The following business proprietors were the 25-plus years recipients of the Lord Mayor's Commendations in 2017.
Celia Coate – Sarti Tailors
Bespoke tailoring, alterations and suit making for 15 years
Celia Coate enjoyed a colourful early career which included stints in France, London, and Melbourne, and a variety of roles including marketing for Lancome and Florsheim.
In 1990, she was invited by David Jones to run a concession business from their workroom and so, Coate and Tails was born, offering alterations and bespoke tailoring. Celia also created Coate of Arms at Georges.
In 2002, she left David Jones to take on the new challenge: combining her Sartoria with a Trattoria. She renamed the combined entity as ‘Sarti’, which means ‘tailors’ in Italian. Over the past 15 years, Sarti has made suits for a number of esteemed clients include two prime ministers, footballer heroes, actors and comedians.
Anthony Kalfin – Kalfin Jewellery
Bridging the gap between jewellery design and customers for more than 35 years
From their luxurious Parisian-style atelier above bustling Collins Street, Anthony Kalfin and the team at Kalfin Jewellery specialise in custom-made jewellery ranging from engagement rings to couture collections.
Starting originally as a designer and manufacturer supplying 3500 jewellery stores across Australia and New Zealand, the business evolved into a direct-to-customer retail boutique - bridging the gap between jewellery design and customers.
For more than 35 years, and now in its second generation, Kalfin Jewellery has remained true to its vision, that each piece of jewellery should be as unique as the person wearing it.
Shirley Keon – Keon Couture Design
Bringing the art of fine couture to the city for more than 20 years
Keon Couture is the brainchild of Shirley Keon, who first started business with her store Plus 2 Design in 1975. The business quickly evolved into highly successful boutiques in Richmond and Hawthorn, followed by Collins Street in 1995.
With perfect fit, personalised service, and proudly made in her own workroom, Shirley is renowned for creating incredible evening gowns, race wear, and contemporary separates. The glamourous, tailor made designs are worn by some of Australia’s most iconic women, with the latest The Keon Couture collection showcased every September in a spectacular parade at the Sofitel Hotel.
Andrew Luong – Jerky House
Giving customers the world’s best snack stop since 1989
Since 1989, Jerky House have been delivering on their founding mission: to provide the world’s best snack stop for their customers. The store’s famous core product, Meat Jerky, was developed by founder Mr Chiu Hoa Luong, who handed the business to his son Andrew Luong in 2001.
Now, nearly 30 years in the making, The Jerky House is renowned for its role in introducing the City to South East Asian Snacks in the 1980s. From their prime Bourke Street location, the store offers a huge selection local and imported dried fruits and seafood, with the majority available in self-serve pick’n’mix.
Zokky Novak – Zokky Designer Wear
Keeping city women well-dressed for more than three decades
From the first Zokky store on Little Collins Street in the early 1980s, to the current Bourke Street shop, Zokky Novak has been keeping the city’s women well-dressed with a boutique range of high-quality designer fashion.
Committed to sustainability and continuity, Zokky’s made-in-Melbourne pieces are made in limited runs from carefully selected local and international fabrics. Zokky has built strong, personal relationships with both her clients, suppliers and her CBD community.
From work-wear to travel attire and special occasion pieces, each garment has been made to stand the test of time, just like the business has for over 30 years.
Kate Ritchie and Charles Qin OAM – Chin Communications
Twenty-five years helping Australian businesses thrive in the Chinese market
Chin Communications was established in 1992 by Kate Ritchie and Charles Qin with a vision of helping Australian businesses communicate and succeed in the growing Chinese market. Fast-forward 25 years and Chin has evolved from a translating and interpreting service to an in-house, full-service Communications studio.
From translating to designing, writing, brand creation and online strategies, the team at Chin have stayed true to their brand promise of quality and client service. And, after all these years, they’re still known as one of Australia’s most trusted Chinese language specialists.