Designer DETAIL - Billion Dollar Babes.

Effortless cool, upbeat chic and a tough attitude.

A favourite of stylists, and the fashion insiders secret, Billion Dollar Babes appeals to women who aren’t afraid to be the centre of attention. So it’s no wonder Michelle Cooke’s ‘fit for the dancefloor’ frocks have such a devoted following in Aussie club hoppers.

Building an icon.

Michelle began flexing her design muscles early, producing her own clothes by the time she was 12.

“I started making clothes at the age of 12 and by age 16 was sewing outfits for myself and friends. By 18 I was hand painting T shirts and selling them all over Sydney. As well as sewing all my clothes for going out in the 1980's,” Michelle says.

After a five year stint in London, Michelle returned to Sydney with a deep love for UK fashion and the cutting edge labels. Quickly, Michelle came with an idea that enabled her to travel back to London and indulge her love of fashion – that idea was Billion Dollar Babes.

Strength to Strength.

The Billion Dollar Babes boutique first opened in the Strand Arcade 1994, where Michelle stocked her favourite labels straight from the UK, including Wit and Wisdom, Karen Savage, Jimmy Jumble and X Girl.

The label Billion Dollar Babes was born in 1995 when Michelle realized she could supplement her imported stock with her own brand. By 1996, Michelle had phased out most of the imports, and she began selling her own label in the UK.

“Over the next 5 years from 1996 to 2001, Billion Dollar Babes was sold in the Dispensary, The Cross and Selfridges Department store in the UK. The label has featured in British Vogue (Millenium Issue), ID, Wallpaper and The Scene,” Michelle finishes.

Just who is a Billion Dollar Babe?

Michelle explains the origin of her label’s catchy name “The name for the label came from a very cool nightclub in London. Billion Dollar Babes was the hottest club in London which was frequented by anyone who was anyone. I knew the organisers of the club and told them that I would take the name to Sydney for a clothing store featuring young directional UK designers.”

Looking forward to spring.

Today, the label is stronger than ever with the release of the S/S 07/08 range, due to hit stores in July. Michelle favours the Floral Jersey Banded Gown (left), The Black Jersey Catsuit and the Floral Bow Mini Dress. Also look out for the stunning evening and cocktail dresses, perfect for the Christmas party season.

The Billion Dollar Babes boutique is located at 420 Oxford St Paddington NSW. For more information, phone 02 9318 2021.