The Way We Wore on ABC – Celeste reveals how fearless fashion trailblazers have pushed for social change, challenged those in power, and helped marginalised communities to be seen.
Celeste uncovers the stories of Australia’s fashion pioneers who have revolutionised what we wear.
One trailblazer, Annette Kellerman, starts her own line of contemporary one-piece swimwear and single handedly revolutionises Australian’s beachside garments for generations to come.
While women are starting to use clothes to make political statements, clothing is playing a devastating role in the disruption and destruction of First Nations culture. A revolutionary fashion event, an Aboriginal Debutante Ball, is arranged. This event sees First Nations women reclaiming their identity and demanding their place in society.
By the late 1970s, identity politics is all the rage and people are finding their tribes. You have the hippies in their Kaftans, the disco dancers in their glow mesh, the blokes in their Blueys and the studs in the Safari Suits.
In the 1980s, photographer William Yang captures the moments when the first Mardi Gras protest in Australia shifts from violent protest to a fashion spectacular.
Fashion designer Peter Tully, Artistic Director of Mardi Gras, is at the helm of this glamorous transformation.
The Australian fashion community is growing and an interest in International styles is influencing creatives. Iconic designers like Akira Isogawa present a unique fashion identity to an Australia that is finally embracing diversity.
Production credit: A Stranger Than Fiction and Wheels Rolling production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from Screenwest and Lotterywest and Screen NSW. ABC Commercial holds world distribution rights.
Developed with assistance of Screenwest and Lotterywest. Written and directed by Nel Minchin. Produced by Jo-anne McGowan, Sarah Noonan and Nel Minchin. Executive produced by Jennifer Peedom and Celeste Barber. ABC Commissioning Editor Kalita Corrigan. ABC Head of Factual Susie Jones.
The Way We Wore on ABC and ABC iview – Tuesday 28 November at 8pm
Media Release – ABC
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