Unbuttoning Uniforms

Abstract

As an artist, finding the perfect Canberra winter jacket can be no mean feat. Back in the 1990s, a fellow artist turned up to our studio complex wearing a pair of dashing navy pants with thick red stripes down the side of the legs: marching pants. She mentioned that one of the second hand goods stores had a rack of high quality military uniforms for sale. I raced off to see what could be found.

Hanging there was a wool jacket with bands of gold braid around the lower arm and gold metallic buttons. It slipped on easily. The tailored structure of the naval jacket was surprising, and it fitted well enough. It was a bargain at $25. Show more