POLITIX and MOVEMBER launch the world’s first suit made of moustaches via Bullfrog

This Movember, POLITIX has collaborated with artist Pam Kleemann-Passi, via Bullfrog, to create the world’s first Mo-Hair Suit – made from real moustache hair – designed to start conversations around men’s health.

The Mo-Hair Suit is part of POLITIX x Movember’s ‘Worn to be Heard’ campaign, launched on national TV today, modelled by Karl Stefanovic on The Today Show.

Why do we need to talk about men’s health?

Because the number of men who take their own lives in Australia every year is nearly double the national road toll. And globally, men die on average six years earlier than women, from largely preventable causes such as suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Says Dan Sparkes, creative director at Bullfrog: “Covid-19 still dominates global health headlines, meaning Movember’s life-saving programs and messages of hope are in danger of going unheard this year. So we wanted to give men and the media something to talk about.

“The Mo-Hair Suit takes what POLITIX and Movember are known for – Menswear and Mo’s – and turns them into a convo-starter: is it a glorious example of bespoke tailoring, or is it a bit gross?”

A single-breasted POLITIX two-piece, The Mo-Hair Suit was expertly tailored using a material custom-made by Melbourne visual artist, Pam Kleemann-Passi.

In 2016, Pam lost her husband to prostate and colorectal cancer. Her artworks delve into her personal experiences with illness, exploring the nexus of creativity and medical science, often expressed through the use of human hair.

Says Pam: “I find it fascinating how hair can go from something so normal and touchable when attached to the body, to this intriguing and disquieting object as soon as it’s removed. I want this suit to challenge, intrigue, amuse and start difficult conversations.”

POLITIX and Bullfrog sourced the mo-hair from Sustainable Salons, and from collaborators whose lives have been touched by men’s health issues. Messages from these Mo-Bros and Mo-Sisters are also printed in the lining of the suit, as well as a dedication from Pam – reminders that it is worn to be heard.

Says Katarina Matic, senior art director at Bullfrog: “This piece has been a labour of love for all involved. We all connected to the cause, and there was a genuine passion to create something special that not only generated talkability, but had a high level of craft and intricacy.

Says Lauren Eddy, senior copywriter at Bullfrog: “It’s common for charities to create short-lived ads, set challenges, or host events to raise awareness. Our aim was to make a statement that would live on, and keep those conversations going beyond the month of Movember.”

The Worn to be Heard campaign also features a limited collection of POLITIX blazers, designed by artist-duo WBYK, screen-printed with provocative statements such as ‘Grab Cancer by the Balls’ and ‘I Cry Like a Boss’.

High-profile Aussie men including TV personality Sam Mac, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and actor Lyndon Watts will be sporting these Statement Jackets on TV and social media throughout Movember, encouraging men to check in with their friends, families and doctors.

POLITIX has been dressing Australian men for over 40 years, and believe it’s their responsibility to use its platform to help men feel good, as well as look good.

Says Richard Dalke, head of marketing at POLITIX: “Everyone involved has brought their own personal experiences and purpose to this incredibly unique campaign. If it gives even one person a reason to speak up, then that’s worth a million moustache suits.”

Says Paul Burden, head of design and creative at POLITIX: “My father passed away on November 1st two years ago, from cancer. Typical man, he didn’t go to the doctor when he should have – when it was treatable. I hope this campaign gets people talking, and gives more men the courage to speak up, before it’s too late.”

Read more about The Mo-Hair Suit and Worn to be Heard campaign at politix.com.au, on Instagram @politixmenswear, and join the conversation at #worntobeheard.

But first, make a donation to Movember and learn more about their mission to change the face of men’s health at movember.com.

If you’re struggling and need to speak to someone, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Client: POLITIX
Head of Marketing: Richard Dalke – “For anyone who needs a reminder that a conversation can change your life”
Head of Design and Creative: Paul Burden – “For you Dad, forever in my heart”
Tailoring Designer: Marissa Falting – “For all young men to know that men’s health matters.”
Social, PR & Events Manager: Andrew Vance – “For that one conversation that helps”
Senior Graphic Designer: Melanie Stow – “For the men who think it’s brave to stay silent, speaking up is twice as tough.”
Cut & Sew Designer: Brad McLennan – “For every guy who is scared to speak up, you are not alone.”

Client: Movember
Strategic Partnerships Manager: Courtney Ward – “For giving all men a chance to live happier, healthier, longer lives.”
Head of Corporate Partnerships: Kieran Ryan – “For my mates that are no longer here.”
Senior Manager Corporate Partnerships: Katie Bailey – “For a way to start conversations.”

Material Artist: Pamela Kleemann-Passi – “For my dear late husband, Passi-Jo.”
Hair sourcing and treatment: Sustainable Salons – “For everyone on a mission to minimise our footprint and change lives”
Suit Tailor: Nico, Germanicos Bespoke Tailors

Agency: Bullfrog
CEO: Dalton Graham – “For Dad & Grandpa Norm – don’t stress, I’ll get checked.”
Creative Director: Daniel Sparkes – “For those mates who find it awkward to talk.”
Senior Art Director: Katarina Matic – ”For all men, everywhere, always.”
Senior Copywriter: Lauren Eddy – “For my Dad, ever the stoic.”
Senior Art Director: Trent Hendrick – ”For my mates, family and colleagues.”
Senior Copywriter: Andrew Fisher – “For the quiet ones.”
Senior Account Director: Wil de Souza – “For those who felt there was no one to talk to.”
Senior Producer: Chris King – “For Rich.”
Producer: Sarah Lay – “For my family, who raised me and will always protect me.”

PR & Talent: Two Birds Talking
Senior Account Manager: Sarah Turner – “For my grandfathers, my dad and my brother.”
Junior Account Manager: Annabel Robinson – “For my Dad and my grandparents, it’s ok if you’re not feeling ok.”
Account Coordinator: Brittany Manning – “For my Dad, brother and friends, I’m here for you just like you’re always here for me.”

Director/DOP: Sam Wong
1st AC: Lewis Warner & Shawkat Husseini
Digi Opp: Farley Webb & Nguyen Dang
Gaffer/Grip: James Thompson
Best Boy: Jack Donald McDowell
HMU Artist: Banan Mahmoud
Sound Recordist: Ben Bomitali
Sound: Colin Simkins, Gusto Studios
Editor: David Tse
Colourist: Dan Stonehouse, We Are Crayon: “For my Uncle Brett.”

Statement Jackets Production: Union
Talent: Sam Mac, Anthony Field, Lyndon Watts
Director: Declan Caruso
Photographer/DOP: Kit Baker
Producer: Haidee Lorenz
Prop Stylist: Morgan Ferguson
Stylist: Kirsty Barros
Hair & Makeup Artist: Chris Coonrod
Artists: WBYK
Screen printing: Squid Ink