Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.Black silk chiffon or georgette loose-fitted evening capelet, decorated with a wide border of silvred sequins. Sequins are also used in the body of the cape, either individually or in circles. The capelet was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her granddaughter. women's clothing, evening wear, evening dresses, capes, susan barnett, doris bennett (nee wilmott)

A hat pin is a decorative pin for holding a hat to the head, usually by the hair that was styled in a Chignon or French Roll style and usually worn in a pair. They are typically around 20 cm in length, with the pinhead being the most decorated part. The women of the pioneer families liked to dress up in their best hand made dresses and fashionable hats for Church gatherings and special occasions as a relief from the daily chores of hand washing, ironing with flat irons and cooking over open fires. 1 long, lady's, steel, hat pin , padded and covered in black linen decorated with spherical shaped black sequins bonnets, hats, veils, scarves, moorabbin, bentleigh, brighton, cheltenham, early settlers, pioneers, clasps, hairdressing, combs, steel pins, jewellery

The full costume used traditionally by ladies in the 16th to 19th century AD. Now used in Greek dances, parades and theatrical performances as a traditional costume.Navy embroidered apron with sequins and coloured stitching. Black lining on reverse side. Part "B" of a four piece costume.lady's costume, apron, greek, βλαχοπούλα, ποδιά, στολή

Hat belonged to Catherine (Kitty) Ann Windsor (born 23 Nov 1919 died 17 Nov 2002) in the 1930s. She was the grandmother of Rachael Cottle (Whitehorse Historical Society Secretary Aug 2011-2016). She was gate keeper at the Tunstall (Nunawading) railway gates crossing at Springvale Road during 1934 - 1952.A house was supplied for the keeper. The gates were closed to traffic from midnight till 5 a.m.Dusky pink felt skull cap shaped cap. Pearly white, gelatin sequins in the shape of a feather on one side.costume, female headwear

The wedding shoes of Dorothy Williams in 1958Fawn leather shoes covered in lace & sequins, square front. High heels, leather lined, & sole|Wedding dress NA4110Estrellita by Diamondcostume, female

Purchased in Hong Kong by Mrs Myrtle Bennett in 1960 and given to Barbara Gardiner in 1980 and worn at three dinner dances.1960 Black wool evening top or bodice oversewn with black sequins and beads on hem - lined in rayon. Full length. Zip on back.costume, female

This dress belonged to Ellen Davis, nee McLaughlin (1870-1956), great-grandmother of Margaret Lake. Ellen was born in County Donegal, Ireland. She married George Washington Davis in 1890 and the couple moved to South Africa, where George owned a bicycle store. During this time, Margaret says, Ellen "had a life of luxury, having servants at her beck and call and even sleeping at the foot of her bed to protect her from any harm". She was a "tiny lady of 5 foot tall" and George "could put his hands around her waist of 18 inches". On coming to Australia they opened a garage and taxi service in Graham Street, Port Melbourne. They lived here until Ellen's death in a road accident in 1956. Ellen gave the dress to her great-granddaughter when Margaret was ten years old. Aged 62, Margaret told BHS, "I have worn it on several occasions, mostly to costume parties and fancy-dress balls when I was younger. I have loved it all this time and displayed it on a dress model in my last home". As she had no granddaughter of her own to leave it to, she decided to donate the dress so that it would continue to be cared for.Sleeveless black silk crepe dress with V-neck and scalloped hem. Covered with black beaded designs, with white bead and iridescent pink sequin accents.margaret lake, ellen davis, ellen mclaughlin, beading, 1920s

Used by Valda Arrowsmith in the 1960s.Small cream evening bag. Bead, pearl and sequin encrusted with gold coloured frame and handle. Bag is lined with satin and has a small pocket on one side.costume accessories, female

The full costume used traditionally by ladies in the 16th to 19th century AD. Now used in Greek dances, parades and theatrical performances as a traditional costume. In Australia used by Thessaloniki Association "The White Tower".Historical significance for the purposes it was used by Thessaloniki Association "The White Tower", in functions, dancing and parades.Lady's dancing costume belt. Woollen with silver sequins and beading. Fringe on either end. Slightly damaged, silver buttons missing. Part "D" of a four piece costume.lady's costume, belt, greek, βλαχοπούλα, ζώνη, στολή

Given to donor by friend in SwitzerlandSmall evening bag made of silver and gold sequins, white seed beads attached to gilt mount and chain handle. Mount has clasp with two blue beads.costume accessories, female

The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. Most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women. There are however a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.A teal green felt woman’s hat in three layers of felt surmounted by a felt bow. Green sequins set in inverted triangular shapes surround the top of the second layer.Nilwomen's clothing -- hats, headwear

Clothing. Rounded neckline at the back, deeply scooped at front. Back fastens with 12 metal hooks and eyes. Back hemline is slightly shirred to nip in the 67 cm waistline, which is peaked at the cntre front. ''Leg-o-mutton'' type sleeves are gathered at the shoulder, and above the elbow, and finished with an 8 cm band of beading and sequin embroidery and a 4.5 cm black silk frill, and a frill of black lace, with an exquisite fruit and floral woven pattern. The neckline is trimmed with a deep lace and sequined silk overlay. Three velvet ''rosettes'' trim the centre front of the overlay. The silk bodice is shirred from just below the shoulders, to give fullness for the bustline sequins, tiny beads, velvet rosettes, silk chiffon frills.costume, female, black silk boned bodice with lace

