Split Enz Costumes Chronicled in New Book by Noel Crombie and Michael Dwyer
Noel Crombie and Michael Dwyer’s book, Split Enz: An Adventure in Music and Design, released by Allen & Unwin for A$59.99, delves into the distinctive costumes of the band. Crombie reflects on his creations spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s. In 1974, the "zoot suits" made their debut in Auckland, drawing inspiration from the fashion of the 1940s. The 1975 Clownz phase was influenced by commedia dell'arte, while the New Clownz in 1976 featured a photoshoot in London. Around 1977, black tracksuits emerged as a statement of identity. The 1977 Exaggerated Suits showcased asymmetrical designs, and the 1980 Curtains suits were crafted from curtain material. Polynesian motifs characterized the 1982 Poly suits. The Reunion suits were donned on New Year's Eve 1990, with new designs for 2026 merging 1977 styles with asymmetrical features.
Key facts
- Split Enz: An Adventure in Music and Design by Noel Crombie and Michael Dwyer is published by Allen & Unwin (A$59.99).
- The first band set of costumes, the "zoot suits," were introduced in Auckland in 1974.
- The Clownz era of 1975 was inspired by commedia dell'arte and Joseph Grimaldi.
- The New Clownz of 1976 were photographed in London for the Second Thoughts album cover.
- The black tracksuits with silver ferns were worn circa 1977 in Bluff, New Zealand.
- The Exaggerated Suits of 1977 featured asymmetrical designs, including Eddie Rayner's red sideways jacket.
- The Poly suits of 1982 incorporated Polynesian Tapa designs and a Māori print for Tim Finn.
- The Reunion suits were worn on New Year's Eve 1990 in Sydney for The Concert of the Decade and again for 20th anniversary celebrations in New Zealand in 1992/93.
- New costumes for 2026 combine 1977 Dizrythmia suits with asymmetrical elements, sketched on an iPad.
Entities
Artists
- Noel Crombie
- Tim Finn
- Phil Judd
- Mike Chunn
- Geoff Chunn
- Wally Wilkinson
- Eddie Rayner
- Emlyn Crowther
- Neil Finn
- Matt Eccles
- James Milne
- Michael Dwyer
- Joseph Grimaldi
- Vivienne Westwood
- Malcolm McLaren
- David Bowie
Institutions
- Split Enz
- Split Ends
- Allen & Unwin
- Australian Performing Arts Collection
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- Sex
- The Pistols
- Siouxsie and the Banshees
- The Clash
- Crowded House
- Hunters & Collectors
Locations
- Auckland
- New Zealand
- London
- England
- King's Road
- Bluff
- Melbourne
- Prahran
- Sydney
- South Auckland