Júlia Fischer, the Hungarian designer who reformed the fashion industry

At the end of the 19th century, the fashion scene in Europe was very much determined by Paris. They designed unique pieces that the best tailors and dressmakers aimed to replicate in their own countries all over Europe. This happened in the Austro-Hungarian Empire as well. However, there was one person who stood out from the crowds and invented something still crucial in the 21st century.

Júlia Fischer was born in 1866. Her interest in fashion emerged early on; she was just 14 when she decided to become a tailor. It is important to note that being a tailor in the second half of the 19th century was a good opportunity for those with some talent and a sense of business, as they had the chance that, with time, they will make a fortune.

She began her career at Áts and Co., the well-known Hungarian fashion store. During these times, she often visited the famous Gerbeaud confectionary to get inspired.

Due to her talent and passion, she was able to found her own business by 1880.

The first location of her store was in an area with a rather bad reputation.

However, high-end clients like the wives of Lajos Batthyány and Gyula Andrássy were willing to visit her here, too, which is a clear indication of her talent.

As Forbes.hu reports it, she started out with just two helpers but, by the 1920s, she had over 40 employees, and most of them were women. By the time she was ready to get married, she had a successful business running. She made sure her assets were insured and made her husband sign a sort of marriage agreement, something we would call a prenup today – a revolutionary decision from a woman of the early 20th century, someone who did not even have the right to vote!