Very fine embroidered silk, three tier skirt - silk embroidery in a swirl design, and featuring small tufts of pink silk. Front placket, and narrow 1.25cm tape waistband. Metal hook and eye fasteners, and two metak hooks at back waistband to fasten bodice. Back sweeps into a small train. Two rows of joined lace form three panels from waist to lower tier. This lace also forms two L shaped decorative panels on upper section of skirt. Lower edge of silk lining has a band of stiffening, which then has an 18cm wide band of pink silk lining the hemline. This pink fabric matches the pink tufts on the fine silk outer layer, and possibly protects the finer fabric at the hemline level. Embroidered silk lace, in two bands sewn together, trims the hemline. PART OF WEDDING OUTFIT 11400.780; 782costume, female, cream silk full length wedding skirt

Fitted bodice with 1.5 cm deep stand-up collar. Long curved sleeve, tapering at the wrist, has a fine piping around the armhole. Wrist is trimmed with a piped, plain silver peaked false cuff, and two 3 cm deep pleated and piped ''frills''. Three covered buttons trim the diagonally cut decorative cuff. One metal hook, and hand stitched loop on the stand-up collar. 23 covered buttons ( one missing,others in various states of disrepair) extend from the neckline to the lower skirt. Front skirt is trimmed with a 7 cm deep band of plain silver silk, bordered by the striped fabric piping, and a 3 cm deep pleated frill on either side. Below this is a 25cm deep band of the striped fabric, at the lower edge of which are sewn four X 5 cm deep bands of pleated frills. At the centre back neckline are two X 20cm ''tails'' curved at each end and lined in plain silver silk. These are to be wrapped around the neckline, and fastened with a metal hook and eye, to form a 4cm deep rounded silver collar. Skirt back extends into a 34cm deep train. Brown cotton tape binds the hemline. Front of skirt is ruched from the centre buttoned section, in three sections either side, to the centre back panel, which is pleated, and extends into the train. Back waistline is trimmed with a 14cm wide bow, striped fabric, lined with plain silver fabric.A 7cm wide, and 34 cm long loop is stitched into the centre back seam, presumably used to hold, and lift the train above the ground. (The ends of the bow are trimmed with 10 cm deep black and silver fringing.) One metal ''bone'' in left front dart(now causing damage). One tiny 5.5cmX5.5cm shield shaped pocket on left front. Dress fully lined with cotton fabric.costume, female, victorian silver striped long silk dress

