Kurve
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- Dec 27, 2016
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Designed by a Mr Conti, a Greek clothier in the Thornbury neighbourhood to the north of the city, Connies were picked up on by Sharpies for their tight fit.
I had to look up what a Connie was - seems to be the Kappa of Melbourne
View attachment 2123191
Sorry, I spelled
Most Sharpie gangs were of mixed ethnic heritage - Anglo-Celtic, Greek, Italian, and Yugoslav – especially because the subculture really began in suburbs like Coburg, Collingwood and Brunswick, all with big migrant populations.
The tight knitted cardigans were from Sams and Conte (which became known as a Conny). Sam’s had checks in the knit – Conte had stripes. The Conny became an essential part of the wardrobe. Some were round-necked, some v-necked and others had a Crestknit style collar. There was a small belt buttoned at the lower back, and they had pocket flaps, 5 buttons and stripes of varying widths and colours. Initially they were worn as a slim-fit – and later became tighter and tighter until the sleeves just covered the forearms and it was as short as a midriff top. In the sixties, Sharpies bought their shoes from Acropolis and Venus in Richmond, or Kosmano’s in Collingwood and Mediterranean in Kensington. Initially these shoes were points, but they developed into chisel toes in either suede or two-tone leather with a Cuban heel. Basket weave was highly desirable, and with an all leather sole and stacked heel. These shoes could be bought off the shelf – but handmade custom shoes were a point of pride for the Sharp.
Larrikins and Sharpies...a bit of Australian Subcultural History
This is a paper I wrote a few years ago, about some distinctive and uniquely Australian subcultures....it was originally called Tough C**T.....
paperdoll-lingerie.blogspot.com