#australia 1950s fashion

[nicholejaderockabillyboutique]

Step Back in Time Discover the Magic of 50’s Rockabilly Vibes

Have you ever dreamed of stepping back into a time when jukeboxes played Elvis, diners served milkshakes in frosted glasses, and leather jackets paired effortlessly with slick hairstyles? The 50’s Rockabilly era isn’t just a time in history it’s a lifestyle that continues to inspire music, fashion, and culture even today. Whether you’re drawn to the electrifying tunes of rockabilly legends or love the charm of bold fashion statements, this is a world worth exploring. Let’s dive into what makes the 50’s Rockabilly scene so special, and how you can embrace this retro trend in your own life.

The Rise of Rockabilly Music

The 50’s Rockabilly movement emerged as a unique fusion of rock ’n’ roll and country music, creating a high-energy genre that captured the hearts of rebellious teens. Pioneers like Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis gave this sound its identity, with twanging guitars, slapping bass, and energetic vocals. This wasn’t just music, it was a rebellion against the norm, a declaration of freedom and individuality.

Rockabilly also set the stage for a fashion revolution, as people began to express themselves through bold, edgy styles that reflected the spirit of the music. From slick pompadours to vintage dresses that twirled on the dance floor, the era became synonymous with daring self-expression.

Fashioning the 50’s Rockabilly Look

One of the most enduring aspects of the 50’s Rockabilly vibe is its fashion. Today, this style has found a dedicated fan base, especially in places like Australia, where the love for vintage fashion Australia continues to thrive. From vibrant vintage swing dresses to sharp mens rockabilly clothing, the rockabilly aesthetic is all about standing out.

For men, retro-inspired shirts are essential to achieving that classic look. The Nifty50’s Bodgie  Double Panel Men’s Retro Bowling Shirts Cream/Navy is a perfect example, combining timeless design with modern comfort. The cream and navy color combination is versatile and effortlessly cool. If you prefer something bolder, the Nifty50’s Havana One Panel Diamond Design Men’s Retro Bowling Shirt Royal/Black offers a striking diamond pattern that channels the spirit of the 1950s. Meanwhile, the Nifty50’s Bodgie Double Panel Men’s Retro Bowling Shirts White/Green brings a refreshing pop of color to your wardrobe.

For women, the allure of vintage style dresses in Australia lies in their feminine silhouettes and bold prints. These dresses, often inspired by australia 1950s fashion, capture the playful and elegant spirit of the era. Paired with a bold red lip and a set of victory rolls, a vintage swing dress transforms any occasion into a celebration of retro glamour.

The Social Scene: Dancing and Diner Culture

No conversation about 50’s Rockabilly is complete without mentioning the dance floors where the music truly came alive. Swing dancing and jive were at the heart of the social scene, with couples spinning and dipping to the rhythm of rockabilly hits. The music and dance created a sense of community, where everyone was welcome to join the fun.

Diner culture was another hallmark of the era. These neon-lit havens were more than just places to grab a bite — they were social hubs where friends gathered, milkshakes were shared, and rockabilly tunes set the backdrop for good times. Today, retro diners and themed events continue to celebrate this slice of 1950s Americana, drawing fans of all ages.

Keeping the Rockabilly Spirit Alive

The beauty of 50’s Rockabilly is its timeless appeal. Even in the modern era, the music and fashion of the 1950s remain vibrant, thanks to enthusiasts who keep the spirit alive. Events like rockabilly festivals, vintage markets, and car shows are thriving communities where you can fully immerse yourself in the retro vibe.

Embracing mens rockabilly clothing is a great way to step into this world. Whether you’re drawn to retro shirts, men’s casual look or planning to make a statement with a bold vintage outfit, there are endless possibilities to experiment with. Women, too, can channel their inner 1950s diva with vintage style dresses Australia, perfect for everything from themed parties to everyday wear.

Why Rockabilly Still Matters

Beyond its aesthetic and musical appeal, the 50’s Rockabilly lifestyle is a celebration of individuality and self-expression. It reminds us to embrace what makes us unique and to have fun while doing it. Whether it’s through a carefully curated wardrobe, an afternoon of swing dancing, or simply spinning a classic vinyl record, there’s something magical about stepping back in time and rediscovering the charm of this unforgettable era.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to experience the magic of australia 1950s fashion and immerse yourself in the world of 50’s Rockabilly, now is the perfect time. From iconic music to timeless fashion, this retro revival offers a fun and stylish way to express yourself while celebrating a piece of history.

[kirstydreaming]

review_australia

[lookingbackatfashionhistory]

• Evening dress.

Designer/Maker: Beril Jents

Date: 1959

Place of origin: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Medium: Nylon net, nylon lace.

[humanoidhistory]

"Anti-space suit" in Melbourne, Australia, 1955. Photos by Gordon De Lisle.

(via)

[vintagecamping]

Workers on the Snowy River Scheme relax around a campfire.

New South Wales

1950

[majormisunderstanding]

North Tce, Adelaide in 1955.

State Library of South Australia image no. PRG 1712/3/48.

[camisoledadparis]

THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY

based on: The White Crane Institute's 'Gay Wisdom', Gay Birthdays, Gay For Today, Famous GLBT, glbt-Gay Encylopedia, Today in Gay History, Wikipedia, and more … November 21

1694 – Voltaire, French philosopher, born (d.1778); born François-Marie Arouet, better known by the nom de plume Voltaire, was a French Enlightenment writer, essayist, deist and philosopher known for his wit, philosophical sport, and defense of civil liberties, including freedom of religion and the right to a fair trial. He was an outspoken supporter of social reform despite strict censorship laws and harsh penalties for those who broke them. A satirical polemicist, he frequently made use of his works to criticize Christian dogma and the French institutions of his day.

The name "Voltaire," which he adopted in 1718 not only as a pen name but also in daily use, is an anagram of the Latinized spelling of his surname "Arouet" and the initial letters of the sobriquet "le jeune" ("the younger"): AROVET Le ieune. The name also echoes in reversed order the syllables of a familial château in the Poitou region: "Airvault".

In terms of religious texts, Voltaire was largely of the opinion that the Bible was: 1) an outdated legal and/or moral reference, 2) by and large a metaphor, but one that perhaps taught some good lessons, and 3) a work of Man, not a divine gift. These beliefs did not hinder his religious practice (It is a line from one of his poems that translates "If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him.") though it did gain him somewhat of a bad reputation in the Catholic Church. He is best known today for his novel, Candide.

Voltaire blew hot and cold on the subject of homosexuality. Although he is known to have sampled the delights of same-sex love on one occasion, he nonetheless admonished a friend who wanted to try it a second time, "Once, a philosopher," he proclaimed, "twice, a sodomite!"

He was locked in a love-hate relationship with Frederick the Great, with whom he spent agonizing, ecstatic years. In her biography of Voltaire, Nancy Mitford writes that "nobody who studies the life of Voltaire can doubt that he had homosexual tendencies, and one wonders whether his feelings for the king were not exacerbated by unrequited passion."

