No ties please! Cr Dawn Crichlow revives 1991 fashion police push to dump formal business wear on Gold Coast

GOLD Coasters will cut their ties off and throw out their suits for a less formal look if one city leader has their way.

Cutting Gold Coast Ties Mathew Scully of Burleigh and Callym of Isle of Capri pictured at Broadbeach cutting off a neck tie. They welcome Cr Crichlow’s push. Picture Mike Batterham

GOLD Coasters will cut their ties off and throw out their suits for a less formal look if one city leader has their way.

Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow has revived her 25-year mission to toss the tie and celebrate the Gold Coast’s relaxed lifestyle.

Dawn Crichlow in November 1991 when she proposed suits be tossed in the bin. PICTURE: Anne Livingston

In late 1991 the newly elected Cr Crichlow called for businessmen and those caught wearing suits or formal clothes to be given on-the-spot fines.

At the time, she said the Gold Coast was a holiday destination and everyone should wear casual clothes to reflect the easygoing and friendly atmosphere.

Today, on the 25th anniversary of her original call, Cr Crichlow said she wanted to start a fashion revolution for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

If Cr Crichlow had her way, you could get a fine for wearing a tie in public like this. Mathew Scully of Burleighand Callym of Isle of Capri want to give it the chop. Picture Mike Batterham

“The way I look at it, you don’t wear a tie in heaven, so why would you wear one in paradise,” he said.

“Ahead of the Games it would be good for us to make a statement about how casual we are.

“Heading into the Games we should consider cutting off the ties with a big pair of scissors.”

During her original campaign she suggested dress code fines could be $5 for wearing a shirt and tie, $10 for a sports jacket and $20 for a suit, with the funds raised going to tourism promotion.

Her fashion-conscious campaign has been backed by colleagues and business leaders, including Helensvale councillor William Owen-Jones, who said he would be happy to have a no-tie approach.

Cr William Owen-Jones is a fan of a tie-free Gold Coast. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

Gold Coast Combined Chamber of Commerce president Martin Brady said he was not against a more relaxed dress code in the city.

“Based on the climate we have there is no real issue with a more relaxed look and, in fact, it probably makes more sense,” he said.

“Ties are good in Melbourne where there is cold weather.

“Attitudes towards dress have changed a lot in 25 years and a more relaxed wardrobe is now far more acceptable.”

But clothing designer and fashion guru Jay Pask slammed the idea and said climate was no excuse for looking like a “dishevelled potato farmer”.

“Regardless of the resort lifestyle and the paradise we live in, there are places like the races where it is both appropriate and expected to wear a tie,” he said.

Fashion designer Jay Pask has slammed Cr Crichlow’s proposal.

“We have a wonderful lifestyle here but you have to give off an aura of value and that includes observing social protocols and just because it is hot, we should not look slovenly.

“You do not see the Singaporeans looking like dishevelled potato flamers.

“They look chic.”

Mr Pask said the Gold Coast could not be an international city with rural attitudes.

When Cr Crichlow first proposed her fashion police campaign, she planned a suit handing-in day at the council chambers.

It was suggested the suits could be sent to colder climates for the poor.

Her idea has not won over all the council though.

Cr Cameron Caldwell is well-known for his collection of ties and cufflinks and said he could not back a no-ties dress code.

Cr Cameron Caldwell is considered one of city hall’s most fashionable figures and has a collection of cuff links and ties. Picture: Richard Gosling

“I love nothing more than wearing shorts and a shirt on weekends but there is a time and place when a suit is appropriate,” he said.

“I do not expect board shorts will be appearing in boardrooms any time soon.

“This is the Gold Coast and we both work hard and play hard and dress accordingly for both.”