The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. This emerald green, satin evening dress, owned by Gwen Steele, was worn by her to a reception for Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 at Government House, Melbourne. [The personalised printed invitations are kept in the Subject File 'Gwen Steele'.]Emerald green, satin cocktail dress with shoe-string straps.royal visit (victoria) 1954,, gwen steele, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1950s, cocktail dresses

The donor's aunt, Margaret E. Hollis nee Piesse (18/2/1919-2008) wore this gown to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. She was one of a total of 8,251 guests who attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London. Margaret Piesse was born in Hobart and grew up in the Piesse family home, 'Merridale', Sackville Street, Kew. She was residing at 4a Little Cloister, Westminster Abbey at the time of the Coronation and was married (on 14/2/1942) to Rev Howard Hollis, a minor Canon at the Abbey and a deputy Priest in – Ordinary to the Queen (1954-1959). Howard chanted the litany and carried the sceptre. Margaret’s daughter-in-law, Sue Hollis, Margaret’s sons, Julian who attended the Coronation with his mother, and Richard, gave the photograph to Felicity Renowden, the donor. Margaret Hollis died in Kew on 16/4/2008.Single piece, formal silk brocade gown worn to the Coronation of Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. The bodice is informally draped with horizontal folds of fabric above an antebellum waistline below which is a full skirt. An accompanying photograph of the wearer in the dress can be viewed in the final image above. coronation elizabeth ii, piesse family, merridale -- sackville street -- kew (vic.), margaret e hollis, margaret ellen piesse, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s, women's clothing -- 1950s

Red long sleeve knitted dress with buttons at the back. Swirl pattern across front. 8481.2 Detachable red belt. 8481.3 Small sample of red wool knitwear, dress, fashion, 1950s

Green knitted full length dress with elbow length sleeves, gold buttoned front and collar. knitwear, dress, fashion, 1950s

Green knitted long sleeved cardigan with button front and collar.knitwear, fashion, 1950s, cardigan

Historically this item highlights the middle to upper to middle socio economic levels of a rural community in the 1920s to 1950s. The fashion dictated to by the larger cities and towns were for some smaller items of house hold furniture encompassed by homes in the region, not only because of practicality but also for longevity of the item it protected.The significance of this item in showing that although the region was to a small degree isolated from the "latest" fashion of house hold dressage, it was to a certain degree not regional and that the fashion of the day in large cities and towns was instilled through magazines and Country Women,s organisations.Fine cotton table runner. Middle section has a 2cm wide crochet insert around it with another border of cotton around it 2cm wide. All the item is edged with a 7cm wide crochet band.hand craft, furniture dressing, lace, crochet, cotton furniture proctective coverings

Louis Kahan (1905-2002) is best known in Australia for his skill as an artist. As Independent Fashion Curator, Laura Jocic has observed, ‘It is less known though that Kahan had a career in theatre and fashion in Vienna and Paris during the 1920s and 1930s that continued when he came to Australia in 1947. He signed his fashion illustration with the initials 'nac', a phonetic interpretation of his surname spelled backwards. In this illustration on newspaper we can see Kahan playing with the graphic effects of line and text, while communicating the cut and drape of late-1950s fashions.’ Kahn was born in Vienna in 1905 and first travelled to Australia in 1947. He moved to Melbourne in 1950 where he became friends with artist George Bell, writer Alan McCulloch who introduced him to Clem Christensen, editor of the literary journal Meanjin, where many of his portraits of Australian writers were published. His 1962 portrait of the author Patrick White won the Archibald Prize, bringing him national recognition. He also designed sets and costumes for the Elizabeth Theatre Trust (Opera Australia) and the Melbourne Theatre Company. In 1993 his contribution to Australian cultural life was recognised when he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO). He died in Melbourne, at the age of 97 in 2002. Ann Carew 2018Fashion illustration on newsprint. Drawing depicts two women. Women in foreground is wearing a long green coat and hat.Woman at rear is wearing a green and white evening dress with white gloves.Signed lower right in ink, 'nac 1958'.fashion illustration, fashion design

Women wore frames characterized by an upsweep on the top rim, a style that was very popular until the end of the 1950s, while men tended to sport gold wire frames. These glasses are probably men's glasses. By the latter half of the 20th century, spectacles were considered part of a person's wardrobe. Similar to clothes, eyeglasses needed to be continually updated or a person could be perceived as old-fashioned. More and more celebrities were influencing spectacle fashion.These items reflect how glasses styles have changed over time and are becoming a fashion accessory as well as a prosthesis and support for lenses, Six pairs of assorted glasses and 4 cases. spectacles

Dressmakers used patterns to make clothes. Companies included 'Simplicity, Butterick and Vogue etc. The packet would contain transparent paper shapes with printed lines and instructions. These were pinned onto the material, cut, then sewn together as per the lines and the included instructions.In the 1950s and 1960s women sewed the clothes for the family. In the Kiewa Valley dress shops were not available and a journey to the bigger cities was less frequent than it is today.Coloured pictures showing the finished garment. Patterns were in sizes. eg. size 10 1. Fashion - lady's dress 2. x3 Simplicity - lady's clothes 3. x3 Butterick lady's clothesdressmaker, simplicity butterick, ladies fashion