Whatever his personal reservations about homosexuality, the famous French writer was forthright in declaring that sodomy, "when not accompanied by violence, should not fall under the sway of criminal law, for it does not violate the rights of any man." We will never know why Voltaire once signed a letter to a male friend, "E vi baccio il catzo," which, politely translated means, "I kiss your rod."

1915 – James Gleeson (d.2008) was one of Australia's foremost artists. He was also a poet, critic, writer and curator. He played a significant role in the Australian art scene, including serving on the board of the National Gallery of Australia.

Gleeson's themes generally delved into the subconscious using literary, mythological or religious subject matter. He was particularly interested in Jung's archetypes of the collective unconscious.

During the 1950s and '60s he moved to a more symbolic perspective, notions of human perfectibility. At this time he increasingly fashioned small psychedelic compositions made using the surrealist technique of decalcomania in the background, to suggest a landscape, and finished by adding a fastidiously painted male nude in the foreground.

"Totems in Arcadia"

Many of his paintings had homoerotic undertones, something which reflected on Gleeson's own homosexuality. The ideas for these compositions also saw Gleeson move into collage with his Locus Solus series, where he produced a substantial body of work by placing dismembered photographs, magazine illustrations, diagrams and lines of visionary poetry against abstract pools of ink.

Since the 1970s Gleeson generally made large scale paintings in keeping with the surrealist Inscape genre. The works outwardly resemble rocky seascapes, although in detail the coastline's geological features are found to be made of giant molluscs and threatening crustaceans. In keeping with the Freudian principles of surrealism these grotesque, nightmarish compositions symbolise the inner workings of the human mind. Called 'Psychoscapes' by the artist. Gleeson's later works incorporate the human form less and less in its entirety, represented in his landscapes by suggestions, an arm, a hand or merely an eye.

Gleeson died in Sydney on 20 October 2008, aged 92, one year after his life partner Frank O'Keefe.

1940 – Keith Prentice (d.1992) was a Dayton, Ohio-born American TV, film and stage actor, whose most famous role was the part of Larry in both the original stage and film versions of The Boys in the Band. Prentice also appeared on the classic TV soap Dark Shadows during the series' final months in 1971. Until just several years ago, his picture was displayed on the Tasters Choice coffee label.

Prentice studied in New York City at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. His stage musical credits include Sail Away, The Sound of Music, Paint Your Wagon, and The King and I. In 1968, he appeared off-Broadway in the non-musical The Boys in the Band, a then controversial play featuring gay characters at a dramatic birthday party - the Summer before the Stonewall gay civil rights riots. He also appeared in the movie version of the play. In 1971 Keith joined the cast of Dark Shadows playing Morgan Collins. Prentice also appeared as Nils Fowler in the 1972 film The Legend of Nigger Charley and had a small role in the 1980 film Cruising which, like Boys in the Band, was directed by William Friedkin.

In 1982 Keith Prentice co-founded Kettering Theatre Under The Stars, and directed summer shows there until the year of his death. He died of AIDS-related cancer on September 27, 1992 in Kettering, Ohio.

1947 – Nickolas Grace is a British actor known for his roles on television, including Anthony Blanche in the acclaimed ITV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited and the Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1980s series Robin of Sherwood. Grace also played Dorien Green's husband Marcus in the 1990's British comedy series Birds of a Feather.

Although Grace had a small uncredited part in The City of the Dead (1960), his first known work in feature films as an adult came with Bruges-La-Morte (1978) directed by Ronald Chase. After this, Grace secured the part of the flamboyant aesthete Anthony Blanche in Brideshead Revisited which filmed off and on from 1979 to 1981.

Following the success of Brideshead Revisited on television , Grace played Richard II at the Young Vic in 1981, and Mozart in Amadeus with Frank Finlay at Her Majesty's Theatre in 1982. He then began working in operetta, playing Koko in The Mikado and Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore for Sadler's Wells Opera in repertoire from 1982-1986. The film Heat and Dust appeared in 1983. It was around this time that took the role of Robert de Rainault, the Sheriff of Nottingham, in ITV's Robin of Sherwood.

In the "official biography" of the actor Alan Bates, Otherwise Engaged, by Donald Spoto, Spoto quotes Grace describing his "intense affair" with Bates, who was "terrified of exposure": "I told him labels didn't matter, but that we must be who we are. But he just could not accept that. Alan was at ease as long as he pretended - and he insisted on pretending - that our relationship was not what it was, and was not disclosed to or evident to others."

Bates, who was then 39 and married, and Nickolas, who was 25, became in the latter's words "very close and very loving, in an intense affair that was one of the most important relationships of my life".

As he had with previous male lovers, Bates denied to Nickolas that he was truly homosexual. If they travelled by car together, "he made me lie down in the back - he didn't want me to be seen with him. That was an indication of the fear that he had".

When the inevitable split with Nickolas came, it was brutal. "It's been very nice to have known you," Alan told him with astonishing coolness one day, "and I'm sure I'll see you around in London." He spoke as if they had been polite colleagues on a project, or fellow travellers on a train journey. It took Nickolas months to recover.

1963 – The playwright, director and founder of Tectonic Theater Project, Moisés Kaufman, was born on this date. He is the author of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, 33 Variations and is perhaps best known for writing The Laramie Project with other members of Tectonic Theater Project. He was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela and moved to New York City in 1987. He made his Broadway directing debut in the 2004 production of I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright, for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Play. Mr. Kaufman is a Guggenheim Fellow.

Kaufman is of Romanian and Ukrainian Jewish descent. He described himself in an interview as "I am Venezuelan, I am Jewish, I am gay, I live in New York. I am the sum of all my cultures. I couldn't write anything that didn't incorporate all that I am."

1981 – Sergeant Charles Cochrane, a 14 year veteran of the NYPD, created shock waves by testifying before a New York City Council hearing in favor of a gay rights bill. Following on the testimony of a Patrolmen's Benevolent Association Vice President who denounced the bill, and declared he didn't know of any homosexual police officers, Cochrane stunned those present by announcing, "I am very proud of being a New York City Police Officer, and I am equally proud of being gay."

Cochrane's public testimony lent significantly toward the official formation of the Gay Officers Action League, Inc., aka G.O.A.L. - NY, which became the first official police fraternal society in the world to represent LGBT professionals within the criminal justice system. Since that time, similar organizations for LGBT Law Enforcement Officers, Criminal Justice professionals as well as Firefighters and EMS personnel have been established around the world.

1983 – Blake McGrath is a Canadian professional dancer, pop singer and choreographer. He was known for being on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance in 2005, and on the MTV reality dance show, DanceLife. He has also developed a solo singing career with a debut album Time to Move in 2010.

McGrath was born in Mississauga, Ontario.

His early television appearances include: Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story (1997) playing Stuart Sanger, and the TV show recreation of Goosebumps book "Stay Out of the Basement". He played the brother Casey.

