Earlier this month, www.ragtrader.com.au reported on the passing of iconic designer Traudl Troska. The designer, whose label Von Troska was at the forefront of Australian fashion throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, passed peacefully on September 4 with husband and business partner Steve by her side.
Former Ragtrader editor and now TraceAbility Communications director Tracey Porter reflects on a moment which captures the humility and humour of Troska:
“While I didn’t know Traudl well, prior to our first meeting I was acutely aware of her reputation as a dynamic and well respected force in the Australian design industry.
“The first time I met her was during my New Zealand Fashion Week debut back in 2005 when I was newly ensconced in the editor’s chair. Feeling considerably out of my depth and all too aware of my own lack of fashion pedigree, I was fortunate to run into a lovely group of Australian buyers during the first day.
“Traudl was among the first to introduce herself and, having discreetly taken me aside to inform me I was wearing my skirt back to front, then set about becoming one of my best allies not only during that first week but over my subsequent years at the helm of Ragtrader.
“Traudl’s natural warmth, grace and charisma ensured that she struck a chord with everyone she encountered both inside and outside of the industry and I consider myself fortunate to be counted among their number.”