Alana Pallister, founder of I.Am.Gia, launches second brand CDP

In 2017, Australian Alana Pallister launched the ready-to-wear streetwear brand I.Am.Gia alongside her sister Stevie. Going viral, the brand then enjoyed global success, supported by numerous celebrities including notably Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and Kylie Jenner.  

“The success of I.Am.Gia really came down to the character we created – Gia”, said Pallister.” She wasn’t just a model or a muse, she was an archetype. Born from inspiration, imagination, and intention – she embodied both strength and softness at a time when fashion rarely allowed room for both. People connected with her instantly. Everyone wanted to be a Gia girl – she was magnetic. And from there, I.Am.Gia took off.”
 
In 2019, I.Am.Gia opened its headquarters in Los Angeles, serving both as a global head office and a creative space for design, marketing, and photo shoots. The space also includes I.Am.Gia’s showroom that features the latest collections.

Nine years after her success, the Australian designer has just unveiled her brand new label, CDP, short for Christine Dawn Pallister, her mother and mentor.

“I created CDP to honor my mother’s legacy, her life’s work and the wonderful woman that she was, not just as my mum, but as a brilliant businesswoman, a mentor, and the strongest woman I’ve ever known,” added Pallister.

“This project is deeply personal. It’s rooted in loss and resilience, in softness and strength – the dualities we navigate as women.”

 
With the CDP brand, the designer also aims to anchor her collections in the timeless spirit. 
 
“Looking back at Gia, and now forward to CPD, the vibe definitely stays the same, but CDP is all about timeless and quality work wear classics, with an emphasis on both fit and fabric,” continued Pallister.

“At the very heart of CDP is to support women at every stage of their careers, whether they are shopping for their first ‘office’ look or leading the boardroom. We want women to invest in pieces that still reflect their personal style and professional ambitions without compromising on either. Above all, I want CDP to feel enduring – a wardrobe that evolves with you. Through the hard times and the healed times. Pieces that become part of your story, not just part of your closet.”
 
Revealed a few days ago in Los Angeles, the first collection presents a range of silhouettes from precision tailoring to wardrobe essentials that are both versatile and can transition from work to evening wear.

“The collection blends structure with softness,” explained Pallister. “The palette centers around timeless neutrals that transition seamlessly into professional spaces – with our signature hero color, baby blue, woven throughout as a quiet tribute to my mother, and a reminder of calmness, strength, and sentiment.”

To feature the launch, Pallister called on supermodel Candice Swanepoel. A finely executed campaign in which the model plays with the furniture and atmosphere of offices, but also cars and phone booths.

“Candice is our ultimate muse. A CEO, a mother, and an icon. She is the modern woman and everything CDP stands for and her role in the campaign is to welcome you into a day in the life of CDP’s world,” said Pallister.

“This campaign is close to the heart – it brings CDP’S DNA to life: bold, creative, and built empowerment. Styled by Ras Bartram, fashion director at 032 magazine, and shot through the lens of Daniel Sachon, the vision is strong, feminine, and unapologethic.” 
 
Distributed worldwide, the CDP brand will initially focus on the American and Australian markets. “The CDP woman is a global woman – so naturally, I see the brand stepping confidently into the global market,” concluded Pallister.