In 2015, McGrath was chosen to perform on Michael Jackson's thirtieth anniversary special. In 2006, he performed alongside Paulina Rubio at the 2004 Latin Grammy Awards. Also in 2006 he had an appearance in the documentary Freestyle (with Brian Friedman). He has appeared in Gap campaigns (with Sarah Jessica Parker), and in advertisements for iPod, Jc Penny (which he also choreographed), and Hummer.

He has danced with stars such as Madonna, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Janet Jackson, Adam Lambert, Ashanti, Destiny's Child, Katy Perry, Craig David, Jewel.

In addition to his appearances on television shows, McGrath has also appeared in the films Butterbox Babies, Life With Mikey, Chicago, and Rent. He was also featured as a dancer in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody in the episode Commercial Breaks. He was a waiter. He studied at both Tiffany Dance Academy in Hamilton Ontario and Joanne Chapman School of Dance in Brampton, Ontario.

He is owner of VIP Dance Events which tours major cities throughout Canada. He also appeared on the magazine cover of Hotshoes and appeared in Dance Spirit Magazine December 2006 issue. Lastly, he appeared on the 9/10/13 episode of Dance Moms as a guest choreographer. He is the lead choreographer for the audition cities and alternating third judge on So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

He is bisexual. "I've been attracted to men and attracted to women," he told Canada's gay mag Fab. "My feelings change all the time. One day I can feel like I'm gay, another day like I'm straight. But I'm not just one or the other, I'm Blake McGrath and I'm attracted to somebody on the inside.

2006 – Israel's Supreme Count recognizes international same-sex marriages.

Today's Gay Wisdom:

Quotes from Voltaire:

A witty saying proves nothing.

All murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.

Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices.

Anything that is too stupid to be spoken is sung.

Behind every successful man stands a surprised mother-in-law.

Better is the enemy of good.

Common sense is not so common.

Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.

Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.

[scotianostra]

On October 11th 1993, comedian and singer, Andy Stewart, died in Arbroath.

Andy was born in Glasgow, and had aspirations of becoming a veterinary surgeon, although following a performance in a local pageant he decided to train as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

He became a successful recording artist, with international hits such as Donald Where’s Your Troosers? A Scottish Soldier, The Road to Dundee and Take Me Back, and found further fame as the compere of BBC Scotland’s The White Heather Club, which ran for several years from the mid-1950s.

From the early 1960s onwards, he frequently and successfully toured Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand.

In 1959, Andy Stewart signed his first recording contract with the small the label of Top Rank. His first recording, “Donald Where’s Your Troosers?” was a light-hearted, almost throwaway track, during a recording session with his White Heather Group. However Top Rank considered it worth releasing as a single.

“Donald Where’s Your Troosers?” is a comic song about a Scotsman who wears a kilt rather than trousers. It plays on the traditional gag about what people might see when a man is wearing a kilt and not any underwear. Especially when it is windy while walking in a kilt. As such he impresses the ladies when he walks by, frightens the other Highlander men and has rolls in the hay with lassies from London. The song also includes an Elvis imitation of several of the verses near the end of the song. Legend has it Elvis said it was one of the best impersonations of himself he had heard.

Stewart wrote the song in 10 minutes while he sat, trouserless, in the loo of a recording studio. Back in 1960’s Andy Stewart and other Scottish comedians were heard to tell a joke at the time reflecting Scots making fun of themselves: What’s the difference between a Scotsman and a Rolling Stone? A Rolling Stone says, “hey you, get off of my cloud!,” while a Scotsman says, “Hey McLeod, get off of my ewe!”

Into the 1980’s Andy Stewart was becoming a symbol of the “Old Scotland” for many Scots who were embarrassed by perpetual images of haggis, Hogmanay and kilts as representing Scotland. He spent much of the decade touring internationally. But in 1989 “Donald Where’s Your Troosers?” was reissued and climbed to 4 on the charts. Stewart was back in fashion, including in Scotland.

During his career Andy Stewart released 26 studio albums and one live album.

Plagued with ill-health most of his adult life, especially due to high cholesterol levels, Stewart died at the age of 60 in 1993.

Since his death over a have a dozen compilation CD releases have been made available to showcase the work of one of Scotland’s greatest entertainers.

[mybeingthere]

Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri (c 1932 - 2002) was born in Tjuirri, an area north west of Alice Springs also known as Napperby Station. His father was born at Ngarlu, a location west of Mt. Allan, and his mother from Warlugulong, an area southwest of Yuendumu. This broad stretch of territory defined the diversity of subject matter in Clifford's paintings. Clifford enjoyed a traditional bush upbringing and was given the name Possum by his paternal grandfather. In the 1940's, Clifford and his family re-located to Jay Creek, where he became a stockman, working at several stations throughout the area.

Clifford Possum was said to be a true master artist, his character, charisma, and total dedication to his art and dreamings, as well as his tireless promotion of his and his family's work has set a high standard in establishing this movement from its inception to the present day. Art lovers and collectors, both here and around the world, have held the Desert Masters in high regard, because of the efforts by individuals such as Clifford.

Clifford passed away in Alice Springs on the 21st June 2002, after recently being recognised for his contribution to Australian Art and culture, by being made an "Officer of the Order of Australia". His final days were spent at the Hetty Perkins Nursing Home in Alice Springs, where he passed away surrounded by close family and friends. He will be sadly missed by those who worked with and knew him well, as well as art collectors and dealers around the world.

He worked extensively as a stockman on the cattle stations in and around his traditional country. During this time he developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Dreaming Trails that criss-cross the area to the north of the western McDonnell Ranges, which he depicts in painting his Dreamings.

His career as an artist began in the 1950's when he carved snakes and goannas. By the 1970's he was one of the most accomplished carvers in Central Australia. His first opportunity to paint came when one of Albert Namatjira's sons gave him acrylic paints and the master began his work. Clifford, living at the Papunya Community, was one of the first artists to be involved with the Aboriginal Art Movement.

The art of Clifford Possum is notable for its brilliant manipulation of three-dimensional space. Many of his canvasses have strong figurative elements which stand out from the highly descriptive background dotting. In the late 1970's he expanded the scope of Papunya Tula painting by placing the trails of several ancestors on the same canvas in the fashion of a road map. Within this framework, he depicted the land geographically. This laid the foundation for traditional Aboriginal Iconography to be placed on canvas. The other artists working with him took his lead and removed any elements of European Art from their work. In doing so Clifford, as well as the other artists involved with the Papunya Tula Movement, helped to develop the true definition of Aboriginal Art, an art revolving around a culture, The Jukurrpa.

In some of his stories Clifford attempts to give a visual impression of sunlight, cloud, shadow and earth to denote specific times of the day. His paintings show superlative skill, incredible inventiveness of form and are visually spectacular.

Clifford's work is contemporary but essentially Aboriginal in inspiration. To appreciate its full richness it is imperative that it is seen not only by its colour, composition and balance, but by its mythological detail. One of the extraordinary qualities of Clifford's work and other Western Desert artists is that they are a visual writing and speak to the Aboriginal as books do to Europeans.

When asked why he became an Artist, he answered,

"That Dreaming been all the time. From our early days, before European people came up. That Dreaming carry on. Old people carry on this law, business, schooling for the young people. Grandfather and grandmother, uncle and aunty, mummy and father, all that, they been carry on this, teach 'em all the young boys and girls. They been using the dancing boards, spear, boomerang all painted. And they been using them on body different times.

Kids, I see them all the time, painted. All the young fellas they go hunting and the old people there, they do sand painting. They put down all the story, same like I do on canvas. All the young fella they bring 'em back kangaroo. Same all the ladies, they been get all the bush fruit, might be bush onion, plum, might be honey ants, might be yala, all the kungkas (women) bring them back. Because everybody there all ready waiting. Everybody painted. They been using ochres all the colours from the rock. People use them to paint up. I use paint and canvas that's not from us, from European people. Business time we don't use paints the way I use them, no we use them from rock, teach 'em all the young fellas."

Clifford is one of the most renown Aboriginal Artists of his time. He was the chairman of the Papunya Tula Artists from the 1970's to the 1980's. His work is featured in many of the main galleries and collections around Australia and internationally. Collections include the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra and the New South Wales Art Gallery in Sydney. His work has travelled extensively around the world, including 'Dreamings - The Art of Aboriginal Australia' in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and St Louis. He has had a book published dedicated to him and his paintings, 'The Art of Clifford Possum Japaltjarri', by Vivien Johnson. He is and has always been regarded as the leading figure in Australian Aboriginal Art.

Copyright Kate Owen Gallery May 2022

[daisiesonafield-blog]

Review -After many a postponement, for the first time since his debut world tour in 2017, Grammy award winning artist Harry Styles touched down at Mt Smart Stadium, bringing Harry Styles: Love on Tour to Tāmaki Makaurau.

Released in 2022 and recently awarded Album of the Year at the 2023 Grammys, Harry's House, built in London by way of Hollywood, Malibu, and Wilshire, and engineered by the likes of Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson, and Samuel Witte has seen almost every major city of the world. It's only fitting that, at long last, Aotearoa finally got a taste of the artist's highest acclaimed album.

Decorated from head to toe in sequins, sparkles, cowboy hats and the coveted feather boas, punters, who had been lining up as early as two days before the concert itself, descended on Mt. Smart Stadium bright eyed and bushy tailed, eager to get as close to Styles as they possibly could. His charm, wit and general crowd interaction is a major selling point of the tour itself - something all 47,000 attendees were eager to get a taste of.

Aotearoa's own Ny Oh and Isle of Wight-based band Wet Leg opened the show, to a crowd that, although mixed in demographic, got behind every single beat. Seeing Wet Leg at Mt Smart was a bit of a big deal; the last time they were here, they performed to a sold-out Tuning Fork - a venue which can hold up to 300 people. Fast forward eight months, playing to a sold-out stadium, comprising a crowd who, for the most part, know every word to every song, is something to marvel at.

I always admire an artist who has an impeccable pre-show playlist - it shows that not only do they know their crowd well, but when done right, the right selection can show that they know the city, or in this case, country, well too. Classic tracks such as 'Best Song Ever' by One Direction and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen had the crowd doing vocal somersaults over one another, singing as loud as they could.

What took me by surprise was the addition of Poi E by Pātea Māori Club - released in 1983, sung entirely in te reo, now playing to a crowded stadium before Harry Styles of all people graced the stage. He knew his crowd, and where he was in the world, extremely well.

Styles is known for his on-stage outfits. Some are understated, some are extremely overstated, and most, if not all of them, end up being one of the main focal points of every performance. The last time he was in Aotearoa, he wore an all-black suit, assumingly paying homage to the All Blacks. Last night, he wore a short sleeve raglan tee with a bejewelled whale's tail adorning it, with a pair of purple dress pants. Not the most spectacular outfit compared to his recent Australia tour, but we'll take what we can get.

After all, fashion comes second when you're stood mere metres from One Direction's Golden Child.

It's always special when an artist comes to any given country and does more than just plays their show and jump on the next flight home. On his recent Australian tour, Styles immersed himself in the culture of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, and his stop in Aotearoa was no exception.

At his first break in the show, Styles, who, earlier in the day, had spent time with Te Matatini finalists, Angitū, sang the start of 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi' - written by Canon Wiremu Te Tau Huata in the 1950s.

The crowd, clearly stunned, sung the rest of the waiata back to him without hesitation while he danced around the stage. He continued to do this multiple times throughout the night, which kept the crowd on their toes. I was almost waiting for it to happen every time he got the chance to speak. At one point in the concert, he picked a Tino Rangatiratanga flag from the crowd, and put it on his mic stand - the flag found itself to be a permanent fixture on the stage for the rest of the night.

The moments of the concert I remember the most vividly seem to be the same at almost every one I go to; the times when the whole crowd is still, flashlights up, yelling the lyrics of the saddest songs back at the person singing them - and last night was no exception. At the end of the catwalk which spanned what felt like ten trillion miles, Styles performed 'Matilda', 'Little Freak', and 'Satellite' one after the other, and for all three songs, I've never heard a crowd with so much gusto.

Harry performed songs from across all three released bodies of work, such as 'Woman', to 'Golden', and even far back as a new rendition of One Direction's seminal hit, 'What Makes You Beautiful'. He even snuck in crowd-favourite unreleased weapon, 'Medicine' which went viral during the tour for his last album, Fine Line. During every song, the crowd didn't hold back. So much energy in one space - it was amazing to bear witness to.

It's crazy to think that, from Harry's end, there are 47,000 people in the same space as you are singing the words to the music you wrote back at you. Those moments stick with an artist - I feel as though they stick with the crowd for eternity.

Crowd interaction is paramount for an artist as big as Styles. Throughout his time as a solo performer, he's always placed a large emphasis on connecting with his crowds, and as he's grown, the interactions have only evolved to be more intense.

Last night was no exception. From pointing out a fan who had been throwing fruit at him (which then proceeded to him singing a two-minute-long song about people dressed as bananas, eggs, aubergines, so on and so forth), the singer, who encourages fans to bring signs with him to his shows, went back and forth with two fans. One, who allegedly sold their cats leg to be at the show, and the other, who was with her best friend going through a breakup. After finding out the now ex-boyfriend wasn't prioritising them, hence the breakup, he told the crowd to "not be a Michael, be a Romy!"

Styles also asked the crowd about the census, telling everyone that he too had filled it out prior to the show.

Finishing with crowd favourite, and aptly named, 'Kiwi', Styles had made the nights of 12-year-olds with their parents and mid-40-year-olds alike, as well as everyone in between. Harry Styles is truly an artist who transcends all levels of musical talent and incomparable wit, with a hint of charm that can't be matched.

The remnants of the 47,000 plus feather boas will live on the field of Mt Smart Stadium until Harry Styles makes his triumphant return to Aotearoa.

Admittedly, he doesn't actually know when that will be. All he knows is that he hopes it won't be too long.

