Freda Glass was born in Paddington, NSW in 1934. At 15 years of age, Glass began her dressmaking career with an apprenticeship at Beryl Jents and attended night school classes to learn pattern making. After five years at Beryl Jents, Glass developed her skills further working for Frank Mitchell, and then freelancing for John J Hilton, which was the followed by a stint at Eslicks.
After marrying, Glass started the label Stephen Glass of Sydney where she and her husband put a range of clothing designs together. The clothing was stocked at Farmers, Mark Foy’s and Myer. Glass was inspired to create top-end clothing that was prestigious, yet still affordable, sourcing material from Europe to use in their simple styles.
Glass closed the business after struggling with the unions. However, a few years later she bought a retail shop, Gianni Boutique, in Double Bay where she sold high profile fashion labels such as Missoni, Versace, Leonard and Miss Valentino.
- Writers:
-
Jenni Hagedorn
- Date written:
- 2013
- Last updated:
- 2013