Most likely worn at Wilby and balls around the districtVery pale pink satin skirt overplayed with tulle and net. Round neck, sleeveless bodice with lacy net overlay. Decorated by hand with sequins, diamentes and beads. Zipper at back. Hand made. None

Black beaded cape, triangular with scalloped edging. Ruffled neck and wide lace ruffle around hem, edged with a line of black sequins and beads. Swirling/meandering beaded design on main body, with net insertions.cape, lewis & co. & folkestone

This evening bag was purchased in Hong KongA lady's pale blue, satin, evening handbag, with a drawstring, hand-made in Hong Kong. It is lined in darker blue satin and has appliquéd silver sequins and light blue crystal-like beads and rows of tiny, pearl-like beads made in Hong Kongcraftwork, sewing, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, mckinnon, ormond, cheltenham, personal effects, handbags, evening wear, hong kong, chinese

This fan belonged to Julia Charlotte Sargood (Charlie), youngest daughter of Sir Frederick Sargood and only child of Lady Julia Sargood.Black carved wood fan with black net. Three flowers with leaves are embroidered in black thread and small black sequins. Carving on black wooden frame is a floral design. One black metal ring joins the fan at its base.rippon lea, sargood family, sargood, charlotte

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection. Pink sequinned taffeta, halter neck, full-length sheath, and a low back with two pink chiffon drops from back to floor. The dress was worn by Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) in live performances in the 1960s.performing arts - australia - 1960s, robin vanser, performance costumes, floor show dresses

Hat pins came in with an assortment of itemsTwo hat pins, black tear drop shape covered in black sequins. One 16cm long, the other 21cm long. These pins would have been worn as a pair, back and front, to hold a very large hat in the 1920's.costume accessories, hat accessories

A 1930s cream nylon seersucker dance dress. Full skirt with horizontal pleated bodice with plaited roleua straps covered in sequins. Self fabric bow & tail on left side at bodice. Boning on side of bodice with gold metal zip on left side.costume, female

This outfit was worn by Kate Dabb for her wedding to Alf Meyer on the 6th of June 1900 at the Maldon Wesleyan Church. Kate was the 3rd daughter of Samuel Dabb.This dress is in two parts, a bodice and a skirt. Made of cream satin, mostly machine sewn with some hand sewing. The bodice is finely worked with applique panels of scrolls, petals and leaves decorated with glass beads and sequins. The back panel and cuffs are trimmed with lace.wedding dress, samuel dabb, meyer, "dabb, catherine maud", "callow, phoebe"

Evening dress, burgundy velvet, 1950s. Shoulder straps, A-Line design, 30cm zip down back. Matching jacket, long sleeves, sixteen self covered buttons and loops down the front. Sequin design pattern down the front of the jacket and over the shoulders.costume, female

Worn by Edith Finger in the 1930s to local dances at Vermont.c 1930s Mauve shot silk taffetta with puff sleeves, gathered on shoulder and neck edge. Bodice falls into a inverted 'V'. Mid-riff skirt cut on cross. Trimmed with pink sequins. Back skirt gathered at centre - shaped tie fold over.costume, female

This jacket is by the prolific spinner and weaver Jean Inglis. It has been woven with a warp of commercially brought wool & a weft of hand spun Corriedale. It is completed in a Swedish lace style of weaving. The highlight of the jacket is the blue section of fabric on the top left shoulder of the wearer, which works down to the bottom right hip. This pattern looks like long thin individual separate sections of fabric stitched to the jacket; however, only one section of fabric has been added. A dying technique has been utilised to give the appearance of multiple sections. This Japanese dyeing technique is called Shibori, “to wring, squeeze or press". It is a manual tie-dyeing technique, which produces several different patterns on fabric. The specific pattern on this fabric is known as Kumo Shibori. It utilises bound resistance. This technique involves folding sections of the cloth very finely and evenly. Then the cloth is bound in very close sections. The result is a very specific spider-like design. This design requires very precise technique. Specific to this jacket, the fabric for the dyed section was made with the same fabric as the rest of the jacket. A section of the excess fabric was concertina wrapped around a 100mm pipe and tied up before dying. This gives the consistent straight blue lines, with no bleed from the dye. The sections were then sewed into the jacket with the occasional sequin added for additional decoration and glamour. The jacket won 1st prize at the 1988 Geelong Show. Jean was assisted by the dress maker Ruth Randell with some of the design and sewing. Jean always found sewing “a bit of a bore”. The jacket also has an attached swing tag. It was added to provide information to the judges at the Melbourne Show on how the jacket was created. It comes complete with Jean’s self-proclaimed terrible handwriting. It was donated to the National Wool Museum in 2021.Cream singled breasted jacket with no overlap. The jacket has no column of buttons for fastening, or lapels. It is designed to be plain, to not draw attention. The jacket is highlighted by the Shibori dyed waves on the top left shoulder of the wearer, which works down to the bottom right hip. This blue dyed section of fabric is dotted with the occasional blue sequin. Internally, the jacket features a white silk lining for comfort. The jacket ends in a straight cut hem, including at the cuffs. The jacket has an attached swing tag. The swing tag is cream with a printed thin black boarder. Within the boarder, handwriting in black ink is found. It has a hole punch in the top left corner of the swing tag for attaching to the jacket.hand spun, hand weaving, textile design, textile production, shibori, kumo shibori