Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s. As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the scarf has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Scarf with the Sarah Coventry logo printed repeatedly in blue on a white background."Sarah Coventry" printed on the scarf.sarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, scarf

Women's Budget', July 30, 1921 is printed on unstapled newsprint quality paper with a red and black cover featuring a picture of a young girl holding a hoop.non-fictionThe "Woman's Budget" was published in Sydney, Australian from January 1906 until November 1934. This is issue Number 810, released on July 30, 1921. It includes articles related to Australian and overseas stories and society news, short stories, fashion, handicraft and patterns, recipes and a wide range of advertising. As on this cover, 'I.X.L. Jams' and 'Hean's Tonic Nerve Nuts' were regular advertisers. It was printed by S. Bennett Ltd. in Sydney, Australia who were taken over by Associated Newspapers in 1929.women's magazine, women's periodicals, womens social history

A hat pin is a decorative pin for holding a hat to the head. During the 1880s, bonnets gave way to hats, and the popularity of hatpins soared. They remained a standard women's accessory through the 1910s and were produced in a vast range of materials and types. They were typically around 20 cm in length, with the pinhead being the most decorated part. In some countries they were viewed as a potentially dangerous weapon which could be used by women in self-defence, so regulations were introduced to limit the length allowed. These hat pins were used c1900.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A pair of simple hat pins with faux silver ball shaped head.jewellery, hat pins, fashion accessory

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. It belonged to Mrs Alice Flora May Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A large oval brooch featuring a central image of a Grecian woman. This centrepiece is surrounded by a design of flowers and swirls with a silver edge. The brooch has a gold look metal bar across the back.fashion accessory, vintage fashion jewellery, women's jewellery

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. It belonged to Mrs Alice Flora May Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A small gold butterfly brooch. The brooch includes the body of the butterfly with lines marking different segment and the 4 wings which have a hatched line pattern. The wings also featured a glitter decoration, although most of it has worn off over time. The metal pin at the back is also missing.fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This unusual jewellery set belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A long strand of black beads with embedded opal chips of varied sizes. The front central bead is teardrop shaped and surrounded by 4 large round beads. Beads are strung on a strong dark thread with a plastic screw clasp. The set includes a matching brooch consisting of 3 medium sized and 4 smaller beads attached to a faun gold bar.fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This item belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A silver plate manicure tool from a manicure set. Hallmark of G & C LD of Birmingham is imprinted on one side. The anchor symbol in the hallmark represents Birmingham in antique silvermarks.Hallmark " G & C LD" Image of an anchor and a lionmanicure implements, womens social history, fashion accessory

This unusual jewellery set belonged to the family of Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It is part of an extensive collection of jewellery items which belonged primarily to her mother and grandmother.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A set of 40 closed loops forming a chain and featuring a locket like pendant. This item is made from a light material similar to tortoise shell. The central pendant has been carved with a cross and a criss-cross pattern as well as initials and a date. It is held together with a metal pin which is probably not part of the original piece.On central pendant front: "AMM" on reverse side: "14 Jan 1883"fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This hair accessory is part of collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper. It belonged to her great grandmother Mrs. Eliza Reardon. It was used to keep a bun or other hairstyle in place.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A hair pin/comb or decoration used to secure a woman's hair bun in place. hair decorations, fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This brooch was typical of those produced at the beginning of the 20th century. They often featured miniature plants and animals. This insignia may have also been used to signify Scottish ancestry.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A small metal brooch or insignia in the shape of a scotch thistle. It is based on gold coloured metal but features green leaves and a magenta flower. The veins on the leaves are gold. fashion accessory, women's jewellery, insignia

This kind of beads was commonly worn by women in the early to mid 20th century. This string of beads belonged to Mrs Alice Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A long string of black jet beads of even size stung on dark coloured twine.fashion accessory, women's jewellery, decorative items

Strings of beads were a common fashion accessory for women in the early to mid 20th century. They were usually made from glass beads but other natural item such as seeds or shells were also popular.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A short necklace of 60 uniform sized beads or possibly shrub seeds. They are strung on thick twine with a metal catch. The catch has worn over time.decorative items, fashion accessory, women's jewellery

This kind of beads was commonly worn by women in the early to mid 20th century. This string of beads belonged to Mrs Alice Yardy, mother of Mrs. Jean Raper. Mrs Yardy died on 2 Dec 1974 in Albury, New South Wales aged 84 years old.This item is from the Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper.A short string of black beads of varied sizes. The beads are joined by metal hooks and has a hooked clasp.fashion accessory, decorative items, women's jewellery

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s. As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Necklace of round blue beads with oval shaped gold beads placed between them in a regular pattern approximately every 6 centimetres apart. The necklace has a barrel shaped clasp. On clasp: "SARAH COV"sarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, necklace, necklaces

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s. As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the necklace has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.A silver toned bead chained necklace with a silver rectangular clasp. On clasp: "SARAH COV"sarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, necklace, necklaces

The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. This quilt sampler was made before 1900 by Rosina Ellwood. Crazy quilts were fashionable in the late Victorian era. The rise of the trend is attributed to the display of Japanese art and ceramics at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (U.S.A.) that featured asymmetrical designs. Inspired, quilters began sewing pieces of fabric of different sizes and textures together into abstract, asymmetrical patterns. The craze spread from America around the world. Embroidery, ribbon and silk embellishments, and hand stitched applique birds and flowers were popular additions. One magazine estimated that a detailed crazy quilt could take over 1,500 hours to complete. Crazy quilts remained in fashion in metropolitan cities until about 1910, though the style endured for longer in rural areas. This item is unique, handmade and has a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of domestic and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history, social history and women’s history.A colourful patchwork quilt sampler using mixed fabric types including velvet, cotton, brocade and satin, backed on cardboard.hamilton-smith collection, hamilton-smith, stiching, needlework, sewing, handmade, domestic, quilt, quilts, crazy quilt, crazy quilts, women's history

