THE thong, Australian in design according to popular belief, was designed in New Zealand and inspired by Japanese sandals, a retired academic plans to tell his audience in Clarkson this month.
Shoe historian and podiatrist Cameron Kippen will give a free talk on the history of the thong and how it became an international form of footwear at Clarkson Library on March 29.
Mr Kippen said when shoes started adorning feet 10,000 years ago, they were not worn to protect feet, but were the prerogative of the rich.
His talk would cover the early origins of sandals, their evolution to the modern era and how the popular ‘Aussie’ thong came into being.
“It’s littered with a bit of humour and light-heartedness,” he said.
Call 9407 1600 to book a seat at the free event, which starts at 6pm on Thursday, March 29.