Australia's largest collection of vintage Loud Mambo shirts will be up for sale in Sydney next week.
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Music executive, and avid Mambo collector, Malcolm Hill is parting with his 110 quirky shirts from the 1990s and early 2000s.
Sydney-siders will have the first pick at Thanks Tattoo in Darlinghurst on Thursday, May 30 before the collection goes online.
Mr Hill credited the rare shirts as a "conversation starter" with famous musicians including David Bowie, Kate Bush, Radiohead, Crowded House, Blur, and the Pet Shop Boys.
He said while many Australians associated Mambo with artist and musician Reg Mombassa, there were many designers who contributed to the brand.
Dare Jennings launched Mambo in 1984 but the popularity of the Loud shirts did not kick off until the mid-90s, Mr Hill said.
"The Loud Mambo Shirts were quite helpful to me in making my way with the rest of the show-offs in the music industry. I know the folks that carry them on will be anything but boring, shy or retired," he said.
He said he was sad but proud to give the items a second lease on life through circular fashion.
Central Coast boutique, Tiki La La will host the Sydney event with tattoo studio, Thanks Tattoo.
Owners, April Xing and Heath Crawley said vintage Mambo Loud shirts often sold well.
"Any time we have Mambo stock, it's quickly snapped up-our customers go crazy for them," Ms Xing said.
Australians are no stranger to rare collections of old items such as low mintage coins and historic Barbie dolls.
The event at Thanks Tattoo, Basement 80, Oxford Street will run from 5pm to 9pm with availability exclusive to attendees for the first hour before being made available online from 6pm.
The night will also feature vintage garage rock with DJ King O.P.P and wine from Doom Juice, and beers from Central Coast brewer GOONS.
Jessica Belzycki
Journalist at the Newcastle Herald.
Journalist at the Newcastle Herald.