[nicholejaderockabillyboutique]

Rock ‘n’ Roll Ready Embracing 1950s Rockabilly Fashion

Imagine stepping into a time machine and being transported back to the electrifying era of the 1950s. The jukebox is playing rock 'n' roll hits, classic cars line the streets, and everywhere you look, people are rocking bold styles that scream individuality. Doesn’t that sound like fun? If you’re as enchanted by the spirit of this iconic era as we are, then let’s dive into the world of 1950s rockabilly fashion and explore how you can embrace it today.

The Roots of 1950s Rockabilly Style

Born at the crossroads of rock ’n’ roll and country music, 1950s rockabilly fashion represented rebellion, youth, and a love for standing out. This trend broke free from the conservative styles of earlier decades and celebrated individuality with a mix of edgy and playful clothing.

The rise of rockabilly music stars like Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins influenced both 1950s shirts and 50s bowling shirts, which became wardrobe staples. Women, inspired by icons like Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page, embraced curvy, feminine silhouettes. From womens rockabilly clothing to the slick and polished outfits for men, the style was a vibrant mix of rock and rebellion.

What Made 1950s Rockabilly Fashion Unique?

What set rockabilly 1950s fashion apart was its unapologetic celebration of boldness. Women favored flared skirts, fitted bodices, and timeless pieces like the wrap knit dress. These outfits often featured polka dots, cherries, and playful patterns. Brands like Hearts & Roses are perfect examples of how these retro designs continue to thrive today.

Men also had their moment in the spotlight. 1950s shirts showcased bold colors and prints, perfect for making a statement. 50s bowling shirts, with their sleek collars and vibrant panels, reflected the laid-back yet polished style of the era. Paired with cuffed jeans and leather jackets, these shirts epitomized cool.

The Charm of Vintage Dresses Retro Revival

The love for vintage dresses and retro styles has never faded. With the resurgence of retro trends, these dresses are not just fashion pieces but also a way to celebrate history. Flared dresses with crinolines, sweetheart necklines, and playful prints are now essential in any rockabilly apparel collection.

Whether you’re wearing a polka-dotted A-line or a cherry-printed swing dress, the timeless appeal of womens rockabilly clothing lies in its ability to be both flattering and fun. It’s no wonder modern brands are reimagining these designs for contemporary wardrobes.

1950s Fashion in Australia: A Unique Spin

Australia embraced 1950s fashion with its own flair, influenced by the country’s laid-back lifestyle and sunny climate. While the core elements of rockabilly 1950s fashion think circle skirts and bowling shirts remained the same, Australians added their twist with tropical patterns and lightweight fabrics.

Australians were particularly fond of sun dresses and open-toed shoes, making these styles perfect for their environment. Today, 1950s fashion in Australia is celebrated at retro events, vintage car shows, and rockabilly festivals, where enthusiasts show off their meticulously styled outfits.

Bringing Rockabilly Style to Life Today

The beauty of rockabilly apparel is its versatility and timeless appeal. Whether you’re attending a rockabilly event, looking for inspiration for a themed party, or simply want to add some retro flair to your everyday wardrobe, there are endless ways to channel the spirit of the 1950s.

For women, the wrap knit dress is a versatile staple that can transition from casual to chic with the right accessories. Pair it with a bold red lip and cat-eye sunglasses for an authentic vintage vibe. Brands like Hearts & Roses offer an incredible range of womens rockabilly clothing that captures the essence of the era.

Men can embrace their inner greaser by opting for 1950s shirts mens or 50s bowling shirts. Add a pair of dark jeans, leather boots, and a slick hairstyle, and you’re all set to embody the effortless cool of the 1950s.

The Timeless Allure of Rockabilly Fashion

Why does 1950s rockabilly fashion continue to captivate us decades later? Perhaps it’s the way it celebrates individuality and freedom or the nostalgic charm of a bygone era. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: this style is here to stay.

By incorporating elements of vintage dresses, retro, bold prints, and structured designs into your wardrobe, you can keep the spirit of rockabilly alive. Whether you’re inspired by the rebellious energy of rock ’n’ roll or the timeless elegance of the 1950s, there’s something magical about stepping into a look that transcends time.

So, dust off that leather jacket, shine those saddle shoes, and twirl in your flared skirt because the world of rockabilly apparel is waiting for you.

[kirstydreaming]

review_australia

[15-lizards]

Wanted to watch some period dramas (shows or movies) and from your huge fashion archive I thought you would have some good recs? Thank you if you respond!

Yes ofc!! Love giving recs! I have so many to give so prepare yourself

So some of my fave shows are The Borgias (1500s Italy), Rome (40s BC Rome), Downton Abbey (1910s-20s England), Turn: Washington’s Spies (1770s America), Vanity Fair (1810s England), The Tudors even if the costumes are immaculate (mid 1500s England), Domina (20s BC Rome), Peaky Blinders (1910s-30s England), The Serpent Queen (1500s Italy), Anne with an E (1900s Canada), Versailles (1600s France), The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (1950s America), Harlots (mid 1700s, England), Gentleman Jack (1830s England)

For movies, I love: the 40s and 90s versions of Little Women (1860s America), Pride and Prejudice (1810s England), Gone With the Wind (1860s America), My Brilliant Career (1900s Australia), Ophelia (1300s Denmark), Emma (1810s England), 2015 version of Macbeth (~1100s or ~1200s, Scotland), Picnic at Hanging Rock (1910s, Australia), Jane Eyre (1840s, England), Magdalene (10s CE, Judea)

[film-classics]

Greta Garbo - The Face of the Century

Greta Garbo (born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson in Stockholm, Sweden on 18 September 1905) was a Swedish-born actress who built her global appeal on a carefully maintained mystique during her short career. Called "The Face of the Century," she is regarded as one of the Hollywood's greatest beauties.

Garbo was born into a poor family and dropped out of school at 13 to take care of her father. His death deeply affected her and promised to make a life for herself that was void of financial hardship.

Following her father's death, Garbo worked as a salesperson at PUB department store.  After modeling for the store's catalogues, she earned a more lucrative job as a fashion model, which led to a role in her first film in 1922.

She then earned a scholarship at the Royal Dramatic Training Academy, where she met Finnish director Mauritz Stiller, who became her mentor.  Louis B. Mayer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer wanted Stiller in Hollywood. The director agreed to a contract with one condition: Garbo. Reluctantly, Mayer inked her a deal, too.

She made her first MGM film in 1926, and by 1928, had become MGM's highest box-office star with A Woman of Affairs. She followed it up with several more hits, including Camille (1936). Her career slowed down in the 1940s and retired at 35.

After retiring, Garbo declined all opportunities to appear onscreen, shunned publicity, and led a private life. She died, aged 84, in a New York, as a result of pneumonia and renal failure.

