Download the Transcript: FHS-Rose-Chong-2015
Rose Chong describes herself as “a maker”. She studied dressmaking and then design at an art school in the UK, and opened her costume store on Gertrude Street in 1979, making costumes for the film industry, and for rental for parties or other occasions.
In 1979 the area was rough with both heroin addicts and boozy customers at local bars. That has changed, and new businesses have made their contribution and the demographic of the population has changed too. She is pleased that the area maintains its diversity, and the popularity of the Projection Festival (begun in 2008) is attracting more artists.
