Q&A with Dirk, 2025 Vintage Clothing Sale Ambassador

Meet Dirk: One of the Faces of the 2025 Vintage Clothing Sale

Dirk Willem Fourie, aka Dirk the Crook, is a Digital Content Creator and Suit Stylist from Melbourne, known for his passion for celebrating “The Golden Age of Menswear.” He describes himself as an "antique streetwear stylist," blending vintage pieces with modern flair.

For years, Dirk has been collecting and wearing suits from the 1940s, sharing his finds with an audience of over 200,000 followers online.

Q: What sparked your love for vintage fashion, and how did you first get started collecting pieces? 

A: I got into vintage shopping while studying, maybe it was the fact that you could find something really great quality for so cheap or maybe subconsciously I just didn’t want to dress like everybody else. The more and more I started buying I realized generally the older the clothes were the better quality they were, which is interesting as I think we are mostly taught in culture that New is Better. 

  

Q: What do you look for when purchasing a vintage suit? 

A: There are so many elements that make up a good suit but a few easy ones to identify would be 1. Fabric [suits used to be made from heavier wool], 2. Lappel size [wide lapels were popular before the 1960s but did make a comeback in the 80s as well] 3. Jacket Length [length should cover your seat, today’s suits are often way too short] 4. Trouser Rise [high-rise trousers are crucial for comfort] 5. Trouser Width [ you need room in the legs, today’s suits are way too tight]. 

 


 

Q: What’s your favourite era or decade for fashion, and why does it resonate with you? 

A: I would say 1945-1955 is my favourite period, because after the war things seem to have relaxed and you get a nice balance between the rigid past of menswear to a more balanced but still proper approach. Things like normalizing wearing Camp Shirts [open collar shirts] was great and also I feel like people could express themselves a bit more.   

  

Q: Can you share a memorable story or special find from your vintage shopping adventures? Have you purchased anything from the National Trust Vintage Clothing Sale?  

A: I would say an exciting moment came recently when I found a 1940s suit online that was tailored by a Melbourne-based clothing store Fred Hesse, he had stores on Swanston, Elizabeth and Flinders St. If you google Fred Hesse Melbourne you can find some great information about the shop and even a couple of images. It’s great to have a piece in my collection that was made here in Melbourne. In terms of the Trust Vintage Sale, I bought a couple of old 1920s shirts last year, really nice find and good price. 

 

 

Q: Can you tell us more about how you came to be known as @dirkthecrook? 

A: It all comes back to my original source of inspiration, the book “Crooks Like Us”, it’s a book filled with mugshots and stories from inner city Sydney prisons during the 1920s. The style of the people in the book really resonated with me and the rest is history I guess. It’s great to have a source to constantly refer back to for inspiration and direction, a truly great body of work 

 

Ready to find your next vintage treasure?

Don’t miss the 2025 National Trust Vintage Clothing Sale, happening on 22 & 23 March at Abbotsford Convent. With racks of unique garments, accessories, and upcycled gems, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe sustainably. Plus, every purchase supports the National Trust’s work in conserving Australia’s heritage. 

Mark your calendar and start your vintage adventure today! Learn more. 

You can follow Dirk on Instagram: @dirkthecrook 

Author

Andrew Victorsen

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