Legacy:

Nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performances in Romance (1930), Camille (1936), and Two-Faced Woman (1941)

Presented an Academy Honorary Award in 1955

Received the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress twice: Anna Karenina (1935) and Camille (1936)

Won the National Board of Review Best Acting Award three times: Camille (1936), Ninotchka (1939), and Two-Faced Woman (1941)

Was the highest-paid star at MGM for most of her career

Won the Photoplay Awards - Best Performances of the Month for a record eight times: May and December 1926, February and November 1927, March and September 1928, and January and March 1929

Won Best Actress for Anna Christie (1930) and Queen Christina (1933) from Picturegoer Awards

Listed by the Motion Picture Herald as one of America’s top-10 box office draws from 1930 to 1932

Was one of the subjects of French composer Charles Koechlin's "Seven Stars Symphony" (1933)

Granted the Swedish royal medal Litteris et Artibus in 1937

Is one of the celebrities whose picture Anne Frank placed on the wall of her bedroom in the “Secret Annex” in 1942

Voted "Best Actress of the Half Century" in a 1950 Daily Variety opinion poll

Named “the most beautiful woman that ever lived” in 1954 by Guinness World Records

Given the George Eastman Award by George Eastman House in 1957

Has appeared on many postage stamps from, among others, Swedish Posten in 1980 and 2005, Correos de Cuba in 1995, Deutsche Post in 2001, US Postal Service in 2005, Poșta Română issue in 2005, and Australia Post in 2008,

Made a Commander of the Swedish Order of the Polar Star by order of King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1983

Depicted in the film Garbo Talks (1984)

Awarded the Illis Quorum by the government of Sweden in 1985

Had a star was named after her in 1985

Has appeared on commemorative coins from Germany in 1994, France in 1995, and Sweden in 2005

Listed 25th in Entertainment Weekly’s 100 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in 1998

Ranked #38 in Empire's Top 100 Movie Stars in 1997

Has had a museum, the Garbosällskapet, dedicated to her in Högsby since 1998

Named the 5th-greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema in 1999 by the American Film Institute

Inducted in the Online Film and Television Association Hall of Fame in 2002

Ranked #8 in Premiere magazine’s 50 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in 2005 and #25 in 100 Greatest Performances of All Time in 2006 for Ninotchka (1939)

Honored by Stockholm City Council in 1992 with a square, Greta Garbos Torg, and a bust of her likeness in 2009

Honored by Norwegian Air Shuttle as its "Tail-fin Hero" on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2016

Featured on 100-krona banknote by Sveriges Riksbank since 2018

Featured in an exhibit at the Postmuseum in 2005, the Belmacz in 2013, the Fotografiska in 2016, the Staley-Wise Gallery in 2016, and Galerie56 in 2023

Honored as Turner Classic Movies Star of the Month for April 2019

Honored with a statue of her, "Statue of Integrity," in 2016, located in the forest in Härjedalen

Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard for motion picture

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 8.2

Holidays

Airborne Forces Day (Russia)

Airmobile Forces Day (Ukraine)

Aviation Day (Slovenia)

Bonalu (Telangana, India)

Bunny Day (Japan)

Congolese Genocide Day (Congo (DRC))

Crabhog Day

Day of Airborne Forces (Russia)

Day of Azerbaijani Cinema (Azerbaijan)

Day of Maiden Katrica (Elder Scrolls)

Day of the Water Nymphs (Macedonia)

Deez Nutz Day

Dinosaurs Day

802 Day

Emancipation Day (Several Caribbean nations)

Escalator Day

Ewe Day (French Republic)

Fallen Paratroopers Remembrance Day (Ukraine)

Fiesta La Patrona (Spain)

Greenwich Mean Time Day

Hydroxychloroquine Day (India)

I Came I Saw I Conquered Day

Ilinden Day (Republic Day; Macedonia)

International Golden Lion Tamarin Day

International Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Day

Jabotinsky Day (Israel)

Lady Godiva Day (Coventry, UK)

Little Mix Appreciation Day

International Jewish Day

International Pony Day

Lady of the Angels Day (Costa Rica)

Lincoln Penny Day

Mark Lee Day (K-Pop)

Mary Prince Day (Bermuda)

Mindfulness Day

National Blockchain Day

National Boob Day

National CAD Day (a.k.a. National Computer-Aided Design Day)

National Children’s Day (Tuvalu)

National Coloring Book Day

National Ex-Girlfriend Day

National Hugh Day

National Jacqueline Day

National Rap Music Day

National Sisters Day

Our Lady of the Angels Day (Costa Rica)

Pantsu Day (Japan)

Paratroopers Day (Russia)

Republic Day (North Macedonia)

Roma Holocaust Memorial Day (EU)

Take a Penny, Leave a Penny Day

World Anglo-Indian Day

World Feed the Poor Day

World Find a Four Leaf Clover Day

Yeezy Day (Adidas)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Make Some Old-Fashioned Lemonade Day

Miracle Treat Day (Dairy Queen)

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

Independence & Related Days

Butuan City Charter Day (Philippines; 1950)

Declaration of Independence 1st signed (US; 1776)

Kabankalan City Charter Day (Philippines)

Makira Ulawa Province Day (Solomon Islands)

Napoleon Bonaparte made 1st Consul for Life (France; 1802)

1st Friday in August

August Bank Holiday (UK) [1st Friday]

Bandcamp Friday [1st Friday]

Braham Pie Day (Minnesota) [1st Friday]

CafeSmart Day [1st Friday]

Fry Day (Pastafarian; Fritism) [Every Friday]

Health Advocate Day [1st Friday]

International Beer Day [1st Friday]

International Mustache Day [1st Friday]

Jeans for Genes Day (Australia) [1st Friday]

Moxee Hop Festival begins (Washington) [1st Friday]

National Water Balloon Day [1st Friday]

Tomboy Tools Day [1st Friday]

Twins Day Festival begins (Twinsburg, Ohio) [1st Full Weekend, begins 1st Friday]

Umuganura Day (Harvest Thanksgiving; Rwanda) [1st Friday]

Weekly Holidays beginning August 2 (1st Week of August)

Gallop International Tribal Indian Powwow (thru 8.11)

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (Sturgis, South Dakota) [1st Friday for 10 Days] (thru 8.11)

Twins Days (thru 8.4) [1st Full Weekend; Friday thru Sunday]

Festivals Beginning August 2, 2024

Appalachian Arts & Crafts Fair & Festival (Buckley, West Virginia) [thru 8.3]

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival (Cary, North Carolina) [thru 8.3]

Blueberry Arts Festival (Ketchikan, Alaska) [thru 8.4]

Blueberry Festival (Wilton, Maine) [thru 8.3]

Brat Days (Sheboygan, Wisconsin) [thru 8.3]

Brew at the Zoo (Columbia, South Carolina)

Calgary Fringe Festival (Calgary, Canada) [thru 8.10]

Charlestown Seafood Festival (Charlestown, Rhode Island) [thru 8.4]

Clark Potato Days (Clark, South Dakota) [thru 8.4]

Cowtown Days Festival (Ellsworth, Kansas) [thru 8.4]

Creamery Picnic (Stevensville, Montana) [thru 8.3]

Dublin Irish Festival (Dublin, Ohio) [thru 8.4]

Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Edinburgh, Scotland) [thru 8.26]

Edinburgh International Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland) [thru 8.25]

Festa Italiana (Naperville, Illinois) [thru 8.4]