The donor and family of this gown were long-term Brighton residents, and the gowns were held by them as family heirlooms prior to donation to Brighton Historical Society. Originally owned by Elizabeth Emma Adams and Cecilia Elizabeth Adams, it is believed that the dress was brought to Australia by either a half brother, James Smith Adams, or a younger sister, Sophia Charlotte Louisa Adams (later known as Mother Rose Columba Adams). Elizabeth and Cecilia were the daughters of James Smith Adams (a squire, 1780-1860) and Elizabeth Emma McTaggart (1793-1843) of Tower House, Woodchester in Gloucester, a property which Elizabeth later inherited. Originally a monastery, Tower House had been converted into a stately home after the Reformation. According to information originally provided by the donor, both this dress and the dress T0004.3 were made for Elizabeth and Cecilia, to be worn at the young Queen Victoria’s first 'drawing room ball' following the end of court mourning in 1838 for her uncle William IV who died in 1837. In 1838 Cecilia would have been twelve years old and Elizabeth would have been ten years old. It is possible that the dress T0004.3 was worn by one of the girls to this event as it is of appropriate dimensions for a child of that age, although its design is very formal and adult. However, it is unlikely that either of the girls wore this dress at the ball due to the size and styling of the dress. It is likely that the dress belonged to one of the girls, but was worn at a later date. Elizabeth was born on 30 June 1828 at Tower House and died on 1 May 1909. She created a scandal when she eloped with her first husband, Thomas Charles Gardiner at the age of 18. The validity of the marriage was later formally investigate and, while it was confirmed as valid, a second church wedding was subsequently held. Thomas died in 1878. Elizabeth subsequently remarried Reverend R. E. Blackwell, but was widowed again by 1889. Cecilia was born on 17 December 1826 and died in 1902 a spinster recluse in England. At the inquest into Cecelia's death in 1904 it was revealed that she had clearly come from a family of means as her home was filled to the brim with highly valuable goods, many in boxes. She was buried in the family vault at Woodchester. Elizabeth and Cecilia's sister Sophia converted to Roman Catholicism in 1851 and became a nun, taking the religious name 'Rose Columba'. In 1883 Mother Rose Columba led a group of eight to Australia, answering a call for Dominican sisters to nurse the sick in Adelaide. Upon arrival, she founded St. Dominic's Priory and the Church of Perpetual Adoration in North Adelaide, using her inheritance to build the chapel. Elizabeth's second son, George Henry Somerset, who inherited the Adams family estate dropped the 'i' in Gardiner and added the maiden name of his grandmother. Therefore, the family name has now become Gardner McTaggart. These Adams family entries have been updated with information provided by Dr Herbert Gardner McTaggart, great-grandson of George Henry Somerset in April 2016. Mr McTaggart contacted the society after finding our entries online.A hand sewn white purple, pink, green, blue and yellow floral silk chiffon dress from circa 1870. The dress consists of two pieces worn together as a dress. This dress has received a great deal of mending and alteration and so it is difficult to be sure of what constitutes its original state. The following description is of its current state. The bodice has a high neck with a simple shallow band collar, an olive braid and a press stud closure. The bodice fastens down the centre front with ten hook and eyes closures and two sets of ribbon ties . The bodice has three darts providing shaping into the waistline. The bodice finishes at the waist and gently tapers towards the front creating a 'V' line. Down the centre front from the neck to the waist concealing the bodice opening is a pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric and a line of olive braid. The dress features pagoda sleeves finished at the hem with pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric, a line of olive braid and a silk fringe of 4 cm pale pink and white. The skirt part of the bodice section attaches to the front of the dress with two hooks and eyes on the left hand side of the waist. The fabric drops down to approximately the knees at the front, curving up and splitting on either side over the hip. The edge of this piece is also trimmed with a pressed pleated ruffle of the dress fabric and a line of olive braid. Just below the hip on either side is a large bow of pink, cream, purple and green taffeta. The bodice at the back is shaped with four panels into the waistline. Where it joins the bodice skirt the skirt is pleated, creating fullness. The skirt of the dress ensemble secures at the waist on the left hand side. At the front it has two pleats (that may have been repositioned during repair), and is fully gathered at the back. At the front the dress falls to the floor whilst at the back it is longer to accommodate the bustle and possibly a small train.cecilia elizabeth adams, elizabeth emma adams, 1870s fashion, tower house, woodchester, james smith adams, elizabeth emma mctaggart, mary rose columba adams, sophia charlotte louisa adams

Clothing. Half slip petticoat - elastic waist, peach coloured nylon. Embroidered with sprays of flowers on a band of sheer nylon inserted into the skirt of the petticoat, and a deeper band of the embroidered flowers on the hem. Main part of petticoat in 3 panels. Insert of decorative nylon.Strip of main fabric, then finish with a 12 cms deep panel at decorative nylon. Appears to have home made elastic casing, maybe modified from another garment.Label at waist band - Hanro 100% nylon - 40.costume, female, undergarments

Coloured photograph of an elderly lady standing on the steps of a building. She is wearing a light grey skirt, green top, grey/black speckled jacket and black shoes. She is also wearing a long necklace and brooches and is holding a handkerchief in her right hand. The building is brick at the lower edge and rendered above the bricks. There is a brown gate behind her. Written on the back: Eileen. 'Home Sweet Home' - At St. Kilda.photo, individual, female, foster & wilson collection, photograph

