Aussie fashion icon Perri Cutten dies aged 73

The legendary fashion designer Perri Cutten had been a mainstay of women’s wardrobes across the country for more than 40 years.

Iconic Australian fashion designer Perri Cutten has died aged 73.

She died peacefully on Friday surrounded by loved ones.

Mrs Cutten had been a mainstay of Australian women’s wardrobes for more than 40 years.

She first launched her eponymous label at the age of 31 and opened her first store on High Street in the Melbourne suburb of Armadale in 1981.

Fashion designer Perri Cutten has died at the age of 73. Picture: Supplied.

The Advertiser Foundation, Raceware, Finesse models wearing outfits from Perri Cutten hats from Studio Hats. Photo: Nick Clayton

Her classic and contemporary designs have been available in 32 locations nationwide, including Myer and David Jones, and in stand alone boutiques over the past decade.

Mrs Cutten, lived on the Mornington Peninsula alongside her partner, photographer Jo Daniel.

In 1998 she received an honorary doctorate from Swinburne University’s Faculty of Design.

A post to the Perri Cutten Facebook page said their thoughts are with Mrs Cutten’s “family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her”.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Perri Cutten, an iconic figure in Australian fashion whose name has become synonymous with timeless elegance and sophistication,” the post on Sunday morning read.

“As the founder of the Perri Cutten brand, she built a legacy that has endured for decades, dressing generations of Australian women with style, grace and confidence.

“Her contribution to the fashion industry was not only visionary but also deeply personal – she understood the modern Australian woman and designed with purpose, integrity, and grace.”

A death notice on Saturday confirmed Mrs Cutten had died on Friday, remembering her as a loving mother, a beloved sister, stepmother and Mr Daniell.

There will be a private cremation with a memorial to be announced in due course.

More to come …

Originally published as Aussie fashion icon Perri Cutten dies aged 73