Australia’s fashion industry is in mourning following the death of Perri Cutten, one of the nation’s most iconic designers and a trailblazer in women’s fashion. Ms Cutten passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of timeless design, fierce entrepreneurial spirit, and a brand synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and the modern Australian woman.
For more than four decades, Perri Cutten was a household name — not just for those walking the runways or browsing boutiques, but for generations of women who found confidence, professionalism, and grace stitched into every garment she crafted. Her death marks the end of an era, but her influence will endure in wardrobes, boardrooms, and celebrations across the country.
“She built a legacy that has endured for decades, dressing generations of Australian women with style, grace and confidence,” said Georgina Austin, director of The Austin Group, which now owns the Perri Cutten brand.
From Graphic Design to Fashion Visionary
Perri Cutten’s path to fashion was unconventional — yet, in hindsight, destined. After studying graphic design at Swinburne University, she transitioned into the world of fashion in the early 1980s, drawn by a desire to offer something she felt was missing in Australian womenswear: a tailored, elegant aesthetic for the working and modern woman.
In 1981, she officially launched her eponymous label, and the following year, opened her first store in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale. Her debut collections combined a clean, tailored aesthetic with a palette and silhouette that flattered and empowered the wearer.
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“Perri’s garments made women feel strong but feminine,” said fashion historian Clare Press, former editor-at-large of Vogue Australia. “She understood structure, quality, and purpose — and she designed for women with something to say.”
Clothing for Women Who Lead
From corporate power suits to refined eveningwear, Cutten’s designs were embraced by women across professions — from CEOs and lawyers to teachers and politicians. Her pieces were elegant yet functional, designed to transition seamlessly from the office to after-hours events.
At a time when the Australian fashion industry was still dominated by imported trends, Perri Cutten’s collections offered something homegrown and uniquely attuned to local sensibilities. She married European tailoring techniques with an intuitive understanding of the Australian lifestyle, creating garments that were equally appropriate for the boardroom and a weekend lunch in the Yarra Valley.
“She was ahead of her time,” said Christine Barro, a fellow Melbourne-based designer and boutique owner. “She carved a niche for classic, feminine workwear before the rest of the world caught up.”
An Enduring Legacy in Retail and Design
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Perri Cutten brand expanded steadily across Australia. The label became a mainstay in department stores, while standalone boutiques continued to draw loyal customers.
Even as trends changed, Cutten’s commitment to timeless design never wavered. Her collections were not designed to dominate a season — they were created to endure across years, reflecting a deep respect for craftsmanship, materials, and the lives of the women who wore them.
In recognition of her contribution to Australian design and business, Perri Cutten was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Swinburne University, a full-circle moment that acknowledged her transformation from student to industry icon.
A Brand That Stood for More Than Fashion
Perri Cutten’s success was not just about clothes — it was about identity. At a time when many women were still fighting for professional and personal autonomy, her clothing became a symbol of self-expression, strength, and elegance.
“Perri didn’t just make garments — she helped women own their space,” said Georgina Austin of The Austin Group. “Her designs spoke to integrity, purpose, and confidence.”
Even after selling the business to the Austin Group, Cutten remained a guiding influence on the brand, ensuring that its core ethos remained intact. Today, the label continues to carry her name and vision into a new era, with collections that still evoke the same quiet power that defined her earliest designs.
Tributes Flow from Across the Industry
News of Cutten’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow designers, industry leaders, and long-time customers.
“Perri Cutten paved the way for so many of us,” wrote Bianca Spender, designer and daughter of the late Carla Zampatti, in a tribute on social media. “Her designs were elegant and bold — just like she was. A true pioneer.”
Melbourne-based fashion editor Janice Breen Burns described her as “a force in quiet tones,” adding: “She knew who she was designing for, and never strayed from that vision. You knew a Perri Cutten woman when she walked into a room.”
Many customers, too, shared personal anecdotes of weddings, job interviews, and milestone moments marked by Cutten’s designs — dresses and suits worn with pride and passed down through generations.
A Quiet Goodbye, A Loud Legacy
According to a death notice, Ms Cutten died peacefully on April 4, surrounded by loved ones. Though the fashion world has lost a pioneer, her influence will not be forgotten.
“We are all custodians of her vision,” said Georgina Austin. “Her contribution to the fashion industry was not only visionary but deeply personal. She understood the modern Australian woman and designed with grace and authenticity. That’s a legacy we intend to honour every day.”
In an industry that often chases the next big thing, Perri Cutten stood for something more enduring: style that empowers, design that respects the wearer, and fashion that doesn’t just follow trends — but leads with integrity.
As Australia bids farewell to one of its most celebrated designers, her work continues — in every garment that hangs in a wardrobe, in every woman who walks a little taller in her clothes, and in every designer inspired by her vision of fashion with purpose.
