“ I don't think any word can explain a man's life” Orson
Welles
The
late Giuseppe 'Joe' Ielasi became a legend for creating clothes for former
Premier Don Dunstarn
But they’re probably the most visible
contribution made by master tailor Giuseppe 'Joe' lelasi, who became something
of a legend for his handiwork on the screaming pink shorts and cream safari
suits so loved by our 1970s Premier. Don Dunstan.
Joe, who died in May 2013 at the age of 85, gave
just about every day of his life in Australia to his tailoring cause, having
arrived in Adelaide late one night in 1950 and finding himself behind a sewing
machine in Hindley Street early the following next morning.
And that's pretty much where he remained for the
next 58 years when not the family home in Torrenville, his nimble finger and
craftsmanship fitting out politicians, lawyers, medical specialist, business
executives and other well-heeled members of society who bach then knew a thing
or two about dressing elegantly and were
happy to pay for tailored suits.
As his son Charlie recalled, two endearing
traits characterized his father - he was a true gentleman and a man gifted with
an abundance of love.
"Everyone who came into contact with him
spoke of how gentlemanly and decent he was, which probably explains why he was
particularly fond of his country folk customers who he said were always
respectful, always appreciative and always paid on time." Charlie said.
"And his love for his wife, children and
extended family, for his adopted country, for his many clients and, of course,
for his profession, was boundless, as was his love for telling the story of his
arrival here to anyone who cared to listen, whether it was for the first or umpteenth
time!"
That story, of course, had this young lad from
Platì in Calabria arrive at Adelaide railway stations late night, his bus from
Melbourne reaching its destination well ahead of schedule. Cousin fellow tailor
Giuseppe “Joe” Mittiga who’d planned to meet him was understandably nowhere to
be seen.
So with all his worldly belongings crammed into
the small suitcase he clutched in his right hand, brave young Joe with not a
word of English in his vocabulary strode out onto an almost deserted North
Terrace. He looked around and eventually spotted someone he correctly surmised
was of Italian heritage and approached him tor help.
The stranger hailed a taxi and got it to take
Joe to his cousin's house, where he arrived at 3.30am - and by 8.30am the next
day, he was striding up the steep and narrow flight of stairs to the Hindley
Street tailor's shop to start sewing alongside his cousin in what was to become
his home from home.
Back then, there were about 15 tailors along
Hindley Street and the strip enjoyed a reputation for being a melting pot of
all cultures, with neighbouring businesses run by a potpourri of Greeks,
Italians, Hungarians, Yugoslavs, Romanians, French and Russians, to name but a
few.
lt also heaved with activity each Saturday
morning, when business was particularly good.
"One of dad's great regrets was the demise
of the street over the years, to the point where when he was forced to close
shop in 2008, most of the businesses he'd worked alongside had long gone and he
was to sole surviving tailor," Charlie continued.
"I think he also regretted the fact that
neither of his sons continued the trade his family had been in for generations
back in Italy, with my brother Joe now a Manager in Local Government and me a
building designer.
"He once told us in his emphatic manner
that if either or both of us took up tailoring, he'd happily leave us the
business - and although I chose a different career path, I know he was grateful
that I had at least inherited his geometry skills !”
Nota - Oltre che di Rosalba Perri, il contributo di oggi è di Carlo, "Charlie" Ielasi secondogenito di Giuseppe Rosario e Ada Maria Perri.
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