The Fantastic Fashion Worn By Sydney's Criminal Ladies in the 1920s

Fay Watson, March 1928 – Fined £10 for cocaine possession

In the roaring 1920s, Sydney’s criminal underbelly was dominated by a unique breed of lawbreakers: women who were as notorious for their fashion sense as they were for their criminal activities. These convicted women, involved in crimes ranging from theft and possession to prostitution, turned heads not only with their audacious acts but also with their impeccable style. Thanks to the NSW Police Forensic Archive, we can still admire these adventurous broads today through a collection of remarkable forensic photos that capture their criminal glamour.

Among those who were convicted were individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds, such as Kate Leigh, one of the most notorious figures in Sydney's criminal world. Known as the “Queen of the Underworld,” she was a prominent member of the city's infamous razor gangs and engaged in a wide range of illicit activities including bootlegging, prostitution, gambling, and cocaine trafficking. Despite being described as weathered and flamboyant, she maintained a polished image with her luxurious silver fox furs and diamond-studded rings that she proudly displayed in court.

Kate Leigh, 1915. she may have made her fortune selling illegal booze, but it was purely business. Ms. leigh never drank a drop.

During the 1920s, Sydney was a city brimming with excitement and danger. It was an era of speakeasies, jazz, and flappers, where the lines between respectability and rebellion were often blurred. Amidst this backdrop, a group of women emerged who were as notorious for their fashion sense as they were for their criminal activities. These women used their charm and cunning to navigate the treacherous waters of Sydney’s criminal world, often dressing in a manner that belied their nefarious intentions.

The mug shots from the NSW Police Forensic Archive reveal a fascinating juxtaposition: women dressed in the height of 1920s fashion, facing charges that could ruin their lives. Fur stoles, strings of pearls, stylish hats, and drop-waist frocks were the norm for these women, even when posing for a police photograph. This sartorial elegance was not merely about vanity; it was a statement. These women refused to be remembered as downtrodden criminals. Instead, they presented themselves as bold, fashionable, and unrepentant figures, ready to face whatever came their way with a sense of style.

Hazel McGuinness, July 1929 – Busted for cocaine possession along with her mother, Ada

Among the many women captured in these photos, several stand out for their notorious exploits and impeccable fashion:

Eugenia Falleni - Known as Harry Crawford, Falleni was a transgender man who lived as a man for many years and was eventually convicted of the murder of his wife. His mug shot shows a stern figure in masculine attire, challenging societal norms of the time.