Tributes Flow for Melbourne Fashion Icon

The Melbourne fashion scene is in mourning following the death of one of its most influential figures, Le Louvre owner Georgina Weir.

The beloved fashion boutique owner died in Melbourne on Monday aged 83, following a long illness.

Le Louvre was founded by Weir’s mother Lillian Wightman in 1923 and quickly became Melbourne’s number one destination for luxury imported labels.

The inner-city boutique was both a social landmark and a fashion haven – renowned for its exclusive labels and elegant style.

Wightman christened her tree-lined corner of Collins Street the ‘Paris End’. 

Weir’s death was confirmed on Monday by Le Louvre in a social media statement.

The Melbourne fashion scene is in mourning following the death of one of its most influential figures, Le Louvre owner Georgina Weir

‘Dearest Le Louvre community, it is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce our beloved Georgina passed away peacefully this morning,’ they began. 

‘An icon, innovator and a truly incredible woman, Georgina was a pioneer in the Australian fashion landscape. Her larger than life personality, generosity, cheeky sense of humour and can-do attitude to life will not be forgotten.’ 

They finished by saying that Weir would long be remembered as a fashion innovator.

‘Her legacy in Le Louvre has proven to, and continues to, stand the test of time,’ they wrote.

‘Sending our love to all whose lives were touched by Georgina and Le Louvre.’ 

Weir took over the family business in the early ’70s. 

She was renowned for ensuring the business was readily available to people from all kinds of backgrounds, not just the ultra-wealthy.

‘We don’t give a damn who comes in here. I am not the slightest bit snobby about anybody,’ she once said. 

The beloved fashion boutique owner died in Melbourne on Monday aged 83

Weir’s death was confirmed on Monday by Le Louvre in a social media statement

Under Weir’s leadership, Le Louvre continued to dress generations of women in the most cutting-edge styles of the day.

Many of Australia’s fashion elite took to social media to pay tribute to Weir.

‘Georgina was a force to be reckoned with, and would dress Australian society women and brides,’ wrote Melbourne hospitality legend Bruce Keebaugh.

‘She sourced the best haute couture and ready to wear, from across the globe, to ensure her clients had the very best of the best. The parties we threw at Le Louvre were legendary.’

‘What an incredible woman Georgina was. How lucky were we to have her in our lives,’ added Keebaugh’s Real Housewives of Melbourne star wife Chyka.

‘Georgina you were an icon. Such a huge influential part of my life and for so many of us. I will miss our hilarious chats,’ added celebrity interior designer Charlotte Coote.

Weir had no children or siblings and following her retirement, she passed the leadership baton onto her goddaughter, Amelia Coote-Taylor.