Festival of the Flowers in Medellín (Medellín, Colombia) [thru 8.11]

Fish Sandwich Festival (Bay Port, Michigan) [thru 8.3]

Glad-Peach Festival (Coloma, Michigan) [thru 8.4]

Glengarry Highland Games (Maxville, Canada) [thru 8.3]

Gorolski Święto (Jablunkov, Czech Republic) [thru 8.4]

Grape Country Craft Beverage Festival (Dunkirk, New York) [thru 8.4]

Guča Trumpet Festival (Guča, Serbia) [thru 8.4]

Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis, Indiana) [thru 8.18]

Locomotion Festival (Felton, California) [thru 8.4]

Mossyrock Blueberry Festival (Mossyrock, Washington) [thru 8.4]

New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm and Horse Show (Augusta, New Jersey) [thru 8.10]

Newport Jazz Festival (Newport, Rhode Island) [thru 8.4]

North Branford PoCo Festival (North Branford, Connecticut) [thru 8.4]

Old Time Harvest Festival (Jordan, Minnesota) [thru 8.4]

One Love Reggae Festival (Wiesen, Austria) [thru 8.3]

Otakon (Washington, DC) [thru 8.4]

Pluk de Nacht Film Festival (Utrecht, Netherlands) [thru 8.10]

Possum Festival (Wausau, Florida) [thru 8.3]

Reggae on the River (Piercy, California) [tgru 8.4]

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Edinburgh, United Kingdom) [thru 8.24]

Scranton Jazz Festival (Scranton, Pennsylvania) [thru 8.4]

Sidmouth Folk Festival (Sidmouth, United Kingdom) [thru 8.9]

Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally (Binghamton, New York) [thru 8.4]

SunSka Festival (Vertheuil, France) [thru 8.4]

Sweet Pea Festival (Bozeman, Montana) [thru 8.4]

Taste of the Coeur d'Alene (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) [thru 8.4]

Tokyo Idol Festival (Tokyo, Japan) [thru 8.4]

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival (Kirtland, Ohio) [thru 8.3]

Watsonville Strawberry Festival (Watsonville, California) [thru 8.4]

World Cosplay Summit (Nagoya, Japan) [thru 8.4]

Feast Days

Ahudemmeh (Syriac Orthodox Church)

Albert Bloch (Artology)

Alfonso A. Ossorio (Artology)

Arthur Dove (Artology)

Barley Day (Pagan)

Basil Fool for Christ (Russian Orthodox Church)

Bei Dao (Writerism)

Chateaubriand (Positivist; Saint)

Death of King Rufus Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Distribution of Charity Moneys (Strictly Imps Only; Shamanism)

Dryads Day (Greek Wood & Water Gods)

Elias (a.k.a. Ilia or Elijah the Prophet; Christian; Saint)

Etheldritha (a.k.a. Alfrida; Christian; Saint)

Eusebius of Vercelli (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Anahita (Ancient Persia; Everyday Wicca)

Feast of Our Lady of the Angeles of the Portiuncula (Franciscan Order)

Fomorian King Bres’ Agricultural Gifts Day (Celtic Book of Days)

Håkon Stenstadvold (Artology)

Holling C. Holling (Artology)

Ilinden Day (St. Elijah Day; Macedonia)

Isabel Allende (Writerism)

James Baldwin (Writerism)

Jan van Scorel (Artology)

John Radecki (Artology)

John French Sloan (Artology)

Justin Russolillo (Christian; Blessed)

Khao Phansa begins (Buddhist Lent; Thailand)

Lady of the Angels’ Day (Costa Rica)

Martian Time-Slip, by Philip K. Dick (Novel; 1964)

Monster Monster (Muppetism)

Peter Faber (Christian; Saint)

Peter Julian Eymard (Christian; Saint)

Perdono di Assisi (Pardon of Assisi), the plenary indulgence related to St.Francis of Assisi originated in the church of Porziuncola (Catholic Church)

Richard Wilson (Artology)

Robert Holdstock (Writerism)

Robert Goddard Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Samuel David Ferguson (Episcopal Church)

Samuel Dirksz van Hoogstraten (Artology)

Sidwell (Christian; Saint) [Farmers]

Stephen I, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Theodots (Christian; Martyr)

Thomas of Dover (Christian; Saint)

Vermicelli Day (Pastafarian)

Virgin of Los Angeles Day (Costa Rica)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

American Graffiti (Film; 1973)

Castle in the Sky (Studio Ghibli Animated Film; 1986)

Doc Hollywood (Film; 1991)

Doing Impossible Stunts (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1940)

Don’t Look Back, by Boston (Album; 1978)

Emma (Film; 1996)

Europa Report (Film; 2013)

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (Film; 2019) [F&F]

Follow That Bird (Film; 1985)

In the Heat of the Night (Film; 1967)

It’s a Greek Life (Rainbow Parade Cartoon; 1936)

Lady, Play Your Mandolin! (WB MM Cartoon; 1931)

The Others (Film; 2001)

The Pebbles on the Beach, by Clarence Ellis (Geology Book; 1954)

Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, “The Moonlight Sonata,” by Ludwig Van Beethoven (Piano Sonata; 1802)

The Suburbs, by Arcade Fire (Album; 2010)

Testament of Youth, by Vera Brittain (memoir; 1933)

2 Guns (Film; 2013)

Weird Science (Film; 1985)

Today’s Name Days

Eusebius, Julian, Petrus, Stefan (Austria)

Anđela, Arnir, Euzebije (Croatia)

Gustav (Czech Republic)

Hannibal (Denmark)

Helger, Helgo, Holger, Olger (Estonia)

Kimmo (Finland)

Julien (France)

Adriana, Eusebius, Juliam, Julan (Germany)

Justinianos (Greece)

Lehel (Hungary)

Eusebio (Italy)

Norma, Normunds, Stefans (Latvia)

Alfonsas, Guoda, Gustavas, Tautvaldas (Lithuania)

Karen, Karin (Norway)

Alfons, Alfonsyna, Borzysława, Gustaw, Ilia, Karina, Maria, Stefan (Poland)

Stefan (Romania)

Gustáv (Slovakia)

Ángeles, Eusebio (Spain)

Kajsa, Karin (Sweden)

Alf, Alfie, Alfonsina, Alfonso, Alford, Alfred, Alfreda, Alfredo, Alonso, Alonza, Alonzo, Alphonso, Fonzie (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 215 of 2024; 151 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of Week 31 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 28 of 28]

Chinese: Month 6 (Xin-Wei), Day 28 (Wu-Xu)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 27 Tammuz 5784

Islamic: 26 Muharram 1446

J Cal: 5 Purple; Fryday [5 of 30]

Julian: 20 July 2024

Moon: 4%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 18 Dante (8th Month) [Chateaubriand]

Runic Half Month: Thorn (Defense) [Day 10 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 44 of 94)

Week: 1st Week of August

Zodiac: Leo (Day 12 of 31)

[engineer-gunzelpunk]

Heavy Harry And The Three Railway Engines (Red And Black Steam On Southern Metals, CW: Some coarse language)

This next one was actually the first RWS-type story outside of Sodor I ever wrote featuring my VR OCs. I was obsessed with the idea that the RWS books did exist within the Island Of Sodor, which is not an uncommon idea in the fandom...

