Retirement Announcement

To My Friends,

All of my life, I have wanted to be a fashion designer. One of my earliest memories is dreaming of a future in fashion. I left school at 15 to follow that dream. What a journey we have been on together.

Forty something years later I have penned my final collection. It is a tribute to my eponymous label, and my swan song. With this collection, I am announcing my retirement.

I have always wanted to have a voice in fashion. But I could not have imagined that I would have had such a brilliant career. I will forever be humbled by the path I have walked in this industry, the women I have dressed, and the success I have enjoyed.

I now want to shift my focus to all the things I never had time for. It is not that I no longer love fashion. Fashion is my first love, and I carry it with me always. But it's time to take a holiday that lasts longer than a couple of weeks, to explore the world (outside of fabric suppliers), and of course to spend time with my wonderful family, especially Steve, my husband, who has been there every step of the way.

I would also like to thank my staff. Your skill and style have been at the very core of this brand from the start. Working with you all has been a joy, and none of what we have built together would have been possible without your dedication and loyalty.

Last but not least, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my wonderful clients who have loved what we do. Seeing my clothes out in the world knowing they have a place in your life has fulfilled me beyond words. I have loved watching your careers go from strength to strength. It has been a privilege to stand back and see women I first met buying a jacket for their first job after university become leaders of their industries. You have been my inspiration, and you are an inspiration to the next generation of women. It has been an honour to dress you, and to know you, and I have enjoyed every moment.

Our shop will close on 23 December. We would love to see you before then. Our design room and workroom will re-open on 3 February 2025 to tie up any loose threads - so to speak - and to ensure your final Winkelmann pieces are ready for the world.

All that is left to say is thank you. It has been a gorgeous career.

Love Adrienne xxx
Mami koja mi je pokazala put
In memory of Kathleen Linda Winkelmann nee Papich.