Coloured slide transparency. Image is of a male standing in profile dressed in costume and dancing. He is wearing a grass skirt, with a beaded and feathered headdress. He has many strands of beads and a lei around his neck. Beads are also on his wrist. Another person is standing in the background, while part of another is in the foreground. On the lower edge of the white border the words Fancy Dress Party Peter Ellis have been handwritten.Kodachrome Transparencyslide, bendigo, bendigo institute of technology

Clothing. Curved ''cup-shape'' bodice, unlined, shirred slightly at the centre, and measuring 28 cm deep, from shoulder strap to midriff. A V shaped panel is inserted into the back bodice - 37 cm x 13.5 cm at the top to give a filled effect. Eight covered buttons and loops form the closure at the top of this panel (one button missing). A triangular shape is also sewn into the lower skirt to give flair.costume, female, slim black velvet evening gown

Clothing. Cream coloured sleeveless silk baby's dress.Straight line dress gathered skirt sections on sides. Separate fabric pieces form shoulders.V shaped neckline back and front. Centre of front neckline has six pin tucks over sown with blue and pink embroidered cross stitch. Back opening to waist fastened by two press studs. Border of blue and pink flowers around lower edge of dress.costume, children's, baby's dress

The puppets were made by German POW's in camp 13 and sent to internment camp 3 as gifts for the children at Christmas time.Hand painted brown paper mache head with red lips, blue eyes and black eyebrows. Wearing a blue and white check hat and matching top over a green and red top, skirt and trousers. Long sleeves have a white trim. He has a white frilled neck ruff. The legs are only material at top with wooden boots painted black. There is no body parts. He is wearing a loose leather belt.pow puppets, pow handcrafts, hand puppets, sharon lohe, ww2 camp puppet theatre, puppetry

Black and white photograph of L 104 in Dandenong Road Prahran, at tram stop 35 while on a special tour with a signalised intersection behind - Melway shows it as Orrong Road, Prahran. Tram showing destination of "SPECIAL". Possibly taken during the mid 1970's - see also item 1314, possibly on the same tour given the hair styles and skirt lengths. See Melway Melbourne Street Directory, 21st edition.trams, tramways, l class, dandenong road, melbourne, mmtb, tram 104

Wedding dress worn by Mary Monica Fleck Turner on her marriage to Albert Smith in 1926. Turner CollectionClothing associated with early Kilmore families.Cream silk "Flapper" knee length sleeveless dress with plain scooped neck. Neck & armholes bound with same fabric. Curved low waist seam. Hem finished with same bias binding. Evidence of machine stitching on both sides altering bodice from underarm for 26cm. Formerly had sash with bow - both missing. Small faint stain on back of skirt and ?watermarks on bodice. In excellent condition otherwise.wedding dress, turner collection, smith

Exercise book with a black shiny, patterned cover and red edges to the pages. The back of the book contains the Annual Meeting Minutes of Australian Red Cross Society, Victorian Division, St. Paul's Circle Minutes from 3/6/1958 to 7/7/1969. The front of the book contains the names of ladies who were making shirts, pyjamas, underpants, refugee skirts, dressing gowns, face washers and net covers.E. Malloyessential services, red cross, minute book, john jones collection - st paul's circle red cross minutes, mrs sansom, secombe, smith, chalk, mansell, wallace, o'neill, a e brown, lansell, hocking, murphy, tootell, nankervis, pearce, friswell, clapp, fulton, thomlinson, wright, dunstane, trembath, draper, jones, t cambridge, mueller, palmer, wooltorton, hill, pascoe, green, bush, beischer, rumbold

