TIRED OF BUSINESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19947, 16 May 1928, Page 7

TIRED OF BUSINESS.

The rush of amateurs from society into " luxury " businesses that began after the war has ceased. A few of the first enthusiasts are now successful; many have retired. The refining processes of experience have produced the inevitable results, states a writer in an English exchange. Lady Victor Paget has been successful. She started her dressmaking business tlrree year 3 ago, and, now, " Lady Victor Paget, Ltd.," of Grafton Street, employs 50 girls all the year round. She goes to Paris once a month in search of models to supplement those which she designs herself. She chooses and buys herself everything that appears for sale in her shop—Parisian imitation jewellery, silk flowers, trimmings, belts, buckles and handbags. Lady Victor's husband, Lord Victor Paget, is one of two partners who conduct the flourishing fur business of Paget and Christy in Bond Street. He is an expert on furs, from first-hand knowledge gained as a trapper in Canada. He designs coats and wraps, advises customers, and works nine hours a day in the white overall coat of efficient salesmanship. Mrs. Gordon Leith started her dressmaking business of " Syldag," in George Street, nine years ago. She moved it, as it increased, into her own house, and her chief show room now is what used to be her drawing-room. The Hon. Lady Bingham owns the business cf " Rose Bertin " in Davies Street. She began as a milliner and embarked on dressmaking afterwards. She, too, goes to Paris personally for her models and novelties.

Two other shopkeepers who came from the amateur class have, however, just retired from Davies Street. Lord Lathom's house decorating business. Fearnley, Ltd., is closed, and, a hundred yards away, "Audrey"—owned by Mrs. DudTey Coats is having a clearance sale.