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, by a Melbourne designer, is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Rosemary-Vaughan Smith.Short sleeved and high waisted dusty pink silk dress with silk organza lining. The bodice is encrusted with pearls and beads.Label: Park Avenue Gowns, Melbournepark avenue gowns, costumes, women's clothing, evening dresses, rosemary vaughan-smith

Norma Tullo began her dressmaking business in 1956. At the age of 20, she rented a small shop in the Metropole Arcade, initiating a career that included manufacturing, designing and retailing. In 1965, she became the first Australian to be selected by Butterick Company Inclusive to join their pattern making company. The stylish Tullo ‘look’ in the first half of the 1960s was young, colourful, feminine and most importantly had a strong American appeal. The patterns were distributed worldwide except to Russia and Germany. At this time, she had a collection of 300 garments. This dress is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Dione McIntyre.The McIntyre Collection of clothing and clothing accessories forms one of the largest single donations to our Fashion & Design collection. It includes clothing and clothing accessories worn by four women in the Cohen and McIntyre families across three generations. The items worn by Melbourne architect, and Kew resident, Dione McIntyre date from the 1960s and 1970s, and include evening wear, day wear, hats and shoes. As Dione McIntyre often accompanied her husband, fellow architect Peter McIntyre, to formal events, there are a number of pieces of evening wear among the items. The McIntyre Collection also includes items worn by women of an earlier generation: by Lilian Cohen, Dione McIntyre's mother, and by her mother-in-law, the wife of the architect Robert McIntyre. At the other end of the chronological spectrum are a number of outfits belonging to, worn and donated by Annie McIntyre. These include outfits created by notable late 20th century Australian and/or international fashion designers. The McIntyre Collection is significant historically and artistically as it includes examples of design that demonstrate changing tastes in fashion over an 80-year period. The collection is also significant in that it includes the work of a large number of Melbourne designers from the 1960s to the 1990s. Long sleeved, pale pink cotton mini dress designed by Norma Tullo with ruffled trims on the bodice and the hem of the skirtLabel: TULLOnorma tullo, australian fashion - 1960s, mcintyre collection, mini-dresses, day dresses

Christening robe first worn in 1858 by William Thomas (Tom) Poulter, eldest surviving child of James & Mary Poulter. Used by several generations of Poulter descendants.Early Christening robe with local family significanceWhite lawn christening robe with embroidery detail to bodice and front skirt. Mostly hand sewn. Very good conditionpoulter, chapman, christening

This dress and bag belonged to Mrs Edith "Dot" Paroissien (nee Jackson, born 1916), who lived in Brighton with her husband David William Paroissien. The dress was purchased from Croyde, a Melbourne designer who had a small boutique shop in Collins Street near the Block Arcade, and the bag was bought for her in London by David. Dot recalled wearing the dress in the 1950s, in particular to a ball at the Royal Exhibition Buildings for Wesley College. She wore it with suede shoes with a medium heel with straps across the instep and long white kid gloves, and accessorised with a baguette choker and drop earrings.Black silk satin sleeveless full-length evening dress. The attached bodice floats over the top of the under-dress. Asymmetrical opening on bodice which features five large flat self-covered buttons. The black suede bag has chrome fittings and buttery cream coloured satin interior. .1 dress - Label, woven black on white acetate centre back: CROYDE / MELBOURNE .2 - bag - Label, printed, black on cream acetate, interior pocket: Susan / HANDBAGS / LONDON; Label, printed, copper on black metal, interior pocket: MADE IN ITALY / FOR SUSANevening dress, croyde, melbourne fashion, melbourne designers, handbag, royal exhibition building, 1950s, edith violetta paroissien, edith violetta jackson

Nancy Jane (Jane) Megee, born about 1902, was the youngest daughter of Thomas Megee and Jane Head of Linton. She married William Porter in 1922 and they lived at Scarsdale/Newtown.Colour photograph which has been pasted onto card. Photograph shows a woman with medium length, brown hair, wearing a full-length pink/mauve evening dress, which has a sash or belt at the waist, a row of buttons on the bodice, and decorative, "latticed" sleeves. Three flowers are pinned to the bodice.On reverse, in ink: "Jane Porter / nee Jane Megee / "Lionels' auntie"".jane porter née megee

From the estate of Jenny LangCream hand made silk petticoat. Silk shoulder straps with hand embroidery on panel across front, back and under arms. Drawn thread around underarm and down bodice as waist. letter 'M' embroidered on left of bodice. Skirt is gathered on both sides of waist. A Maltese lace panel stitched as hem.costume, female underwear

