For over 40 years the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has provided a platform for the creative expression of LGBTIQ+ Australians.
This is perhaps no clearer than in the parade fashion, which ranges each year from skimpy leather numbers to extravagant feather bowers, stilts and constructed statement pieces.
Nothing's off limits. Big or small. Bright or dark. Tongue in cheek or overtly political.
With the help of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives, we took a deep dive into some of the most iconic Mardi Gras parade looks since 1978. Look, it must be noted that this is not an exhaustive list, as there have simply been too many show-stopping looks to condense into one article.
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John English and Ron Muncaster, 1997. Photo by: Tony White, courtesy of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives. Source: Tony White, courtesy of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives.
Miss New Zealand, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras,1995. Photo: William Yang. Source: National Library of Australia
Two of Peter Tully's iconic looks. Courtesy of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences and the National Museum of Australia. Source: the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences and the National Museum of Australia.
Kathy Sant and Jenny Mann wearing pieces made from water bottles collected from the dance floor of the previous year's Sleaze Ball party. Photo supplied. Source: Supplied
Gayola Crayons, 2011. Photo by Paul Cush. Source: Paul Cush, Flickr
Sydney Gay Mardi Gras party, 1988. Photo courtesy of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives. Source: The Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives.
Malcolm Cole as Captain Cook in 1988. Photo by Ken Lovett, courtesy of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives. Source: Ken Lovett, the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives.
Brenton Heath-Kerr's legendary Gingham Woman, which was re-born for Mardi Gras' 40th anniversary last year. Photo: Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Source: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Pauline Pantsdown and co. Photo: Mazz, courtesy of the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives. Source: ALGA
Renny Roccon's award-winning looks. Photos supplied. Source: Supplied
Melbourne Marching Girls, 2001. Photograph: Ross Jacobs / Evolution Publishing Collection, ALGA. Source: ALGA
The 2021 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras live Saturday 6 March 6pm AEDT on SBS On Demand or catch the full parade at 7:30pm on SBS and NITV.
