The state funeral for John Laws, Australia’s undisputed ‘King of Radio’, was not merely a farewell to a broadcaster; it was the final, resonant statement on a legacy built as much on sartorial authority as on audio supremacy. As cultural and political titans gathered at Sydney’s St Andrew’s Cathedral to honour the man known for his ‘Golden Tonsils’, the fashion world watched a masterclass in personal branding take its final bow. Laws didn't just command the airwaves for over seven decades; he meticulously crafted a visual uniform of power that defined an era of Australian masculinity and continues to echo in the boardrooms and broadcasts of today.
The Theatre of Radio, The Uniform of Authority
For a man who made his name in a medium devoid of visuals, John Laws understood the profound power of image. He treated radio as a form of theatre, and he was always its impeccably dressed leading man. His uniform was a masterstroke of consistency and luxury: bespoke tailored suits, perfectly knotted silk ties, and the glint of a high-end timepiece at his wrist.
This was not mere vanity. It was a strategic choice that broadcasted authority, success, and an uncompromising standard of excellence. As a former GQ Australia editor once noted, “John was never seen without a custom-made suit. He understood that radio was theatre—and the audience expected a star, even if they never saw him.” He cultivated an aura of prestige that made his voice—and his opinions—feel intrinsically more valuable.
More Than a Microphone: A Symbol of Luxury
Central to this image was his most famous accessory: the gold-plated microphone. Far more than a piece of broadcasting equipment, it was a deliberate and brilliant piece of branding. In the world of John Laws, gold was not just a colour; it was a standard. The microphone became a totem of his influence, a scepter of his radio kingdom that was as much a fashion statement as a Cartier watch or a Hermès tie.
It represented the alchemy he perfected: turning the spoken word into a luxury commodity. The golden microphone was a constant visual reminder to his guests, his advertisers, and his millions of listeners that they were in the presence of the gold standard. It blurred the lines between media, celebrity, and high-end branding long before the age of the influencer.
A Gathering of Influence: The Front Row at St Andrew’s
The congregation that filled St Andrew’s Cathedral was a testament to the breadth of his influence, a physical manifestation of the cultural cachet he had built over a lifetime. The presence of these figures underscored that Laws was not just a media personality, but a gravitational centre of Australian power.
Those paying their respects included:
- Former Prime Minister John Howard
- NSW Premier and the state Governor
- Actor and former neighbour Russell Crowe
- Olympic champion Dawn Fraser
- Entertainer Marcia Hines
As his close friend Paul Warren noted in his eulogy, "At his peak, [Laws] had over 2 million listeners...His program was carried by over 100 radio stations across Australia. Charming, witty, full of insightful observation about the world”. The service, punctuated by John Williamson’s performance of ‘True Blue’, became a moment of national reflection on a man who shaped the country's cultural conversation.
The Laws Legacy: Echoes in Modern Menswear
So what is the lasting sartorial legacy of John Laws? In an era of relaxed dress codes and casual-Friday culture, his unwavering commitment to formal tailoring feels more relevant than ever. He stands as a powerful counter-narrative, a reminder that dressing with intent is the ultimate form of personal branding.
His influence is a blueprint for power dressing that transcends fleeting trends. It’s a style rooted in the enduring appeal of quality craftsmanship, perfect fit, and the silent language of luxury. As archival footage and images resurface in the wake of his passing, we anticipate a renewed appreciation for this classic, authoritative aesthetic.
John Laws knew that what you wear is an extension of what you say. It sets the tone before a single word is spoken. His final broadcast may be over, but for the worlds of fashion, media, and business, his lesson in the art of power dressing remains distinctly on the air.
