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, 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, saw denim brands expotential growth. 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.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.