Iconic Australian designer duo George Gross and Harry Watt have confirmed they will close down their labels after 40 years in business.
The Adelaide-based pair confirmed their retirement to ragtrader.com.au this morning and said the decision to call it quits was made on their “own terms”.
Gross and Watt established their labels George Gross and Harry Who in 1973 and have since earned international acclaim, dressing the likes of Joan Collins and Princess Diana over the years.
Gross and Watt further revealed that their labels will exit the David Jones stores at the end of January, after which they will continue to trade at their free-standing stores until all the stock is cleared.
Sixteen national outlets in total will close, including the 10 concept stores in David Jones and six boutiques.
Eighty staff working for the label nationally were reportedly advised of the closure yesterday and it is understood that they will receive full entitlements.
The shock exit follows the demise of other local fashion design greats, Lisa Ho and Kirrily Johnston, and Collette Dinnigan's recent exit from her business to focus more on her family life.
However, like Dinnigan, Gross and Watt are adamant that this was a deliberate decision not based on finances – which have reportedly grown year-on-year for the team over the past four decades.
“After 40 happy and successful years we have decided to hang up the scissor and get ready to retire. It has been a privilege to have had a career designing clothes for so many wonderful women and to have worked with so many wonderful people.
“It is always sad when a good thing comes to an end, however we are pleased to be exiting on our own terms.
“We wish all our staff and customers a fashionable, successful and happy future. We will miss you all greatly!”