Nino Corda was a Geelong based textile designer who worked at various textile mills between 1957 & 2003. He travelled the world in search of the latest fashions and techniques and developed timeless designs that were much loved by Australians. These items are on rotational display at the National Wool Museum’s ‘In the Factory’ exhibition. For many years, Nino also worked as part of the Honorary Staff of the National Wool Museum. His passion for the world of textiles provided energy and knowledge to the visitors and staff of the museum. Although Nino has now retired from his honorary position and has hung up his Australian Tartan vest, these items will continue to serve the community in sharing the stories of Australian Textile design. Textile designers used glasses such as these to see how many threads are within a textile sample. It was important to count correctly, otherwise the enlarged final pattern would be out of alignment. These glasses were popular in the 1950s but were replaced by viewing lens, such as item 8040 (in the National Wool Museum's Collection) in the 1960s because of their compact nature.Thin metal wire makes up the frame of the glasses. The metal is a standard metallic silver. The piece to sit on-top of the ear is excessively curved to hook around the ear. This is done to ensure the glasses do not fall off the face while looking down to view thread counts in a textile sample. The glasses are lacking lenses in their usual place. This has been replaced by another thin wire frame which protrudes an extra inch in front of the frame, almost like an additional layer of the glasses. Where this layer / frame ends, two lenses can be found which are square and much smaller than typical glasses lenses. This has been done to allow for powerful magnifying glass which would be ill-suited if it sat too close to the face / eyes. The glasses are also accompanied by their original box. The box is blue and has a large rectangle running through its centre. This rectangle works as a cushion for the glasses and is required as a result of their unusual shape.textile design, textile calculations

Nino Corda was a Geelong based textile designer who worked at various textile mills between 1957 & 2003. He travelled the world in search of the latest fashions and techniques and developed timeless designs that were much loved by Australians. These items are on rotational display at the National Wool Museum’s ‘In the Factory’ exhibition. For many years, Nino also worked as part of the Honorary Staff of the National Wool Museum. His passion for the world of textiles provided energy and knowledge to the visitors and staff of the museum. Although Nino has now retired from his honorary position and has hung up his Australian Tartan vest, these items will continue to serve the community in sharing the stories of Australian Textile design. These three bolts of fabric come from the same run of fabric used to tailor Suit Jacket 8045. All fabrics were designed by Nino Corda while he was working at the Foster Valley Mill. The bolts of fabric have an attached swing tag. This swing tag details information such as composition of the fabric, total amount of fabric and the design number.Three bolts of fabric with repeating pattern in 100mm grid. All three bolts have frayed edges, indicative of their need to be sent for finishing. The dominant colour in all three fabrics is grey. 8044.1 has red and green lines running vertically and horizontally and an attached swing tag. 8044.2 has red and orange lines running vertically and horizontally and an attached swing tag. Fabric bolt has yellow label attached to one edge of fabric, depicting the fabric’s number. 8044.3 has orange and blue lines running vertically and horizontally. No swing tag is attached.8044.1. Swing tag. Typed wording. Front. foster / valley / Pty / Ltd. / (Incorporated in Victoria) 8044.1. Swing tag. Typed and handwritten wording. Reverse. JONO TAILORING / CALL NO……………. / DESIGN 6302-49-5 / PIECE NO 9528 / METERS 3.5 STRINGS…………… / NET METERS…………… / COMPOSITION / 70% WOOL 30% POLYESTER 8044.2. Swing tag. Typed wording. Front. foster / valley / Pty / Ltd. / (Incorporated in Victoria) 8044.2. Swing tag. Typed and handwritten wording. Reverse. left over (?unknown handwriting?) / CALL NO…………… / DESIGN 6302-49-2 / PIECE NO…………… / METERS 6.0 STRINGS…………… / NET METERS…………… / COMPOSITION / 70% WOOL 30% POLYESTER.textile design

Set of 7 Blocks of 200 tickets - turquoise ink on off white paper, denomination 6c, headed State Electricity Commission of Victoria, Provincial Tramways. On rear in turquoise ink is a diagonal criss cross or tartan pattern. The 200 tickets have been stapled onto a heavy cardboard back with a heavy metal staple and a small cardboard retaining strip at the top of the ticket. The ticket number is in black ink. Ticket block starting numbers: 400200, 402200, 402400, 420600, 402800, 400801, 400600 402000. One block has one missing ticket. See ticket file and printed document - "Fare Charts and Tickets - SEC Ballarat and Bendigo Tramways".trams, tramways, secv, tickets