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsHat Pin with a forest green opaque ball headclothing, millinery, hat accessories, 1920 fashion

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis pin has a black plastic tear-drop ball at its head (earth shaped). It has diamond like chiseled profile from a centre band to the apex of both ends. The centre region has a herring bone pattern. Identical to Item KVHS 0356millinery, hat pin, female head wear, hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis pin has a black plastic tear-drop ball at its head (earth shaped). It has diamond like chiseled profile from a centre band to the apex of both ends. The centre region has a herring bone pattern. Identical to Item KVHS 0287hat pin, female head apparel, clothing accessories

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsBrass Pin, two 3.5cm cones, gold coloured tapered down to imitation half peal centre piece Cones stamped with small flower petalsmillinery, hat pin, female head wear, hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsHead of pin is ball shaped covered blue/silver reflective fastened sequin. Each sequin is attached by a seed bead of dark blue colourmillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsPin head consists of one eight petaled flower, two seed pods half open and one long leaf connecting leaf with seed pods. pin head and shaft are gold coloured. see KVHS 0352 for same pin except details are highlighted with darkened outlines(may be dirt)clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsPin head consists of one eight petaled flower, two seed pods half open and one long leaf connecting leaf with seed pods. pin head and shaft are gold coloured. see KVHS 0351 for a cleaner itemmillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsElongated pearl on silver coloured pin shaftmillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoors This item is similar as the one worn by the "Queen Mother" in the film "The Kings' Speech"Silver coloured pin with a thistle shaped head also in silver/chrome colour. Sleek in appearancemillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsGold coloured pin adorned with two curls. One with fourteen small glass/diamond stones one red/ruby type stone three empty stone clasps gold coloured pin shaftmillinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has a turquoise glass ball head with a long needle. It is in the same style as items KVHS 0358 and KVHS 0359.millinery, costume, pin hat accessories, female hair restrainer

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has a yellow/amber glass ball head. It in is the same style to KVHS 0357 and KVHS 0359clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsA long hat pin with a royal blue glass head. It is in the same style to items KVHS 0357 and KVHS 0358clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis long hat pin is adorned with a flat, oval-shaped, piece of black plastic. A raised pattern of small distinctively dome shaped molded plastic infill together with three larger shaped domes. Identical to KVHS 0361costume, female head wear, accessories hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis long hat pin is adorned with a flat, oval-shaped, piece of black plastic. A raised pattern of small distinctively dome shaped molded plastic infill together with three larger shaped domes. Identical to KVHS 0360costume, female head wear, accessories hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has a shiny black ball head, probably plasticcostume female head ware accessories, hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has the letter "J" as its head.costume female head ware accessories, hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin is adorned with a flat metal circular head. There are two circles of narrow patterns around the outer edge. The centre is decorated with three shiny black faceted shapes producing a spoke like appearancecostume female head ware accessories, hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin is adorned with a black shiny plastic "tear drop" shape head on a long shaft This is identical to KVHS 0366costume female head ware accessories, hat pin

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorshis hat pin is adorned with a black shiny plastic "tear drop" shape head on a long shaft This is identical to KVHS 0365costume female head ware accessories, hat pin

This product was introduced in an era where the "silky smooth" look was in vogue. From the 1920s on, American and British film stars set the tone of how clean cut (hero type) masculine look attracts the opposite sex faster and in greater quantities than the "unkempt" or natural maintained look. This look was bold and "polished" and had the intended projection that the hair matched the character of "I look after myself and have a high opinion of physical appearances". As fashion goes this slick and well maintained look has circled many times, in and out of history and in Australia in the 1950s this was a prime example. The liberation of the stereo type of both sexes occurred in the 1960s when the freedom loving "hippie culture" had a marked affect upon the city inhabitants but not so strong among rural males. Sexism was still rife in that time frame.This jar of Brylcreem was a part of the (masculine) rural scene for a longer period than that found in the larger towns and cities. The long held "men are men" and "women are women" distinction between the sexes lingered on more in rural areas because of the perceived physical differences, mainly "strength" and perceived tasks such as "men only" activities (heavy farm/mining/construction). The jar of Brylcreem maintained the respectable male look for those special occasions when males "dressed" up and looked clean physically and well behaved (to show respect to the women folk)This glass jar with a glued on,red background, label detailing the product Brylcreem (a men's) hairdressing ointment is empty of its original product. It has been contoured on each side to allow for a man's fingers to comfortably and firmly grip the jar. This form would allow even "greased up" hands to maintain control. The glass thickness is far greater than needed and also added the extra stability to the standing jar. The shape of the jar is a latent attempt to emulate the physique of a fit young man (small waist, expanded and muscled mid rift and large shoulders). The jar does not distract from viewing its contents (clear glass). It has a black gloss screw (on/off) lid made from mild grade steel. The jar holds approximately 200 grams of a thick molasses textured product. On the front red Label; in large white letters "BRYLCREEM" underneath this is in smaller silver print "THE PERFECT HAIRDRESSING" underneath this is a banner type motif with a crown at the top and a black letter "B"in the centre. Below this and in much smaller print are printed in black script "BEECHAM (AUSTRALIA) PTY. LTD. MELBOURNE VICTORIA M A Imen's deportment, toiletries, men's hair styles, physical appearances