AUSTRALIA'S FIRST Judy Barraclough SUPERMODEL

In 1940s and '50s Australia, model Judy Barraclough helped change the face of fashion. Her son, photographer Tony Potts, remembers the real Judy, a natural beauty who danced in the lounge room, swore like a trooper and taught him that a picture is worth 1000 words.

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Mum would have turned 100 years old this year, which has made me reflect quite significantly on the impact she's had on Australia, and on my life. She was 76 years old when she passed. I wish I'd had her for longer. But this anniversary has inspired me to go through my precious photos and press clippings, which has been lovely because I miss her more as I age. Also because I find myself nostalgic for moments lost in time.

Growing up, I never knew my mother was Australia's first “supermodel”, which in those days was termed a “mannequin”. From the 1940s until the 1960s, there were “models” and “mannequins”. Generally speaking, a model didn't do the catwalk, whereas a mannequin did, and mannequins were more prestigious.

Back then, women learnt about fashion either through The Australian Women's Weekly, or by going to fashion shows at department stores like David Jones in Sydney and Georges in Melbourne. A number of those parades were also sponsored by The Weekly, and Mum's notoriety primarily came from walking their catwalks.

In 1946, at the age of 21, Mum was discovered in a modelling competition run by The Daily Telegraph at the Prince Edward Theatre in Sydney. She was the joint winner.

The following year, Mum was chosen by The Weekly's Fashion Editor, Mary Hordern, to appear in a high-profile French designer parade Mary had curated and brought to Australia directly from Paris. Mum walked alongside four French mannequins, who were here especially for the show. The parade was held in the restaurant at Mark Foy's department store, which The Weekly told readers was “elaborately decorated with heavily scented camellias and vast tree branches adorned with brightly-hued stuffed native birds”.