Yields information about the style and printing of tickets used in Ballarat and Bendigo tramways and how they were presented.Block with two remaining tickets - green ink on off white paper, denomination 5d, numbered V504598 - 99, headed State Electricity Commission of Victoria, Provincial Tramways. Originally a block of 200 tickets been stapled onto an off white, partially ruled cardboard back with a heavy metal staple and a off white coloured cardboard retaining strip at the top of the ticket. The ticket price is in green ink while the ticket number itself is in black ink. On rear in green ink is a diagonal criss cross or tartan pattern. See also Reg Item 3991 for a similar ticket. See Alan Bradley's notes "Fares in Ballarat"trams, tramways, secv, tickets

Yields information about the style and printing of tickets used in Ballarat tramways and how they were presented at the commencement of the SEC fare system. Generally issued c1966 following decimal currency, not formally used.Two number - 3 No. - Paper SEC ticket - 4c City Section in value, (Four cents) - orange ink on off white paper, numbered A280738, 740 and 741. The ticket price is in orange ink while the ticket number itself is in black ink. On rear in orange ink is a diagonal criss cross or tartan pattern. Tickets have not been used, torn complete from block. Have not been numbered on rear. All tickets and Reg Item 4006, 4007, 4009 to 4018 were received originally in a folded cloth wrapper - wax canvas? - see Reg item 4009. See Alan Bradley notes on SEC tickets. trams, tramways, secv, ticket, transfer tickets

Yields information about the style and printing of tickets used in Ballarat tramways and how they were presented at the commencement of the SEC fare system. Generally issued c1966 following decimal currency, not formally used.Two number - 2 No. - Paper SEC ticket - 6c City Section in value, (Six cents) - purple ink on off white paper, numbered A087609 and A087612. The ticket price is in purple ink while the ticket number itself is in black ink. On rear in purple ink is a diagonal criss cross or tartan pattern. Tickets have not been used, torn complete from block. Have not been numbered on rear. All tickets and Reg Item 4006, 4007, 4009 to 4018 were received originally in a folded cloth wrapper - wax canvas? - see Reg item 4009. See Alan Bradley notes on SEC tickets. trams, tramways, secv, ticket, transfer tickets

Clothing. Cream coloured lace silk wedding dress. Dress made from fine silk fabric with self stripe, fully lined with cream coloured linen. High round neckline with stand up lace collar(6cm). Bodice at front has crossover from shoulder to waist, forming deep Vshape at centre front with net insert below the collar. Net insert has vertical pin tucks. Bodice front and back has cream coloured lace overlay that extends over the shoulders to halfway down the 3/4 length sleeves. Hem of sleeves trimmed with embroidered lace with geometric pattern. Cummer bund of pleated silk fabric (7cm) is attached around waistband. Floor length skirt is gathered into the waistband.Front of skirt has straight lace panelsoverlay (37cmX 90 cm) including 20 cm flounce at lower edge, attached at waistline. Back of skirt has gathered lace overlay attached at waistline extending across side seams and over the edge of front lace panel. Centre back opening fastened with eighteen metal hooks and eyes from collar to waist and six metal press-studs below the waist. Cummerbund fastened with three metal hooks and eyes. A fabric insert at centre back fastened with press-studs. Collar has five pieces of stiffening plastic. Bodice has three bone casings across front above waistline, and four across the back. Cotton tape band (66 cm X 3cm) attached inside bodice at front with hook and eye fasteing.Printed on inside waistband, ''AMALIA SALXANO FARRONE'' NAPOLI ''MODE +CON----'' VIA EGIZIACA A PIZZO FALCONE 93''. Printed inside LHS sleeve at arm pit ''SAXONIA 48X''.costume, female, cream coloured wedding dress

Photograph of Fancy-Dressed Children after WWI celebrating the end and victory of World War One. A child is dressed in a Dutch dress, others in a dressing gown, grass skirt, a soldier with gun. The parents and other adults are in the background, some learning on the fence. There is a building the top right corner. Possible the old Ringwood sports ground in Ringwood Street. Some children have displays with "Victory" on them. Another has the British and Australian flags.