But I don't think anyone did a story where locomotives outside of Sodor and existing in the same reality as Sodor actually read the RWS.

Heavy Harry And The Three Railway Engines

Newport Locomotive Depot and Works, late December 1950

The mighty VR H-Class Pocono H220 “Heavy Harry” has settled in his shed for the night. He has an express passenger train tomorrow to the border town of Albury all the way in New South Wales, the next state over across the Murray River, and needs plenty of rest. He is the largest locomotive built locally in Australia and the largest non-articulated loco in the Southern Hemisphere.

Somehow, it doesn’t really go to his head, probably because he pulls a lot of goods trains as well, overnights to Albury and back (VR seems to give everyone plenty of mixed work, not even the snooty S-classes are above pulling goods trains every now and again). It gives him ample opportunity to show his strength, for no other class of locomotive in Australia is stronger than he.

He is dark and shining in his majesty, painted in standard VR all-black; the imported American bar frames upon which his whole being is built, the pilot out the front and enormous smoke deflectors give him a proud and armored look.

Unlike the suave, stylish S-class Pacifics who are the lords of the fleet; who hid all their machinery under dark blue and gold streamlining, he unabashedly shows off his rugged mechanical lumps and bumps. He needs to be rugged if he is to mount the 1-50 and 1-44 inclines of the North Eastern Line on a daily basis, such as his purpose.

Near him is in the next berth the old fashioned, black VR A2 4-6-0 No 986 “Pluto”, who also pulls passengers, though not as often these days. He’s an older fellow that plays the doddering old man, but he’s sharp and cunning and won’t hesitate to take the piss out of anyone who he thinks is stupid.

“Your driver is coming to tuck you in and give you a kiss, Har’! Has he got a glass of warm milk?” giggles Pluto.

“He might be coming to change your adult nappy, Pluto!” snickers Harry.

“He’d better be dressed all sexy-like in a nurse outfit if he’s going to do that! Give me a sponge bath too! That’d make my night!”

They’re both laughing like crazy by the time Harry’s driver reaches them.

“Ready for bed?” his voice echoes.

“Just settling in, Driver…” says Harry

“Have a squiz at this!” His driver cheerfully, and shows him a tiny yellow book, The Three Railway Engines, “Just published! I bought it to read to me kids! I thought it would be fun to show you, Har’.”

Harry was curious at the little book.

“They have living locomotives in Britain as well?”

“Of course they do!… We’re not the only living ones out there! Its impossible!” barks Pluto.

Driver carefully reads the simple stories and shows up the pictures in front of Harry so he can appreciate them. Their faces are grey, like that of the Australian locomotives, but their classes and types are difficult to discern from the artwork.

Pluto listens in with interest.

“Blimey, Gordon is such a limp prick!” exclaims Pluto.

“That hill looks pissy as! Surely the A3 can’t be as great as they say if it struggles on a little hillock!.. “ snickers Harry.

They go to the next story.

“Pluto, there’s a 4-6-0 in this book!” exclaims Harry.

“Good for him! I hope he’s as splendid as me…” puffs Pluto, then suddenly the sound of snoring came from that berth.

“Heh! Old coot!”

They continue reading the stories.

After finishing the book, Driver asks “What do you think, Har’?”

“I’m not sure…”, Harry is a little uneasy.

“Whats the matter, boy? Don’t you like it?”.

Harry kept flickering his eyes to the side.

“I don’t like the story of Henry getting shut up in a tunnel… I don’t think he deserved his punishment…”, he looks down towards his bufferless footplate.

“He sure deserved his punishment! What a princess! Imagine stalling cuz you’re afraid of a few drops of rain? What a total pillock!” he laughed.

Driver thought it was very funny, but Harry didn’t think so.

“Sir, would you like it if the coppers threw you in jail because you went on strike over something?” he said with uncharacteristic solemnity.

Driver frowned at the realisation. He had joined the strike that year and Harry had struck a nerve.

“Have you been talking to one of the Communist locos, Har’?”

“No! Why? Didn’t you join the enginemen’s strike too? The one we locomotives wholeheartedly supported? And it made things better for everyone? Because that the promises that fucking terrible Pig Iron Bob bloke made didn't come true? ”

“Fair point, Harry… but striking for better pay and conditions is one thing… being silly over paint is another…”

“How do we know he’s being silly over paint? Just because the author said so?

'The stupid newspapers said you were all Communists or puppets of Communists! The other drivers were complaining about it!

‘They made the locos so silly-looking too! Like kiddies and children’s toys! Do they really look this silly in England?” grunted Harry.

“I don’t think these are meant to be literal, Harry…I mean, the paintings aren’t the most accurate depictions of locomotive types.. you can’t even see what classes they’re supposed to be…I mean, Henry’s a 4-6-0 in one picture and a Pacific in another!”

“Pacifics! Feh! Wankers!” yelled Pluto in his sleep ,“Too good for pulling goods eh? Why I oughta take them by the scruff and rub their noses in boiler sludge! ...” , snoring resumes.

“Do you think the Thin Commissioner would come down personally if one of us were to stall in a tunnel just to yell at the passengers, have them try to pull a 200-tonne locomotive with full consist, then lose his temper and brick it up?” asked Harry.

“No, Harry, that would be silly and absurd. But in the book, the Fat Controller is on the train… but I do get your point...”

“That Fat Controller must be a child, if his solution to Henry being silly in a tunnel is to brick him up and leave him there. The board of directors must have been spitting chips at that!”

Driver shrugged, “They’re just stories in a book, Harry. Not a thing to get upset over… I must admit now that you bring it up, it is a bit stupid in the way they seem to run it, leaving a perfectly good engine in his shed… then sending a wholly unsuitable locomotive to do a goods run on a steep hill… then bricking up another one in a tunnel...”

“Anyway Har’, best not think about it too hard… big journey tomorrow! Nighty night!”

Just stories… Harry thought.

And he put his discomfort away, and tried to get some sleep even though Pluto snored like it was going out of fashion.

Here are a couple of true events referred to for context:

Previous to the events of the story, there had been a major strike by the enginemen of the VR for better pay and conditions. Things that were promised to them when the war ended were not given to them. They were exhausted and a lot of the locomotives were in terrible shape because no one could afford to maintain them as often as they should. The railway workers union AFULE called a major strike which lasted for 55 days, and most of their demands were met by the VR.

The "Pig Iron Bob" referred to in the story is Sir Robert Menzies, the arch-Conservative Prime Minister of Australia at the time of the story. He was infamous as Attorney General for letting the sale of raw iron to the Empire of Japan even as it was clear they were allied with the Nazis and were committing atrocities all across Asia, such as the Massacre of Nanking.

The unions and every right-thinking Australian hated this and they refused to load iron on ships bound for Japan: