Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Gold lurex one-piece swimsuit (.1) with v-neck and built-in bra. Matching floor-length gold cape (.2) with high collar and yellow lining. Fastens at collar with hook.Label, blue text on white: “Watersun / SIZE 10 / BUST 32 / Made in Australia”swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, 1970s

Marina Couture was a luxe swimwear line produced by Watersun in the 1960s. Polish-born designer David Waters first began producing swimwear in 1952. His mother Halina had recently opened a stall at Melbourne Queen Victoria Markets and was looking for swimsuits to sell; unable to find any she liked, she asked David to design something. He began making swimming costumes using his mother's sewing machine, in between his shifts working at a knitting factory. He had soon set up a small business in his parents' home, cutting patterns in one room while a machinist sewed them together in the next. His company, which he named Watersun, would become an iconic Australian swimwear label. During the early 1960s, Watersun developed its "Unquestionable Bra", an inbuilt moulded bra which was marketed as giving wearers a more natural bustline than other labels. The company was also known for its matching swimwear and beachwear, producing dresses, kaftans, tops and skirts in identical colours and prints to those used for many of its swimsuits. By 1967, the company was reportedly one of Australia's two biggest swimwear manufacturers, with over one hundred employees. Watersun was sold to Ada Productions in 1984 and was later acquired by Trackerjack Australasia. This swimsuit is believed to be one of a large quantity of samples, seconds and unsold Ada Productions stock donated to Brighton Historical Society in late 1990 by Brian Samuel, who worked at the company between 1979 and 1990.Silver lamé swimsuit featuring delicate brocade embellishment, an inbuilt underwire bra, a zippered back and elasticised edging on the legs and back.Label in bra, blue with gold crown logo and text: “MARINA COUTURE / 32”.swimwear, watersun, david waters, ada productions, melbourne designers, marina couture

Fifty four page magazine featuring black and cream printed graphics and text. The colour cover shows a woman and child both dressed in matching knitted jumpers.front: [printed] MAY 12, 1965 / 1'. / New Idea / The USELESS SEX / The year's most / talked about book / 8 / ADORABLE / COLLARS / TO CROCHET / MOTHER-DAUGHTER / COVER GIRL / SWEATERS TO KNIT / Instructions inside / Registered in Australia for trans- / mission by post as a newspaper. front: [handwritten] Abbsknitting, pattern, fashion, knitwear, children, women, new idea

Hand knitted by donor in 1974 and worn with white jacket and green handbag.Knitted long dress with long sleeves. Has patterned top and sleeves and patterned bottom green has shining lurex thread. Has 6 green buttons & zip at back. See NA5485 for information on matching hand bag.knitting, wool, 1974

Diana Trewenack is the youngest daughter of Cedric Hirst and great granddaughter of Godfrey Hirst. Her father was Managing Director and Chairman of Directors of Godfrey Hirst Woollen Mills until its takeover in the 60’s. Diana was married at St David's Church in Geelong in May 1954. The material for the wedding gown was made with very fine cream wool woven at the Godfrey Hirst Woollen Mill. From discussion with Diana, the dress was put together by a local dressmaker in Geelong. It is fine pure wool and beaded on the edge of the wrap over skirt and on the long train.Cream coloured woollen wedding dress with long sleeves. Decorative beading pattern around cuffs and up the front edge of the dress. Zippers at each sleeve and back of dress. - 7825.1 Train, made with same cream woollen material as dress, with matching beaded edging. Attaches with clasp around waist of dress. - 7825.2 Veil made of cream tulle, with beaded headband. - 7825.3wedding dress, ceremony, godfrey hirst and co. pty ltd, woollen mills, textiles, fashion, dressmaking, diana trewenack, viel, gown

Twenty page knitting pattern book featuring black and white printed graphics and text. The colour cover shows a woman wearing a white dress and knitted red cardigan.front: [printed] Lincoln / BOOK 749 / MODEL NO. L2062 / See Page 5 / 1'0knitting, pattern, fashion, knitwear, women