Coloured photo of the Grade 5 Netball - B2 Team of 1981. Photo taken in the library. The girls are wearing yellow t-shirts with a printed emblem and Golden Square printed on them and dark blue skirts. The Coach, Jeanette Bish, is wearing a grey tracksuit. The names of the girls are: Tracey Tesch, Julie Mannallack, Karen Dignan, Lisa Hocking, Brenda Miles, Julie Thompson, Kerry Lukeis, Joanne Tipple, Haylee Kurzke and Carla Jeffrey.education, primary, golden square laurel st p.s., golden square laurel street p.s. collection - photograph grade 5 netball b2, jeanette bish, tracey tesch, julie mannallack, karen dogman, lisa hocking, brenda miles, julie thompson, kerry lukeis, joanne tipple, haylee kurzke, carla jeffrey

Small three quarter portrait of a lady seated on a chair beside a table. She has her right elbow resting on the table and her hand up to her face. She is wearing a skirt with rows of gathers and a high neck jacket with buttons down the front and on the sleeves. She has a brooch at her neckline. She is also wearing gloves. Photo mounted on cream card with rounded corners and brown printing front and back.Stewart & Co., 217 & 219 Bourke St. East, Melbournephotograph, portrait, female, portrait of a lady, stewart & co.

Clothing. Infant's ivory coloured waisted silk dress. High round neckline with one cm lace trim. Bodice extends to short sleeves with 2.5 cm eyelet lace at hem. Embroidered leaves and vines at centre frfont of bodice. Eyelet lace around waistline (1.5 cm) with gathered skirt. Centre back opening (22 cm) fastened at neck with one press-stud and ribbon tie at waist ( Ribbon missing).costume, children's, infant's ivory coloured silk dress

Clothing. Infant's ivory coloured waisted silk dress. High round neckline with one cm lace trim. Bodice extends to short sleeves with 2.5 cm eyelet lace at hem. Embroidered ribbon bow and flowers at centre front of bodice. Eyelet lace around waistline (1.5 cm) with gathered skirt. Centre back opening (22 cm) fastened at neck with one press-stud and ribbon tie at waist (Ribbon missing).costume, children's, infant's ivory coloured silk dress

Long sleeved, round neck, lacey patterned baby's jacket. Yoke and sleeves are knitted in stocking stitch, while "skirt" is knitted in a lacey pattern, giving a scalloped effect at the hemline. A 1 cm wide nylon ribbon passes through eyelets in the yoke, and fastens with a bow at the front. Three plastic-pearl buttons fasten the yoke, from the neckline. Pattern at top of raglan sleeves 1 cm wide. Matches baby's dress 11400.660.costume, children's, hand knitted long sleeved baby's jacket

Photograph of a lady posing with her head on her hand leaning against a cloth covered table. She is wearing a full skirt with black squares all over it, with a shirt and a frilly bolero. On the reverse in biro is written: Mrs. Louisa De Ravin, Born 24th November 1839, Died 28th October 1904, copied from the original for her daughter -in-law, wife of her youngest son, the late Dr. Garret De Ravin.person, individual, portrait, mrs. louisa de ravin, dr. garret de ravin

Clothing. Infant's ivory coloured nightdress. Front yoke with 1 cm X 14 cm centre lace insert. Lace trim around neckline. Centre back opening(24cm) with tape ties at neck and waist. Lace trimmed 58cm fabric ties attached at waist at centre front. Eyelet lace trim around waist. Ribbon missing. Skirt gathered at waist. Long sleeves with lace trim at wrist. French seams.costume, children's, infants ivory coloured nightdress

