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 dress, created by an unidentified designer, is a representative example of women's fashion in the 1950s.1950s mid-blue simulated silk day dress featuring a high round collar, buttoned opening at front, a narrow belted waist and full puffed sleeves.australian fashion - 1950s, women's clothing, dresses, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

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.Three-piece outfit comprising: three quarter length one-piece black silk cocktail dress with an outer skirt of black tulle; black net bolero embroidered with pink sequins; and black silk circular cap embroidered with pink sequins women's clothing, evening dresses, australian fashion, evening ensembles

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.Long black fine silk velvet evening dress featuring a high rounded collar fastened at the rear of the neck with a number of black fabric covered buttons. The ends of the wide sleeves and the hem are raw and unsewnwomen's clothing, evening dresses, australian fashion

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.Black silk velvet waist length evening jacket with beige silk lining. The jacket closed with a single large button at the front. It features narrow cuffs. The jacket (and or outfit) has been dated to the 1930s.women's clothing, evening wear, evening jackets, australian fashion - 1930s

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 silk and lace evening dress was made for Lily Clara Wishart (Mayoress of Kew 1906-7) by her niece, Mary Clara Cresswell (nee Skewes), who according to the donor, Lily's great niece, was a 'high class dressmaker'. It is one of two items in the Fashion Collection owned and by Clara Wishart.Long black fine lace evening dress buttoned to the waist at rear. The machine made lace on net fabric features a leaf pattern. Long black silk taffeta shift matching the lace evening dress.women's clothing, evening dresses, evening wear, australian fashion, lily clara wishart

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 evening dress is one of a number of items donated by Teresa Mayer.Full length black lace evening dress with a fitted black silk lining. The ‘v’ necked gown has a very full skirt. The lace has an abstract floral pattern. The garment has been dated to the 1930s.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1930s, evening dresses, evening wear

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. Rust coloured oval, pure silk throw or shawl. The fabric is very fine and decorative rather than functional. There are no joins in the fabric as it is made of one piece. Its cultural provenance is unclear.table cloths, table covers, shawls, throws

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. Large black silk fringed shawl (aka piano shawl) that incorporates large areas of pink embroidery. table cloths, table covers, manton de manilas - piano shawls

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity.Fitted black silk cape or shawl, joined at the neck, and incorporating embroidery of the same colour. The item includes extensive, double-row fringing. On examination of the piece, it would appear that it was constructed from a Manila de Manton (piano shawl). It has been provisionally dated to either the late-Victorian or Edwardian periods.fashion and textiles collection - kew historical society, shawls

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne. Cut velvet pelerine featuring multicoloured garlands of flowers in shades of gold, brown and blue on a pink ground. Chenille trim and long silk fringe, Centre front hook and eye closure, Lined with pale pink silk.women's clothing, outerwear -- capes, fashion -- 1890s, fashion design

The Kew Historical Society's Fashion & Design collection includes a small and representative collection of reticules, purses and handbags, purchased, inherited or collected by members of the Society. These items date from the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries, and conform to fashions and styles popular during the period of their use. Some of the items are handmade, while others are mass-produced commercial products.Beaded reticule with a fringe and handle of blue class beads. The internal prose has a blue silk lining and a pink silk outer encased in beaded net. Based on an examination of the fabric, the reticule has been dated to the 1880s.women's clothing -- accessories, bags -- handbags, bags -- reticules, bags -- purses, fashion accessories

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne. Rectangular silk organza chemisette, with inset embroidered net at the front and at the neck. The free-form, multicoloured silk embroidery includes abstract flowers, fruit and leaves, and may be of Chinese origin. The chemisette has five decorative mother-of-pearl buttons at the front and silk organza ties at the waist.lace, women's clothing, australian fashion, undergarments, chemisettes

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of textiles dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the textiles, were used as items of clothing, others as items of household decoration, or simply as travel souvenirs. These textiles were created both domestically and internationally. Predictably with the growth of an ethnically and culturally more diverse community in Kew after the Second World War, textiles, clothing and objects in the collection inevitably reflected this diversity. Rectangular silk panel edged with lace at either end.lace, women's clothing

Confirmation veils were worn in High Anglican Churches by girls being confirmed until the 1960s. Some churches lent them to the girls, others owned their own veil. This veil was donated by Mrs Joy IvoryA square silk veil, folded back on the monogrammed corner. The embroidered 'W' stands for Watson, the family name of the owner.Embroidered with a W on one cornerfashion and textiles collection - kew historical society, lace, women's clothing, confirmation veils, girl's clothing

Grace James, the creator of the items in the Grace James collection, designed and created costumes over a 19 year period (1969-1988) for her daughter Ceri. The collection of clothing ranges from evening wear to knitted garments. All the items display exemplary dressmaking skills. The designs are of the period and reflect evolving fashions of the time. Some items are copies of published designs whereas others are original creations. The collection was donated in 2006.While most of the items in the Fashion & Design Collection of the Kew Historical Society are commercially designed items of clothing, there are also items made by home dressmakers. Many of these exhibit outstanding design knowledge and technical skills. A large and important group of these items of women's clothing is contained in the Grace James collection of outfits created for the dressmaker's daughter. The items have additional significance due to information about the purpose of the creation and the date when it was constructed.Three piece brown outfit comprising a long dress, a separate bodice and a belt of scarf. The outfit is made of a synthetic fabric. The long plain brown dress has been designed with a matching bodice that features a tan trim; the wide belt/scarf is striped. Brown silk purse with brass fittingsgrace james, women's clothing, australian fashion 1969-1988, dressmakers - surrey hills (vic), fashion -- 1970s, fashion design

Grace James, the creator of the items in the Grace James collection, designed and created costumes over a 19 year period (1969-1988) for her daughter Ceri. The collection of clothing ranges from evening wear to knitted garments. All the items display exemplary dressmaking skills. The designs are of the period and reflect evolving fashions of the time. Some items are copies of published designs whereas others are original creations. The collection was donated in 2006.While most of the items in the Fashion & Design Collection of the Kew Historical Society are commercially designed items of clothing, there are also items made by home dressmakers. Many of these exhibit outstanding design knowledge and technical skills. A large and important group of these items of women's clothing is contained in the Grace James collection of outfits created for the dressmaker's daughter. The items have additional significance due to information about the purpose of the creation and the date when it was constructed.Long silk taffeta skirt made of patchwork silk pieces/panels with a matching silk scarf. The patchwork panels are in shades of pinks, purples and blues. The skirt is secured with clear plastic press-studs. A narrow internal border of lace is attached to the basque.grace james, women's clothing, australian fashion 1969-1988, dressmakers - surrey hills (vic), fashion design, fashion -- 1980s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Black silk hostess apron embroidered with sprays of flowers using multi-coloured silk thread. The apron is bordered by black commercial lace. Based on an examination of the embroidery, it has been deemed to be a commercially produced item made in India.clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1960s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Black hostess apron embroidered with sprays of leaves using orange and yellow silk thread. The apron is bordered by commercial guipure lace. The apron is backed by the same black fabric. While the leaves are embroidered on the upper layer only, the pocket is embroidered on/through both layers.clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Black hostess apron created from a black silk southeast asian textile featuring a stylised woven band of red, black and gold silk. The fabric is gathered at the waist. The strap includes a black silk tassel. clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1960s

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 polonaise is part of the Netta Fuller Collection.Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Long train of cream, watered silk taffeta lined with silk net. The shattered silk train is believed to date to the 1880s. wedding dresses, trains, polonaises, netta fuller