Six Ways Work Is Worn
Ken Sakata
Australian clothing designer and commentator, Ken Sakata, joins Powerhouse curators to explore the cultural and historical significance of key objects from the Powerhouse Collection.
From a Shōwa-period Japanese fireman’s uniform to a 150-year-old convict jacket and Burberry expedition trousers, the series highlights just a few examples from a collection of over half a million nationally and internationally significant objects.
‘Powerhouse Castle Hill is the collection store. It houses more than 40,000 textile objects preserved for public access and study, including by visiting researchers such as Ken.’
Why were Japanese firefighter uniforms made from COTTON?
Showa-period hikeshi relied on thick, sashiko-quilted cotton coats – layered and water-soaked to offer protection from heat and sparks.
‘If you fought a fire you would have to hydrate this uniform by dunking it in water and submerging it, saturating it. Then it would become three times as heavy. The saturated cotton would steam and char instead of igniting, which would buy you precious minutes in a fire.’
About Ken Sakata
Ken Sakata is a Japanese Australian fashion designer and cultural commentator working across fashion, visual culture and brand strategy. As Creative Director of Front Office, he merges material research, subcultural references and contemporary design to shape campaigns and projects for leading global clients.
