Olga Erteszek came to the USA from Poland in 1941. Starting from practically nothing, she built a lingerie company worth million. Olga held the woman’s record with twenty-eight patents, and is credited with several design innovations, including a nightgown with a built-in bra which evolved from a hospital stay where she personally tested it and made it a part of her line. She also designed the seamless bra and tummy trimming panties and spandex blend gowns that flattered a woman.
A pioneer for women in business, she employed a team of seventeen designers, was one of the first to initiate profit sharing, and was ranked in 1984 one of Fortune 500’s best 100 companies to work for. With three daughters, she also had a line named for her daughter Christina.
In 1986 she sold her company to Warnaco (Warners), Christina still designs lingerie. Olga Erteszek died in 1989 of breast cancer.
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