Jean Platt used to visit our shop with her husband Lance and their son Kevin. By purchasing from us, they could choose materials without the need to buy an entire roll. This allowed them to maintain a diverse range of patterns in their bikinis and board shorts without making substantial upfront investments while their business was still in its early stages.

Fiona standing next to fabric 1969, aged 17

Around ’66, my parents decided to relocate their business to a larger shop just down the road. So, my mum and Jean had a friendly chat, and the Platts took over our lease. Even after this transition, they continued to visit our ‘new’ shop for fabric purchases for several years. As their business continued to grow, they began buying fabric rolls as well.

I began working in our shop around ’67, and I often had the pleasure of serving them during their visits. Mrs. Platt was a delightful person who even allowed me to select some materials for bikinis, which she would then make for me for free. I ended up amassing quite a collection.

1960’s Just hanging out at Dee Why Beach – On left Barry Stark, Mark Dawson, Len White, Chris Cole behind Mark Dawson. Kevin Platt, Ugh’s ute (Barry Andreas), Kevin Platt’s “Ford Prefect pram ute” and Teddy Bear’s (Peter Gonda) Chev in background

Lance and Kevin were generally quiet but very pleasant. I believe Kevin was reluctantly dragged along, possibly to assist in picking patterns, he would have rather been at the beach. Many of my friends recall visiting their house in Harbord before they acquired the shop, although I can’t recall if I ever went there myself.

Fiona sunbaking in the backyard at Noosa 1969 – bikini made by Platts

I  have vivid memories of their factory on Pittwater Road in Dee Why, and I occasionally visited it. (It’s where the carpet place is now.) Additionally, during that time, there were numerous Boardriders clubs throughout the Northern Beaches, and the Platts specialized in creating board shorts in each club’s distinctive colors.