Have a new website under construction
A journalist said to me recently 'Given the violence, should the sharpie subculture be celebrated'. I answered that celebration isn't a word I would chose (although our re-unions and get togethers are like a celebration), I would prefer to use the word 'acknowledge'.
The sharpies were Melbourne's last true homegrown subculture. A movement created by the teenagers, without mainstream or commercial influence. It was unique and it was ours.
They networked in days when some families didn't even have a home phone, and created a life style of music, distinctive dance moves, language, hair style, fashion and accessories.
They bought made-to-order, custom tailor made trousers, Staggers Jeans from Melbourne designer Joseph Saba, custom cardigans from the Italian family shopfronts of Sam's Knitwear in Coburg and Conte in Northcote. Shoes were handmade by Venus, Cusmano's or other talented shoemakers/cobblers.
