5 minute read
Vale Paula Staffford by Liz Clift
Bikini pioneer Paula Stafford (center) pictured with bikini models in 2011.
VALE PAULA STAFFORD, OAM
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The Gold Coast is mourning the passing of “Bikini Queen”, pioneer and business legend, Paula Stafford. 10 June 1920 to 23 June 2022.
Paula was born in Victoria in 1920. She studied at Melbourne Girls’ Grammar and dreamed of being an architect, however, her Head Mistress dissuaded her saying it was not a job for a woman.
She had a lifelong passion for creating fabric and weaving and decided to go to the Emily McPherson College of Domestic Economy. In 1943, Paula married Beverley Ralph Stafford and lived on the Gold Coast.
Beverley had a beach hire business and was known for his colourful oversized shirts. Paula wore her two-piece bathing suits and started taking orders on the beach. Their four children, Frances, Susan, Sibyl and Michael all followed her into the business.
Paula is credited with introducing the bikini to Australia. A fashion icon, her bikinis and leisure wear helped put Surfers Paradise on the map.
Although the bikini is generally credited to Louis Reard in 1946, Paula began wearing them in the 1930s. When somebody saw her self-made costume on the beach in Surfers Paradise and asked to buy one, she seized the opportunity and turned her two-piece designs into a business.
She began manufacturing with machinists in her attic, but later built a factory, and opened a shop called Fiesta, later the Tog Shop, the Bikini Bar and finally Paula Stafford of Surfers Paradise. She also sold her creations via mail order. The firm expanded into leisurewear for men and women, in demand from stores including British retailers Selfridges and Liberty of London and in Australia Myers, Georges, Buckley’s and David Jones, as well as Japan, Hawaii, South East Asia, Canada and New Guinea. She also founded a modelling agency and hotel.
- By Liz Clift -
2020 Paula Stafford celebrates 100th birthday
In a famous incident in 1952, model Ann Ferguson was asked to leave the beach in Surfers Paradise because her outfit was too revealing: she was wearing a Paula Stafford bikini. Paula responded by sending five women wearing her bikinis to the beach in what became a infamous PR stunt.
“I never paid for publicity, the media came to me,” she said.
In 1993 Paula Stafford was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the fashion industry. Paula was awarded Gold Coast City Council’s “Legend Award” in 2012 and she has her name on the Paula Stafford Park at Kurrawa. In 2013 Paula was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
I personally had the privilege of working for Paula in her Cavill Ave store when I was 18. She was a wonderful mentor. When I wasn’t selling them, I was modelling her bikinis. My first award-winning gown was made with fabric bought from Paula’s boutique.
Paula was very much involved with the Gold Coast City Council in many promotions to New Zealand and interstate encouraging visitors to enjoy our beautiful beaches and lifestyle. The promotional tours included fashion shows in the streets and other venues with Courtesy Maids and Golden Girls wearing bikinis and other clothing designed by Paula. I remember one bitterly cold morning in Melbourne modelling a Paula Stafford bikini on a tram track in Bourke Street.
Paula is quoted as saying “It is no good looking back and saying ‘I should have done this. I should have done that’. I did what I did and that was that.” Enduring advice and attitude we could all benefit from.
FASHIONABLY FABULOUS
Karen Collins is a devotee of fashion, proudly representing some of the biggest brands in the business at her boutiques and online. Karen also owns the distribution company that has the exclusive rights for the sensational Mariana jewellery range in Australia and New Zealand. Here, Karen speaks of her life-time passion for fashion and how accessories complete an outfit.
How long have you been involved in the fashion industry?
I have always had a love for fashion, interiors, and colour. It has been 15 years since I started my wholesale distribution business for Mariana Jewellery in Australia and New Zealand. Fashion buying is a joy and I also have two retail stores that I curate with beautiful fashion labels, interiors, and amazing jewellery.
What do you enjoy about fashion and accessories? I enjoy everything about fashion and beautiful accessories, but my work with Mariana designing the colour combinations and collections together is a highlight. It is a thrill to see the designs and colours we put together sold all over the world. It is always exciting preparing for photoshoots, runway shows and styling the Mariana catalogues on locations too!
How did you discover Mariana jewellery? I discovered Mariana after catching a glimpse of the amazing colour out of the corner of my eye at an exhibition. I just had to touch and feel. The vivid colours, unique designs and the quality was something I had not seen before in this style of jewellery. The brand spoke to my heart, and I knew I wanted to bring this incredible brand to Australia.
What is the appeal and why should people take a look at the range? There are so many unique jewellery pieces designed with hand-cut gemstones, natural minerals and exquisite Austrian and Czech crystals and pearls. Unexpected and unique colour combinations are curated like works of art and placed in lusciously layered 18ct gold. Luxury pieces that are affordable and last a lifetime.
Mariana really makes the women who wear it feel fabulous and beautiful. I absolutely love the fact that our clients tell me they receive so many compliments when wearing Mariana. There is a special Mariana piece for every occasion. Whether it is for a gala event or a casual weekend look, we love helping to find the perfect piece to complete a look and forever compliment your wardrobe.
Does the Gold Coast have its own definable style and fashion culture? The Gold Coast has fun with fashion and embraces colour and sparkle. Statement colour combinations, cool textured fabrics, and evening glamour. Gold Coast style is relaxed luxe.
Moving into spring/summer, what fashion trends are returning that suit our coastal lifestyle? We can look forward to some fabulous colour with yellow making a return. Hot pink is huge and emerald green remains popular. Turquoise will also be a summer favourite this year. Sexy and effortless glam is the order of the day. mariana.com.au
mariana.com.au
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‘Handcrafted Jewellery - Life’s Treasures’
Available at: EEV Fashion, Cnr Quay St and Masthead Way Sanctuary Cove 4212 & Mariana Lifestyle, 15 Grice Avenue, Paradise Point 4216
