Pia du Pradal: Prominent Qld fashion designer’s shock career move after 36 years

She’s outfitted current and former governors-general and even a Queensland premier but a renowned fashion designer is set to retire and move interstate to reignite an old passion.

Dr Jeanette Young with designer Pia du Pradal, who will move to Alice Springs in August to reignite an old passion.

The designer who’s dressed some of Queensland’s most prominent women over nearly four decades has revealed her “difficult decision” to quit – and what she’s planned next will come as a big surprise to many.

Pia du Pradal – who has outfitted current and former governors-general Jeannette Young and Quentin Bryce and former premier Anna Bligh – will leave Brisbane after putting out her final winter collection.

Ms du Pradal said it was “with some sadness and great excitement that I have made the difficult decision to retire at the end of this financial year”.

The designer, known for elegant racewear and feminine suiting, will move to Alice Springs in August to reignite her passion for anthropology.

Ms du Pradal was a social anthropologist previously in Botswana, where in 1974 she met her husband Jacques before moving to Queensland and establishing her eponymous label in 1988.

Pia du Pradal and husband Jacques du Pradal. Mr du Pradal died on July 31, 2020.

The past few years have been particularly challenging for Ms du Pradal following the 2000 death of her beloved Jacques, which left her “utterly broken”, and the closure of her boutique in the Brisbane Arcade in January 2024.

She has since been focusing on her Milton boutique while continuing to be a spokesperson for the fashion industry.

In February she hosted a roundtable discussion on future-proofing the industry in her Park Road studio, with federal deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley and Queensland senator James McGrath. Also in attendance were Brisbane designers Sacha Drake, Depazzi, Catherine Baudet, Bruce Tully Opal, Starfire and Mannzilo.

Reflecting on why she started her label 36 years ago, Ms du Pradal said she wanted to “satisfy a niche market that valued impeccably tailored garments with that European continental look”.

Prominent fashion designer Pia du Pradal will move to Alice Springs later this year. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

“I think we achieved this,” she said. “What I hadn’t anticipated was all the wonderful people I would meet – clients who became friends, staff who became like family.

“When I think of the places that our clothes have been – like Buckingham Palace, Royal Weddings, journalists interviewing powerful politicians on the world stage, I feel honoured.

“But perhaps what I have enjoyed most has been helping those clients looking for outfits to wear to special occasions … and so many other situations where clothing can empower you or give you greater self-confidence.”

On Tuesday night, Governor-General Jeannette Young will welcome invited guests to the Milton boutique as they view the Kwatye Collection and winter 2024 range – a collaboration with barrister and Legal Aid board member Avelina Tarrago featuring art by Louise Numina.

Proceeds from each Kwatye garment sold will be donated to the Mullenjaiwakka Trust to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers to pursue a career at the Bar.