Pearl de Jersey knows the shape of Guernsey women. (Picture by Daniel Guerin, 0538025)
THE last 40 years have seen thousands of women turn to Pearl de Jersey for support, but now the Creasey’s lingerie manager and buyer is retiring.
Mrs de Jersey’s work has taken her to the Houses of Parliament and Stringfellow’s but above all it has given her a unique insight into the shape of Guernsey women.
‘In Guernsey, we have got ladies with very big breasts. ‘The only reason I can think of is the cream in our milk,’ said the 64-year-old.
‘I’ve measured thousands of women and I’ve helped grandmothers and their young ones.
‘Now I can tell what size ladies are just by looking.
‘And although we’ve been getting more and more come in over the years to get fitted, about 70% of women are still wearing the wrong size.’
Mrs de Jersey started working in the Creasey’s fashion department when she was 21 and after a brief break to have children, returned to work part-time in the hosiery section.
A position came up for hosiery buyer, but despite being 30 at the time she was initially told she was too young for the position.
With a little help from the then owner, Ivan Creasey, she got the job and soon got the reputation of being the best hosiery buyer in the Channel Islands.
Following that she got invitations to big functions in the UK, including a party at the famous London club belonging to Peter Stringfellow.
‘We were really doing well and our hosiery was going up and up. I was the only buyer from the Channel Islands invited to these events.
‘Back in those days we still sold leg warmers and slippers, but the focus has moved away from that.
‘Bras back then came in only about half-a-dozen styles and now they come in many different designs and sizes – from AA up to a K cup.
‘We get a lot more younger girls in now and people like their underwear to look pretty.’
Mrs de Jersey said it was an interesting department to work in and she had enjoyed sourcing stock at fashion shows from designers such as Calvin Klein.
But, glamour aside, there is a very important aspect to the work. Her job has required her to work closely with women who suffer from back problems and have been told by their doctor to get a fitting.
She has also worked with women who have had a mastectomy.
Joyce Brehaut has worked with Mrs de Jersey for 28 years and said she had learned a lot from her.
‘She’s very good – an easy boss as long as you do your work.
‘She has a lot of faith in staff. She will be greatly missed. She gets on with everyone in the store and she’s one of the girls, even though she’s the boss.’
Mrs de Jersey has no regrets about leaving to spend more time with her family, including her four grandchildren.
‘I want to enjoy slowing down. I’m not going to get upset because it’s been so lovely here.
‘I’ve had a wonderful working life and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. It’s been like working with family.’
Article posted on 21st February, 2008 - 2.29pm
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