WHEN I saw the black feather-trimmed accessories sitting on the table of a Bondi market stall, I couldn't grab them fast enough.
Jacques Tchong, of Sydney, was not a label known to me, despite fashion, naturally, being the world I inhabited during my six years there.
As it turns out Jacques was an important designer who was an instrumental part of an emerging subculture.
During the 1980s in Sydney's inner-east, a series of more than 35 parties organised by the Recreational Arts Team (RAT) formed a key element of an emerging subculture. The core of the self-styled Recreational Arts Team was Jac Vidgen, Billy Yip and Reno Dal. Vidgen, an energetic party-thrower who had come to Sydney from Brisbane, became the de facto promoter and organiser of these so-called RAT parties.
And it seems I am not alone in wanting to recognise this mysterious designer...
Surprised they were still there - even though I would have been there bright and early-ish, while stallholders were still setting up.
But the early 2000s were still surprisingly free of the vintage clothing buzz and mania that followed and still holds, particularly Australian designers of the 1970s and '80s - during these years I also stumbled upon a fabulously sexy late '70s watermelon jersey drape mini dress by Merivale. I rarely see the label...ever.
I digress.
I don't recall how much I paid for the unusual accessories, but it's taken me til now to delve further into the label.
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| For wrists or ankles? I'm unsure, but the laces will accommodate both, while the belt/skirt/peplum is only small enough for a waist. I love the little utility zip pocket. |
Jacques Tchong, of Sydney, was not a label known to me, despite fashion, naturally, being the world I inhabited during my six years there.
As it turns out Jacques was an important designer who was an instrumental part of an emerging subculture.
During the 1980s in Sydney's inner-east, a series of more than 35 parties organised by the Recreational Arts Team (RAT) formed a key element of an emerging subculture. The core of the self-styled Recreational Arts Team was Jac Vidgen, Billy Yip and Reno Dal. Vidgen, an energetic party-thrower who had come to Sydney from Brisbane, became the de facto promoter and organiser of these so-called RAT parties.
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| A photo of Mazz Image, Jacques Tchong and Gemma at RATmania. I'd guess it was most likely snapped by famed Sydney social and fashion scene photographers Robert Rosen or William Yang. |
And it seems I am not alone in wanting to recognise this mysterious designer...
