Synopsis

Diasporas and fashion share intimate histories. This presentation examines the dynamics of self-representation that are central to where and how members of diasporas from the Mediterranean region situate themselves in multicultural Australia. Through an exploration of attachments to and performances in folkloric dress (like Greek pompom shoes/tsarouch and Cypriot baggy cotton trousers/vraka), alongside the contribution of migrant tailoring traditions and the phenomenon of younger members of Mediterranean diasporas showing allegiances to specific brands in their street fashion (think Kappa and Addidas tracksuits), this presentation explores how changing attitudes to fashion reveal shifts in diasporic cultural codes. By exploring a range of distinctive diasporic fashion aesthetics, I argue that dress has functioned as a technology of diasporic selfhood while also facilitating distinctive Mediterranean-Australian style narratives. By taking seriously the interrelated materialities and memories of dressing Mediterranean diasporas, this interesting in opening conversation about what a fashion-focused history of diasporic selves, social relations and sensibilities might look like.

Bio

Dr Andonis Piperoglou is the inaugural Hellenic Senior Lecturer of Global Diasporas at the University of Melbourne. Andonis is a specialist in migration and ethnic history and has published extensively on Greek migration to Australia. He works on historical connections between colonialism, racism, and migration, as well as human movements between the Mediterranean and the Pacific. In the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, Andonis teaches subjects on migration, diaspora, multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, and globalisation. Currently, Andonis is the Vice President of the International Australian Studies Association.

How to Participate

This is an in-person only event, so please join us at the Greek Centre, on Level M.

See our speaker live, ask questions during the Q&A and hobnob with fellow participants before and after the event.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sponsors

We thank Greek Australian Society (GAS), Ithacan Philanthropic Society for the kind donation that made this seminar possible.

During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice.

You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne. Please email: info@greekcommunity.com.au or call 03 9662 2722.

We thank the following corporate sponsors: