Staggers Jeans: Iconic Jeans Australia Denim Revolution by Joseph Saba
Introduction to Staggers Jeans: STAGGERS, the iconic denim brand of the 70s, is legendary for its positive and ironic attitude towards life and fashion. Since its launch in 1969 by Joseph Saba in Melbourne, Australia, Staggers has led the Jeans Australia revolution.
Joseph Saba: A Creative Force in Australian Fashion
Joseph Saba, described as “arguably the most creative force in Australian fashion,” is the mastermind behind Staggers Jeans. His journey in fashion began with the opening of his first store, the “Joseph Saba Shirt and Sweater Shop” in Flinders Lane, Melbourne, in 1965. This venture expanded quickly, leading to the birth of “The Stag Shoppe,” later rebranded as “Staggers” in 1969.
The Jeans Australia Revolution of the 70s
Observing the evolving trends in denim from London, Joseph Saba launched the ‘Staggers’ label in 1969. By 1971, a successful manufacturing partnership with Adelaide-based Oxford Clothing Company and a new licensing agreement saw the popularity of Staggers soar across Australia. The demand was so intense that security staff were needed at the Flinders Lane store to manage the crowds, with customers eagerly buying jeans straight from the washers.
Global Expansion
In 1975, Staggers International BV was established in Hong Kong, propelling the brand into international markets, including the USA, UK, Japan, Dubai, Israel, and Europe. With a London-based distributor, Staggers continued to influence fashion trends globally for the next decade.
The Legacy Continues
In the mid-80s, Joseph Saba sold Staggers to Oxford Clothing Company – Ridge Family. The brand has continued to thrive as a quality, iconic Jeans Australia brand.
Modern Staggers Aesthetic
Today, STAGGERS retains its understated aesthetic—long, lean, sleek, and slim, with a sexy, vintage feel. The brand’s modern silhouettes and proportions blend romantic innocence with a hard rocker edge. The collection includes innovative styles like skinny leg hi-rise jeans, pipe leg cut-offs, boot-cut jeans, broken hem Minis, and classic denim jackets crafted from premium Kaihara stretch denim.
Signature Style
The original Dove logo, symbolizing freedom, femininity, and independent spirit, is a staple of the STAGGERS label. The denim, with time and wear, forms a second skin that tells a personal story, embodying individuality and character.
A Denim Legacy
Like a rock band, the STAGGERS collection is tight, unpredictable, and uninhibited, appealing to jean enthusiasts, denim junkies, and style mavens from the 70s through to the new century, from Baby Boomers to Millennials.
Experience Jeans Australia Fashion History
Whether you’re a rock star or dating one, owning a piece of Jeans Australia fashion history is within your grasp. Explore our new, evocative, and ever-evolving denim collection that epitomizes perfection—pure ‘jeanious’. SHOP NOW