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Jodhi Meares, ex-wife of James Packer, sells Tigerlily - 7th Dec 2007
(Credit: HeraldSun.com.au)

JODHI Meares, ex-wife of James Packer, has sold her swimwear and apparel line Tigerlily to surfwear retailing giant Billabong International.

Ms Meares, who first made her name as a swimsuit model in her teens, started the Tigerlily business in 2000 with the help of her then husband gaming tycoon James Packer.

Ms Meares married the multi-billionaire in lavish $10 million wedding in 1999, but the couple separated in 2002.

Although the full value of the divorce settlement remains undisclosed, she did walk away from the marriage with a multimillion-dollar property portfolio and full ownership of the Tigerlily fashion label.

Named after a character in Peter Pan, Tigerlily has grown significantly in the past seven years.

In October last year, the Tigerlily flagship store in Paddinton, Sydney was opened.

In June this year, Ms Meares took her new designs to the Big Apple as her ex-husband married one-time friend and singer Erica Baxter.

The New York move marked her first big expansion beyond New Zealand and Asia, since launching Tigerlily.

Ms Meares said she loves designing swimsuits and will retain a creative role in the business, despite selling to Billabong for an undisclosed sum.

She said the sale would help Tigerlily fast-track its domestic growth, with Billabong providing the support to grow the brand.

"I've admired the Billabong business for many years and I'm continually drawn to the fact that it is a company built around a lifestyle," she said.

Ms Meares has been a guest reporter for the Nine Network's travel show Getaway and is currently a host on FOX8's reality show, Australia's Next Top Model.

Tigerlily Christmas party - 20th December 2007
(Credit: The Sun-Herald)

Jodhi Meares celebrated the end of a busy year for her Tigerlily swimwear label with a laid-back bash with an emphasis on family and friends.