Olga: Compassionate Design Part II

Jan and Otylia were married in 1941.   Like many immigrants of that time, they entered the US through a long and circuitous route via Russian and then Japan, where Jan was finally able to obtain a US visa. Jan arrived 1st in the US and Otylia followed several months later.  Once they arrived, they settled in Los Angeles, Ca.  It was 1941 and while it was the end of one journey, one that had taken them 2 years to reach their ultimate destination, it was also the beginning of a second journey.  This journey would begin in California and start the trajectory that would become the course of their lives.  Who can say, when you are living it, how you got from one place to the other.  Years later, it all seems to make so much sense... the way obvious, but not at that time.

The California lingerie industry in 1941, which had started in  the 1920's,  had grown exponentially, due in large part to  the Nazi occupation of France, which made it impossible to obtain couture fashion and lingerie.  In an interesting turn of fate, the same impetus that drove Jan and Otylia from their homeland and led them to the United States, also produced the environment which contributed to their success, once they settled there.

Otylia, who later americanized her name to Olga, together with her husband Jan, eventually created a line of lingerie in her new name.  It not only introduced ground breaking designs like a seamless bra and a panty-tummy control combination, but many varied and beautiful designs, in a spandex blend of fabrics that were famous for making a woman look great, earning Olga a loyal and long time following.  The couple became US citizens in 1946, and between 1950 and 1973 Olga, together with her husband Jan, held 23 patents related to the lingerie industry.

70's Olga Sleeping Pretty 9200 Size 34 Offered by Medicinew1

In 1966, after a prolonged hospital stay for a slipped disc, she tested out the prototype for her "Sleeping Pretty" line, which featured a built-in bra.  As common sense as it seems today, at the time it was radical.  She was quoted then as saying  ''This is comfort, security,'' ....''This is hospital tested. I know.'' 

Olga Nightgown 92500 Elegant Size Large Offered by MarvelsVintage

Although they were raised Jewish, Olga and Jan became devout Presbyterians and remained active in their church throughout their lives.  Their devout religious beliefs, coupled with their experiences as refugees, no doubt played a strong role in their life long humanitarian and people focused philosophies.  Olga and Jan were honored on several occasions for their humanitarian efforts, while Olga personally assisted with "makeover" programs designed to raise the self esteem of mentally ill patients and residents of a battered woman's shelter.  The Erteszek's  created the Erteszek Foundation, a non-profit organization with a focus on giving back to the community.  

Olga Nightgown 92201 RARE Pink Lace Bodice Offered by 2Sweet4WordsVintage

We know that the company itself, was a collaborative effort between Jan and Olga, but  Olga's designs themselves, often came out of a collaborative relationship with her design staff.   It is therefore, no surprise that the employees of the Olga company were also viewed as collaborators and she and Jan were one of the first  to institute employee profit sharing in their company in 1954.  This theme of  team work and collaboration is echoed throughout her career and is in  large part responsible for her success.     The Erteszek's were granted many honors.   In 1984, The Olga Company was ranked as a Fortune 500 company, and also listed as one of the best 100 companies to work for in America.   In 1985 they received the California Industrialists Award, an award which is presented by the California Museum of Science and Industry, in recognition for their contributions to free enterprise. The Olga company posted exceptional profits in all but a few of it's 44 years under their joint helm.  Jan is quoted as saying, `We see the corporate structure differently,`....` If the Olga Co. is a role model for other companies, it`s not because we are such nice guys but because we made money. But we think we have made money because we are such good guys.``   See the December 4, 1985 Chicago Tribune article this quote is taken from.

Jan Erteszek died in 1986 and Olga died on September 19, 1989.   See her NY Times Obituary.  While the company was sold to Warnaco while they were both still living in 1984, and specifically because  Warnaco shared their corporate philosophy, shortly afterward, Warnaco's philosophy changed, brought about by new ownership from a hostile take over.  Christine, her daughter continues to design under the Olga label using her own name.

As true as it is with our shops, Olga's "shop" or brand reflected her personally.  But I think it goes deeper than the "Behind every Olga, there really is an Olga" ad campaign that  capitalized on that from 1967 to 1978. .  Many refugees who have experienced deprivation come to appreciate and crave beauty, and Olga was no exception.  This appreciation, mixed together with her compassion, practicality and humanitarian spirit,  is reflected in Olga's designs, her company and ultimately, her life.  

Olga Dress, Hostess Gown, Keyhole Back Size 12 Offered by GlamourGirlsLIngerie

This was so much fun to write and learn about.  Olga's life was truly inspirational.  Here life is proof of the historical importance of vintage lingerie.  Woman's history is being told here!  Stay tuned for future Olga posts with more interesting tidbits and fun vintage facts.
XO,
Kathy