Back To ShoppingStory & Timeline
- 1950s
- 1960s
- 1970s
- 1980s
- 1990s - 2000s
- Present
the 1950s
the 1950s
In 1956, Hungarian immigrants Alice and Louis Kennedy arrived in Sydney, bringing their experience from the European couture scene. Starting a factory in Bondi, the first Glomesh product rolled off the line in 1958. The eye-catching gold, silver and enamel wares dazzled high society’s fashion elite. The original Pesh wallet was a best-seller, named after the Hungarian pronunciation of Budapest as ‘Budapesht’.
Alice was the model for the first ever export catalogue and continued to be the face of the brand
the 1960s
the 1960s
Glomesh extended its range to feature cigarette cases, atomisers, mirrored compacts, lipstick holders, lighters and glasses cases. Alice and Louis became darlings of Australia’s high fashion crowd and popular socialites at the epicentre of the ostentatious 1960s party scene. Lavish affairs at their impressive modern home in Bellevue Hill would entertain the who’s who of Sydney’s most prominent influencers.
Alice was celebrated for her kindness and fun sense of humour and Louis was a natural salesman.
Carla Zampatti
Style Icon and former Glomesh ambassador
the 1970s
Jenny Kee
Acclaimed artist, designer and former Glomesh ambassador.
the 1970s
The glittery, mirror ball aesthetic of the 70s furthered the brand’s appeal. The disco decade also gave way to more fluid and draped forms. The slouch bag and halter tops were introduced along with neckerchiefs, earrings and belts. Glomesh was also being seen in the company of some of Australia’s most famous and fabulous women. The What’s in your bag? advertising campaign featured actresses Jacki Weaver, Delvene Delaney and Paula Duncan, as well as Miss World Belinda Green and designers Jenny Kee and Carla Zampatti.
the 1980s
the 1980s
Glomesh had become the most recognised accessory on the Australian fashion scene. It was now enmeshed in the fabric of Australia’s fashion history. Consequently, this decade saw the brand modelled on the most famous body both here and around the world, Elle MacPherson. It was around this time that the Glomesh accessories produced over the decades starting gaining in popularity with collectors looking for rare pieces. This gave certain styles cult status.
the 1990s - 2000s
Half a century after the brand was launched, the world farewelled Alice and Louis Kennedy, with his passing in 2008 and hers in 2010. As their friends and family remembered them, they also shared fabulous stories of the brand’s phenomenal success. Simultaneously, an organic revival started taking place on the streets. Young women began rummaging through their grandmother’s wardrobes and descending on op shops to source original bags, wallets and clutches, paring them back with razored denim and band t-shirts.
TODAY
In 2014, Daniel Goldberg took over at the helm and relaunched the brand into the modern fashion stratosphere. Continuing his grandparents’ legacy was as much a professional venture as a personal one, so while he and the family hold the brand close to heart, he is objectively aware of its iconic reputation. Today, the range pays homage to its original designs alongside exciting additions, limited releases and designer collaborations.
