The grieving daughter of an iconic Australian fashion designer who took his own life has revealed how she fought to save her beloved 'dada'.
Brisbane fashion designer Daniel Lightfoot died on Christmas Day 2022 at the age of 58.
Mr lightfoot was an outstanding creative who shaped the fashion industry in Queensland from the 1980s into the 2010s, dressing high-profile clients including Liza Minnelli and former governor-general Quentin Bryce.
His 26-year-old daughter Paris spoke publicly for the first time claiming she and her family did all they could to try and help her father before his shock suicide.
Daniel Lightfoot's daughter, Paris Lightfoot(pictured at her father's funeral), has opened up publicly for the first time after her dad's shock suicide
The Brisbane fashion designer took his own life on Christmas Day 2022 at the age of 58 following a decade struggle with depression and anxiety (pictured, Mr Lightfoot with his daughter Paris)
Ms Lightfoot explained her dad battled anxiety and depression for a decade after his studio was forced into liquidation due to an ex-employee being convicted of fraud.
Daniel Lightfoot Studios was forced to close its doors in 2013 with ex-general manager Dianne Ross-Davis jailed for four years.
Ms Lightfoot revealed she had tried everything within her power to help her father and opened up on the one question that continues to plague her to this day.
'He struggled ever since but last year was the worst ... I reached out so many times and it's hard because you ask yourself, "What more could I have done?" when someone is in so much pain,' Ms Lightfoot told the Courier Mail.
Ms Lightfoot believes the stigma associated with mental health problems is what stopped her dad from reaching out and talking about his struggles.
She added her father would use multiple prepaid mobile phones and often did not respond to calls or text messages sent from family and friends.
'So many people tried to help but he pulled away – we did everything in our power but he wouldn't even talk to his own family,' Ms Lightfoot said.
The brave young woman said her dad would 'put on a brave face' as he wanted to be the strong role model and not burden her with his struggle.
Ms Lightfoot added she did not know where her dad was living at the time of his death and wonders if things would have been different if she was with him on Christmas Day.
Mr Lightfoot's sister Ally called her niece early on Boxing Day to deliver the tragic news her dad had passed away.
'Her voice was shaky and she asked if I was alone and I said I was with mum and then she told me – it was a shock, heartbreak, devastation and all of those emotions,' Ms Lightfoot said.
'Following that, it's just been up and down every day in terms of the denial and getting my head around it, realising what has happened and that he is not going to be here anymore.'
Ms Lightfoot revealed her father stopped communicating with family and friends and she did not know where he was living at the time of his death (pictured, Mr Lightfoot along with his daughter Paris and ex-wife Suzie)
Ms Lightfoot believes she and her family did all they could to try and help her father but often wonders if things would have been different if she was with him on Christmas Day
Ms Lightfoot, who is captain of the Bond University's Bull Sharks women's AFL team, hopes to help others who are struggling with anxiety and depression.
After quitting her lawyer career last year and opening a gym with her partner Jackson Fisher, the 26-year-old wants to promote the link between physical activity and mental wellness.
Ms Lightfoot said her father was 'much better' when he was 'fit and healthy' and that physical exercise had helped him to manage his depression and anxiety.
The Somerville House and Bond University graduate credits keeping physically busy with helping her process her grief.
During the week, Ms Lightfoot takes seven gym glasses a day at her ACTV Strength Co in Ashmore, and trains two nights for Saturday AFL games.
Ms Lightfoot is organising the ACTV Run for Resilience on May 27 in support of Sana Days - a charity started by Brock Day, who also lost her father to suicide.
The run is also aimed at helping people build a support network and educating the public on mental health problems.
Mr Lightfoot became well-known when he was just 20 years old after he established his own label.
The designer was known for his stylish 'day dressing' and later his standout corporate uniforms, winning 18 Retailers' Association of Queensland (RAQ) awards.
He was inducted into the Retail Association of Queensland's Hall of Fame in 1992.
Five years later he was recognised on an international scale when he was voted best Day Wear designer in the world at the annual Miss World competition.
Mr Lightfoot had a slew of high-profile clients including Liza Minnelli and former governor-general Quentin Bryce.
In 1985, Australia's Miss World entrant Angelina Nasso wore one of his designs.
Mr Lightfoot also mentored many aspiring designers at Queensland University of Technology's fashion school.
In 2013 Daniel Lightfoot Studios was forced into liquidation after an ex-employee was convicted of fraud and jailed.
A few years later, Mr Lightfoot opened a boutique in the Brisbane Arcade which was destroyed by a storm.
After quitting her lawyer career last year, Ms Lightfoot opened a gym with her partner Jackson Fisher (pictured). The 26-year-old wants to promote the link between physical activity and mental wellness
Mr Lightfoot (pictured) was known for his stylish 'day dressing' and later his standout corporate uniforms, winning 18 Retailers' Association of Queensland (RAQ) awards
In mid-2020, he attempted a return to the industry but was thwarted by Covid-19 lockdowns.
Friends and family wore their brightest colours as they gathered to say their final farewell to the iconic Queensland fashion designer on January 19.
More than 200 mourners attended Victory Church in Brisbane for Mr Lightfoot's funeral.
With the dress code being 'anything but black', loved ones walked into the church to a slide showing some of Mr Lightfoot's most memorable designs to the tune of Madonna's famous song Vogue.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 24 at any time of the day, seven days a week for anonymous support and guidance.
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