Justin Hemmes shares sweet 90th birthday tribute to fashion mogul mother Merivale: 'A true legend'

Sydney Hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes has shared a sweet post for his mother Merivale, celebrating her trailblazing style on her milestone birthday.

Hemmes shared a series of throwback photos to Instagram to commemorate his mother's 90th birthday.

"To the coolest, most stylish, elegant, sophisticated, intelligent and caring mother. Happy 90th," he began his heartfelt post.

"A trailblazer in the fashion industry, a leader and creator. A loving doting mum who always has our backs. With the greatest sense of humour you never miss a beat."

In the images, Hemmes is pictured on holiday with her children, caring for her garden flowers, and dressed elegantly while entertaining.

Hemmes also called his mother "a fabulous cook and the greenest of thumbs,", sharing his love for "a true legend in every sense."

"Love you Mum xxxx oh and I can't wait to read the letter you receive from the queen in 10 years time," he added, looking to his mother's century-birthday.

Merivale Hemmes (nee Brennan), is the namesake of the Hemmes hospitality empire.

The trained millinery designer formed a partnership with late husband John Hemmes in 1955, according to Design Art and Australia.

Merivale became synonymous with the fashion industry of Australia in 1959 after the couple launched the House of Merivale, providing ready-to-wear, adventurous fashion to Sydneysiders.

The fashion designer met her late husband during a chance encounter in Sydney, after the pair boarded a ship to Holland.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the couple's sea voyage romance resulted in an engagement by the time they reached Europe.

House of Merivale emerged as one of the country's leading clothing chains in the '60s and '70s, platforming young designers such as Prue Acton, Kenneth Pirrie and Norma Tullo, before the pair embarked on a hospitality empire.

John Hemmes passed away in 2015, aged 83, after battling bone marrow cancer.

He was survived by daughter Bettina and son Justin, who took over the family hospitality business.

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