Australian fashion

Ugg boot - Blundstone boots - Hat "akubra" - "magpie" convict uniform

“Overseas, people’s clothes indicate the social class they come from. In Australia, clothes are meant to distinguise it”. Robert Treborlang.

Australia has a odd tradition in creating fashion style. Without doubt the marque piece has to be the Ugg boots , a pair of shoes that can be worn by men to convey a sense of roguish masculinity. They can be worn by upper class to achieve a playboy bunny sex appeal. The boots were invented by surfers because they wanted a pair of shoes comfortable for the trek home to the beach. The brands like “Billabong” an “ Piping hot” created this product; they used the canvas, cordury or denim, very strong fabric for this type of boot. Female surfwear is particulary sexy if worn with short ske viceversairts. Aside from the Ugg boots, great Australian footwear includes Bludstone boots. Initially made to specification required by Diggers during the gold rush than appreciated by bushwalkers, farmers, wine makers and outdoor phtographers. Recently they are worn by the people in the city. The sleeveless australian rules football jumper is another unique and adaptable fashion item. Off the football field, the jumper remains a adaptable item of clothing; the lack of sleeves makes it perfect for working on machinery such as car engines where loose material can get caught. In a barren land with harsh sunlight and a thin ozone layer, it is no surprise that Australia has produced a large range of hats in different materials: leather, felt, straw, feathers, gum nut or ribbon. The classsical unisex hat is “Akubra”. So attached to owners become to their hats they are retained even as time wears holes into them. But rather than lessen its appeal, the holes actually increases it. Aside from improving ventilation, the holes express a sense of durability and ruggedness. The most famous hat was invented by Aboriginal jackaroons. When Europeans first arrived in Australia, fashion was very important. As part of their punishment, Convicts were issued with demeanding prison clothing known as “Magpie” suit (black and yellow felted cloth). An arrow printed on the uniform intended to demean the convicts by signalling that they were owned by the crown. In contrast to the the Convicts, free immigrants dressed themseles in their finest european attire - wigs, top hats, tails and large black jackets. (expression of their superiority). It is not uncommon to hear about surfers dressing up for a wedding by wearing a suit and socks in addition to their thongs. Australia’s richest man has often photographed wearing the sneakers. “if you want to see if a businessman is Australian, look at his shoes”.