Two brown vinyl hat boxes, one large and one small. On smaller hat box, back of box, centre: "2044/14". On smaller hat box, lock latch: "PATENT/No 205740/RUSTLESS".clothing, clothes, fashion, hat, hats, hat box, women, wodonga

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s. As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the brooch has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Gold-toned metal brooch from the Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. jewellery range in the shape of a flower. Two layers of petals with the upper one white and the lower one gold-toned. "© SARAH COV. / MADE IN CANADA" on the back surface.sarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, brooch, brooches

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the brooch has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Gold-toned metal brooch from the Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. with one large central faux pearl sarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, brooch, brooches, sawyer

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s, along with a new range of fashion jewellery, Affinity.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the glasses have local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery. They represent the launch of a new line of jewellery after Sarah Coventry was bought out by Australian businessmen.A set of 6 glasses to commemorate the launch of a new range of fashion jewellery, Affinity.Affinity with Sarahsarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, sawyer

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the brooch has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Silver plate Sarah Coventry brooch shaped as a letter Dsarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, brooch, brooches, sawyer

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the brooch has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.Large Sarah Coventry brooch featuring faux turquoise cabochons and pear shaped rhinestones intermingled with faux pearls. It can be a brooch , but is also convertible to a pendant as it houses a bale on the underside of the piece.sarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, brooch, brooches, sawyer

Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. was a North American jewellery company that was established in 1949 by the Stuart family as part of Emmons Jewelry, Inc. It began operations in England and Australia in 1968, and in Australia it moved from Carlton in Melbourne to Wodonga in 1969. The premises were originally on High St. in Wodonga, but a new warehouse was built in Melbourne Rd. later in 1969. It was a direct selling jewellery business using a party-plan model similar to Tupperware and Avon. The sales reps or 'Hostesses' were provided with jewellery samples in demonstration kits, which they displayed at jewellery parties in their homes. The designs for jewellery such as brooches, necklaces, earrings, chokers and bracelets were purchased from freelance designers and jewellery manufacturers rather than in-house designers. In 1979 Sarah Coventry Pty. Ltd. in Wodonga was bought by three Australian businessmen, including Wodonga local Jim Sawyer, and continued to sell jewellery under the name "Sargem Pty. Ltd”, for several more years in the 1980s.As part of the Sarah Coventry collection, the jewellery box has local significance with the decentralised commercial development of regional centres such as Wodonga in NE Victoria, as well as national and international significance from the perspective of social and economic developments for women after World War II. The direct selling party-plan business model Sarah Coventry was based on is also considered the first of its kind for jewellery.A white and silver jewellery case produced by Sarah Coventry Inc. Writing in silver on top and inside of the lid.On the outside top of the lid "SC" On the inside of the lid "Sarah Coventry Inc ® FINE FASHION JEWELRY"sarah coventry, jewellery, wodonga, costume jewellery, vintage fashion jewellery, brooch, brooches, sawyer

Apron manufactured for military purposes. This item has significance as an example of uniform likely worn ny nurses and/or other medical staff, associated with Australian military campaigns. White fabric apron. One piece comprised of fabric square, white cotton bib, convex shaped side flaps, and square shaped lower apron with rounded corners. Fabric edges are folded over and hemmed with white thread in straight stitch, 5mm distance from edge of apron. Underside is overlocked with white thread. Top of bib is attached to a white fabric neck loop near bib corners by machine sewn white thread, with a criss-cross shape enclosed in a square; stitching is visible on front of apron. Apron has a white fabric tie on each side, attached in similar fashion to neck loop. Bib features red fabric red cross, stitched onto bib using zig zag stitch in red thread, edges of cross are raw fabric. Both ties and neck loop are hemmed with straight stitch and overlocked in white thread. military, war, apron, uniform, medical, hospital, women, female, outfit, nurse, fashion, textiles

This item has significance as an example of headwear produced for Australian military use. White, triangular shaped piece of fabric with folded over edge towards front forming headband. Fabric has overlocked edges with top stictched front band at fabric edge. Band features red fabric cross, overlocked in red thread (top) and white thread (bottom). Top of triangle is folded under and stitched down.nurse, military, war, women, female, hospital, fashion, textiles, medical, red cross

The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine was issued monthly in the following years: 1852–1874; 1877; 1880–1890. Initially, it contained only nondescript black and white images. Aware of the growing interest in fashion, style and manners from the new middle classes, Samuel Beeton began to import tinted fashion plates directly from Jules David in Paris from 1860. Primary source for fashion design in the 1860sFramed fashion plate -'The Fashions … for the Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine'. Framed print of two women in 1860 costume. Bordered in pale green coloured card. Wire attached to metal loops at back. Masking tape at back.fashion illustration, englishwoman's domestic magazine

The Young Ladies Journal was first published by E. Harrison. It was issued from 1864 to 1920. Framed fashion plate from the Young Ladies Journal. Two women in 1864 costume, one blue, one monochrome. Bordered in pale green coloured card. Wire attached to metal loops at back. Masking tape at back.fashion illustration, ladies home journal

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.Bridesmaid frock. Full length pink crepe with (at bride's request) two floating back panels. 1973grace james, women's clothing, 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.Full length, heavy cream crepe with tie belt and lace overcoat grace james, women's clothing, 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.Full-length cream silk taffeta bridesmaid’s dress. Same colour lace on the upper bodice and sleeves. australian fashion, grace james collection, bridesmaid's dresses, grace james, fashion design, fashion -- 1970s