N.Z. A Fashion Centre for Men?

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30286, 12 November 1963, Page 21

N.Z. A Fashion Centre for Men?

How far is New Zealand from the men’s fashion centre of the world? Some would say 10,000 miles, others half that distance. If we are to be guided by the range of clothing available in Christchurch’s leading menswear stores, however, we may be forced to the conclusion that New Zealand is a great deal closer than this to the world’s fashion centres. Local displays feature garments identical with those which are currently all the rage in Europe and the United States. Perhaps this may be explained in part by a theory held by a leading figure in the menswear business—Mr Sidney Sinclair, joint managing director of the Australian firm of Anthony Squires Ltd. On a recent visit to New York Mr Sinclair postulated the theory that individual national trends are tending to coalesce into an international look. This new global conformity may not be merely the result of the trend-setting jet set jetting everywhere these days, but also the deliberate intention of the world's leading designers. There are now fashion councils in Denmark. Sweden. Holland, Britain.

France, Italy and Australia co-ordinating men’s fashion trends in their respective countries, and now groups of international scope are forming. If an international look is to be the coming thing, who could benefit more logically than Australia, said Mr Sinclair. “We started Anthony Squires 15 years ago—my partner and I both came to Australia from a clothing manufacturing background in England—thinking we would show the locals what was being worn in London and then we’d be right on the beam. We were wrong. The average Australian, with his outdoor life, taller stature, smaller waist and different physique generally showed us that we were wrong.

“Because of Australia’s small population, it would have been foolish to try to develop an Australian look. Besides, one out of four of our population is not a natural-born Australian. So we had to develop an international look that would incorporate all styles—British, French, Italian and American. And what we've done there is exactly what is now happening worldwide,” said Mr Sinclair.