorful baby-doll dresses and smocks all retail for less than $350. "It s about easy dressing," she said. "And it s a bit gypsy." But she was also here to show her high-end collection, and that, by contrast, took its cues from the designer s marathon Mad Men watching sessions. "I m obsessed with the show s styling, how everything is so perfect," she said. Corseted dresses with full skirts were in abundance; a pink cotton version stitched with white raffia at the neckline and a chiffon in floral animal print were two highlights. It wasn t all strawberries and cream, though. Dinnigan s red-carpet clients still prefer sexy to sweet. For them, she served up black lace and studs.
