GEORGE GROSS
George Gross has a fashion legacy many can only dream of.
Alongside longtime business partner, the late Harry Watt, this Icon designed the internationally renowned labels George Gross and Harry Who, who counted Princess Diana as a customer and boasted over 500 retailers globally at the height of their business.
Although he retired in 2014 after 40 years in the game, George is still heavily engaged in the industry, sharing his thoughts on Adelaide’s creative energy, the next gen of talent, and what fashion in our city means to him today.
Read on for our chat with Adelaide Icon George Gross (and very photogenic pup BJ).
What makes you feel most confident, George?
It's when an idea comes forth and looks great—perfect. Because not all ideas do. They might be okay in your mind, but they're not so good when they hit the dummy!
Throughout your career in Adelaide, tell us about your most memorable moment.
I think my most memorable moment has come after I've retired. Every two years we hold a reunion with all the staff from the Adelaide factory—the ladies, the dressmakers, everybody. There’s about 50 of us. The last one was about three months ago, and four of them separately—without discussing it—came over to me to say that the years they worked for me were the best years of their lives. And it just broke my heart, in the most beautiful way.
How would you describe Adelaide’s creative energy?
Creative energy comes from people, not from a city. There are creative people wherever you go in the world, and the ones that succeed are the ones that have the creativity and the ambition to go with it.
Is there one spot in the city you like to introduce people to?
Everywhere, anywhere. I don't think there's a specific spot. I mean, you can go to Victoria Square, and it's lovely. You can go to the Festival Centre, and it's lovely. There are some great restaurants—lots of places.
What does fashion in Adelaide mean to you today?
It means the same as it did 50 years ago: style, and confidence in wearing the style.
As someone with such a legacy in Australian fashion, how does the next generation shape up in the industry?
It's no different to when I started. Fashion is different, but the way of achieving success is the same. You must do beautiful clothes that fit a woman perfectly, make her feel better about herself. That's what good fashion is about, and there are several young people doing that in Adelaide now.
Looking back on your archive, is there a piece that continues to surprise you even now?
No, there's 25 of them!
STEAL THEIR STYLE
George wears his own wardrobe, all vintage Louis Vuitton.
