Critical Fashion Studies Podcast

The history of queer fashion in Sydney has received a lot of attention. The first Madi Gras in 1978 cemented the city’s reputation as a gay capital. At the same time, young artists and designers were adding to the city’s colourful, camp atmosphere. But what about queer fashion in Melbourne in the 1970s and 80s? Who was making adventurous, gender non-conforming fashion in this city?     In today’s episode, Harriette speaks to independent art and fashion scholar Dr Sally Gray about the Singapore-born designer Clarence Chai — a queer innovator who made his mark on Melbourne’s youth culture.      Chai may not have been as loud or outspoken as his contemporaries, yet his legacy is no less significant. In the wake of his recent passing, now is the time for him to receive the attention he deserves.     Show notes:  Dr. Sally Gray’s Instagram  Angela Serrano’s interview with Clarence Chai  RMIT Gallery’s Radical Utopia Exhibition  Friends, Fashion, and Fabulousness: The Making of an Australian Style 

First Nations communities across Australia have long histories of sartorial adornment. This rich heritage is finally receiving the recognition it deserves in this country, but how can we share Indigenous Australian fashion with the world?      In this episode, Harriette talks to Wiradjuri fashion entrepreneur Denni Francisco about taking local fashion international. Denni runs Ngali, a Naarm-based label that has earned an international following for its clothing and textiles adorned with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork.     Show notes  Ngali’s online store  The NGV’s Melbourne Now exhibition 

Australia imports almost​​​​​​​​ one and a half billion garments every year, but only 3% of clothing sold is actually made here.    In light of this imbalance, what can be done to help Australian designers achieve their dreams locally?     In this episode, Harriette talks to Julia van der Sommen, the Director of Sample Room. Based in Collingwood, Julia and her team help designers launch their labels with a range of domestic services — from pattern making to manufacturing.        Show notes:  Sample Room’s website  Sample Room on Instagram  Tickets to the ‘Start Your Fashion Business’ workshop 

Welcome to season two of the Critical Fashion Studies Podcast!     This season is all about celebrating Melbourne’s fashion community — the practitioners, entrepreneurs, historians, and activists shaping the future of Australian fashion.    Over the next 10 episodes, you'll hear conversations about queer fashion history, Indigenous fashion design, tailoring for diverse bodies, the lost art of bespoke shoe making, and much more.    Every episode has been recorded on the unceded lands of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung language groups of the Eastern Kulin nation. We pay our deep respect to First Nations Elders past and present, not only here in Naarm but across the lands and waters of Australia where listeners may be tuning in.     This season is brought to you by the Critical Fashion Studies Research Group with generous support from Creative Victoria.      Show notes:  The Critical Fashion Studies Research Group on Instagram 

The National Gallery of Victoria has one of the most extensive fashion and textile collections in the southern hemisphere, holding over 8,000 works by Australian and international designers. In this season's final episode, Natalya Lusty and Britt Craig talk to the NGV's curator of international fashion and textiles, Paola Di Trocchio, about the gallery's collection and recent exhibitions, as well as how fashion shapes our social and cultural worlds. Show notes The NGV's fashion and textiles collection