Maria Finlay b. 1932

  • Designer
Maria Finlay is design director for Maria Finlay Boutique. After retiring in 2003, Finlay re-emerged in 2008 as the buyer for Basler boutiques in Australia and New Zealand.
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In 1956, at the age of 24, Maria Finlay arrived in Australia following the Hungarian Revolution. Finlay’s first employment in Australia was working in the David Jones mail order department.

Peter, Finlay’s future husband, was a director at Sekers Silk, one of Australia’s leading textile fashion houses. Working together, Finlay designed and modelled outfits made from Sekers imported silks, cottons and evening fabrics that were then sold in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and New Zealand.

After her daughters began school, Finlay opened her first store with a workshop and the Maria Finlay label was launched offering a semi Prêt-à-Porter semi-tailor-made service for special occasion dressing to their clients.

In 1993 Finlay merged the stores into their national wholesale activities. After retiring in 2003, Finlay re-emerged in 2008 as the buyer for Basler boutiques in Australia and New Zealand.

Writers:
Date written:
2013
Last updated:
2013

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Portrait images
  • Designer Maria Finlay in workshop late 1970s