Ibi Collins b. 1913

  • Maker
Designer and maker at Collins Gloves
Tags: Sydney, Sydney Jewish Museum, Dressing Sydney Exhibition, Clothing Design, Clothing Industry

Ibi Collins, born in Hungary in 1913, came to Australia in 1939. She began her career painting faded gloves black at David Jones for a friend who owned a glove shop and factory. Eventually she was asked if she wanted to learn the trade & became the only female glove cutter. After managing the factory on Elizabeth Street, Ibi left to have children & eventually established her own outlet, Collins Gloves, at home. Collins Gloves were distributed Australia-wide, selling over a million pairs to David Jones alone.

Writers:

Jenni Hagedorn
Date written:
2012
Last updated:
2012