Our Heritage
Our Heritage
The story of Florence & Mae began in 1972, when two remarkable women dared to dream differently. Florence Mitchell and Mae Thompson weren't just best friends – they were visionaries who saw a gap in Double Bay's fashion landscape. In an era when women were still fighting for their place in the workforce and society at large, they envisioned a sanctuary where women could find pieces that celebrated both their professional ambitions and personal style.
Florence, with her keen eye for fashion and background in textile design, and Mae, who had run a successful alterations business from her home while raising three daughters as a single mother, combined their expertise and savings to open their boutique. The location they chose in Double Bay was modest, but their vision was anything but.
"We're not just selling clothes," Mae would often say to their first customers, "we're providing armor for the modern woman's journey." This philosophy became the cornerstone of Florence & Mae, as they carefully curated collections that empowered women to step confidently into boardrooms, family gatherings, and every moment in between.
The 1970s and '80s saw Florence & Mae grow from a small boutique into a trusted fashion destination. Their commitment to understanding women's needs set them apart – they weren't just retailers; they were confidantes who understood the delicate balance their customers struck between career, family, and personal fulfillment. Every piece was selected with purpose, every styling session infused with empathy and understanding.
As the decades passed, Florence & Mae evolved with the times while staying true to its founding principles. The torch was passed to the next generation in the 1990s, when Mae's daughter Sarah and Florence's niece Catherine took the helm, bringing fresh perspectives while honoring the legacy of women supporting women.
Today, Florence & Mae stands as a testament to five decades of female empowerment through fashion. Our team of female buyers and stylists carries forward the vision of our founders, understanding that choosing an outfit is about more than just clothing – it's about feeling seen, understood, and celebrated.
The original vision of Florence and Mae lives on in every carefully chosen piece, every styling consultation, and every interaction within our walls. We've dressed mothers for their daughters' weddings, guided women through career transitions, and celebrated countless personal milestones with our community. Our boutique has become a cherished space where stories are shared, confidence is built, and friendships are forged.
What began as two women's dream in 1972 has blossomed into a Double Bay institution, proving that when women support women, magic happens. The world has changed dramatically since our doors first opened, but our commitment to providing a thoughtfully curated fashion experience for women, by women, remains unwavering.
As we continue to write new chapters in our story, we remain guided by Florence and Mae's original vision: to create a space where every woman feels understood, empowered, and beautiful. Their spirit of innovation, empathy, and celebration of womanhood continues to inspire everything we do.
Welcome to Florence & Mae. Your story is part of our legacy.