Clothing. Child's ivory coloured sleeveless yoked linen dress. High round neckline with wide fold down lace edged collar (12 cm) dipping to a V shape at centre front and on either side of the back opening. Skirt is gathered into the yoke back and front. Arm holes edged with four cm lace. Full length back opening fastened with two one cm imitation pearl buttons at top and bottom of yoke.costume, children's, child's ivory colored dress

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.The donor, a resident of Kew, provided a handwritten provenance with the donation. "This is an heirloom dress, worn in Tasmania by a Fletcher relative c. 1860s, 1870s. It was for years, with another in the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, then borrowed for concerts. In (the) 1990s it was enlarged at the back for a Centenary reenactment. I thought you might like it for your collection."19th century white cotton day dress, photographed as accessioned, which is printed with a design in black. The front has a 3/4 length buttoned opening. The dress has wide ruffles in the same fabric at the base of the skirt. The later 1990s inserts which can be seen in the first and third images have been removed in preparation for the dress to be restored. The buttons are a later addition. Historically appropriate replacement buttons were later added.women's clothing, day dresses, australian fashion - 1870s, coralie coulston

This dress was worn by Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, to a Mayoral Ball held at Brighton Technical School in 1977. Diane Margaret Lewis completed a law degree at the University of Melbourne, later marrying one of her classmates, criminal lawyer Ramon (Ray) Lopez. When she decided to run for the Brighton City Council in 1975, she was seen as an outside chance. Undeterred, she rallied a small group of friends and supporters and set out on an extensive door-knocking campaign that won voters to her side and successfully unseated former mayor Keith Devenport. She went on to serve two terms on council from 1975 to 1981. Di initiated many local projects, including the creation of a bike path along Nepean Highway and the first Brighton Festival, while balancing family life and a demanding ‘day job’ as personal assistant to Victorian Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation Brian Dixon. She was a member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby and a champion for women’s representation, encouraging both Sally Allmand and Kate Harman to run for council (both were successfully elected). She advocated forcefully for an open, transparent local government in which ratepayers had the chance to participate and be heard. In 1976 Di became the first woman to hold the title of Mayor of Brighton, and she made it clear from the outset that she was going to do it her way. For the annual mayoral ball in 1977, ordinarily a staid traditional function, she chose a discotheque theme based on the Rod Stewart album Night on the Town, with a broad dress code of ‘black tie or jeans’: ‘You’ve got to get with the times,’ she said. ‘We want people to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.’ Di herself chose to attend in this knee-length chamois dress embellished with strings, ribbons, beads and feathers. It was both a fashion statement, exemplifying her colourful, flamboyant and forthright style, and a political one: a declaration of her intention to lead a progressive council, embracing the new and refusing to be hemmed in by dated traditions. In 2020 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to local government and to the community of Brighton.This dress has local historical significance for its association with Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, who wore it to a Mayoral Ball in 1976. The dress exemplifies her flamboyant reputation, modern outlook and willingness to break norms. At the time, the dress was a radical choice for a Mayoral Ball, where women typically wore formal evening gowns. With her choice of dress, Cr Lopez was making a public statement, breaking away from dated traditions and announcing her intention to bring the Mayor's office into the 1970s. In this way, the dress also points to the wider social and political changes taking place both in Brighton and across Australia during the mid-1970s.Three quarter length chamois dress circa 1974. Machine stitched with a v-neck and full length sleeves and an uneven raw hem, the dress is decorated with narrow thongs of chamois embellished with red beads and blue feathers. The open-fronted bodice is laced with red ribbon and the skirt is decorated with a large blue wool cross stitch and a combination of blue wool and purple ribbon cross stitch. Made in the style of an Indian 'Wild West Dress'.di lopez, chamois, brighton, brighton council, brighton technical school, mayoral ball, 1970s, feminism