MALABAR - Key Persons
Sara Mallabar started her business around 1900 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, catering to the carriage trade as a supplier of ball gowns. With unprecedented economic growth and the golden age of live entertainment, Sara sensed opportunity in the thriving local scene and by 1906 she was the proprietor of S. Mallabar Costume and Hair Goods. Sara's relationship with the Winnipeg Operatic Society helped to establish her reputation as a professional costumer and by the 1920s Sara had a viable costume business.
In 1923 Sara's son Harry moved to Toronto to establish operations, setting up shop as a costume and dancewear supplier on Spadina Avenue. The business name was eventually changed to Malabar Limited, dropping one L in the name, to avoid confusion with the Winnipeg store.