Left : John & Merivale Hemmes at the opening of the Mr Chow Restaurant
Sad news today that one of Sydney's legendary fashion figures John Hemmes has died at age 83. John and his wife Merivale once were the King & Queen of modern fashion in Australia.
Today their son Justin Hemmes rules over a nightclub empire with some of Australia's most fantastic night spots from the Establishment to the Beresford Hotel in Surry Hills.
Whispers has a life long history with the Hemmes. At the tender age of 18 we were hired to run a shop owned by their fierce (but friendly) business rival David Sheinberg whose father owned Sydney's Imperial Arcade and a string of fashion stores that were in competition with The House of Merivale, over seen by Merivale Hemmes and which presented Aussies with the very latest overseas fashion. John was always asking us to join his firm and although we declined, we have remained friendly with the family for decades,
John Hemmes was born in Surabaya, Java, Indonesia- his parents were Dutch and he was imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp as a teen before arriving in Australia with little money. Over the next 30 years he and wife Merivale built up a fashion empire. Today son Justin has continued this entrepreneurial spirit with an enviable restaurant and nightclub empire that employs around 5000 people in premises designed by his sister Bettina.
Showing posts with label merivale hemmes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label merivale hemmes. Show all posts
Monday, March 2, 2015
Vale John Hemmes
Labels:
Beresford Hotel,
Establishment,
fashion mogul,
house of merivale,
John Hemmes,
Justin Hemmes,
merivale hemmes
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Another Hemmes' Winner
Peter Gilmore wields chopsticks at Mr Wong with Janni Kyritsis |
John & Merivale Hemmes |
And there really was no surprise when the top gong went to Peter Gilmore, known for his "snow egg" dessert, as his restaurant Quay was crowned best restaurant.
Not satisfied with scooping up award after award around the world (Quay under Gilmore's stewardship is usually rated amongst the world's top eateries) this is third time Quay, which has a stunning views overlooking the harbour and Opera House has been named Australia's best eatery.
Justin Hemmes' Mr Wong |
Restaurant of the Year - Quay, Sydney
Best New Talent - Alejandro Cancino, Urbane, Brisbane
New Restaurant of the Year - Momofuku Seiobo, Sydney
Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality - Janni Kyritsis, chef
Chef of the Year - Ben Shewry, Attica, Melbourne
Sommelier of the Year - Banjo Harris Plane, Attica, Melbourne
Regional Restaurant of the Year - Loam, Drysdale, Victoria
Maitre D' of the Year - Ainslie Lubbock, Pei Modern, Melbourne
Bar of the Year - The Everleigh, Melbourne
Wine List of the Year - Carlton Wine Room, Melbourne
Peter Gilmore's Quay |
Labels:
Gourmet Traveller,
janni kyritsis,
Justin Hemmes,
merivale hemmes,
mr wong,
Peter Gilmore,
quay
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