Moomba, King, Robe, Costume, Frank Thring, 1982
Summary
An orange-coloured brocade robe with glass “gems” in its gold braid trim, and red lining.
This robe, with the matching crown and sceptre, was made specifically for Frank Thring, who refused to wear the existing Moomba regal attire. Mark Wager of the Melbourne Theatre Company - where Thring was at the time performing - designed Thring's outfit and his float. Mark created his robe, dying the brocade to give it the particular shade of coral colour that he was after. Thring insisted on wearing black under his robe and adding the flourish of a heavy gold chain, bringing his own distinct style to the office of Moomba King. According to the Sun, Thring got drenched during the parade and so returned home to Toorak rather than taking part in official celebrations with councillors.