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 T0004.1 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 this dress 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. 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 cream, pale blue, orange and gold embroidered satin formal dress, the bodice dates from circa 1840. This dress shares a skirt with T0004.2, which dates from a different period (circa 1890). The bodice features a wide shallow neckline finished with a beige coloured cord in two decorative lines. The sleeve is set on the true shoulder and is a short fitted sleeve with decorative gathering and two lines of corded detail. The bodice is shaped to the body with 2 sets of six fine knife pleats diagonally positioned narrower over the waist and spreading out over the bust. These pleats are secured with six double lines of stitching. The bodice finishes high on the waistline at either side and points down to a point over the centre front. The base of the bodice is finished with a piped edge and beige decorative cording. The bodice encloses the body at the centre back where it has holes that presumably would have held lacing. The back features four diagonal knife pleats finishing at the centre back and splaying out over the shoulders. The waistline at the back features only a very gentle point.cecilia elizabeth adams, elizabeth emma adams, james smith adams, elizabeth emma mctaggart, sophia charlotte louisa adams, queen victoria, drawing room ball, 1840s fashion, tower house, woodchester

Long gaberdine black frock with a black and white floral bodice with capped sleeves. It has a matching black and white border on the skirt.ball gown, reid family

This lady’s crepe negligee is an example of the dressmaking and lacework skills of the women of the early settlers families in Moorabbin Shire in the early 20th C Early settlers and market gardeners established their families in Moorabbin Shire and this item shows the skill and craftsmanship of the women of these families A lady's cream crepe full length short sleeved negligee is hand sewn with handmade lacework on bodice, neckline and sleeve cuffs. dressmaking, craftwork, lacework, early settlers, pioneers, market gardeners, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham

Fuji silk cream nightdress. Embroidered blue and pink motif on bodice repeated on shoulder. Crochet work on neckline and sleeve edging.costume, female nightwear

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 gown is believed to have been owned and worn by a member of the Smart family of 'Turinville', in Barnard Grove, Kew.Two-piece dress comprised of a bodice and floor length skirt made of a soft, lightweight cerise coloured silk fabric. The bodice features a v-shaped rear neck. A wide velvet cummerbund is part of the outfit. Dated to c. 1901. (Measurements: Length 132 x Waist 62-73, Chest 76 cm)australian fashion - 1900s, ball gowns - 1900s, evening dresses, evening wear, women's clothing

Clothing. Shaped gathered 'bra-like' bodice, joins a peak midriff panel. 1.3 cm satin ribbon straps over the shoulders. Skirt is permanently pleated nylon with a 10 cm deep woven lace edging, woven into the fabric. A 3 cm wide band of nylon lace insert, outlines the top front of the bodice.costume, female, ladies white nylon nightie

George Harold Merrett married Dorothy Lorna James at Christ Church Horsham 14/08/1954. Wedding Gown & all accessories were donated by family, plus wedding photo.Mauve Damask satin full length gown. Shaped bodice with pin tuck detail over bust line, pin tuck shawl collar across back. Zip closing down back, full flared skirt. Bodice lined with rayon.|Refer to 3985.1-5, 3949.1-2, 4138, 3999.1-2, 4000.1-2costume, female ceremonial

c1860s Long women's dress in fine two-toned pink strip. Skirt longer in back. Bodice has three deep pleats on each side from shoulder to waist.Sleeves have self ruffle and cream lace frill at wrist. Seven buttons gold backed and white stars pattern in centre run down the front of the bodice.costume, female

Photograph - black and white, portrait of a woman. Wearing a dark coloured dress, high neck, fur looking around bodice, shoulders and cuffs.Bartlett Bros. Sandhurst.person, individual, portrait, photograph. unknown family. portrait female.

Long sleeved short jacket with two rows of vertical buttons down the bodice with matching long skirt. Worn as a wedding outfit in 1870.

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

White cotton nightdress with cotton lace forming bodice. Five pearl buttons under placket. Long sleeves with cotton lace edging.costume, female nightwear

White cotton baby nightdress with two ties. Lace frill at neck and sleeve edge. Gathered at front of bodice. tape ties at neck.'NS' embroidered on hemcostume, female nightwear

To Frances with love from Alice April 9.4.09 on reverseSepia toned photograph of Alice Falk in dark frock with long sleeves, high neckline and decorative bodice in a garden Kalimna West Victoriagenealogy

This photograph has been variously identified as "Miss Jennings", "Emily Jennings", and "Ilma Jennings", and also as "Reg Jennings' sister" and "Reg Jennings' aunt". It is most likely of Martha Emily Jennings, born 1876 (known as Emily), the oldest daughter of Jonathan and Martha Jennings (née Bersey). Martha Emily Jennings had a brother Reginald (born1899) and also had a nephew Reginald (the son of her brother William Jonathan Jennings). It is unlikely to be a photograph of Ilma Jennings (a daughter of William Jonathan Jennings and niece of Martha Emily Jennings) who was not born until 1909. The photograph was taken by "Eden Society Studios", a Sydney photographic studio which operated between 1895 and 1900.Sepia photograph of a young lady wearing a gown with pintucking on bodice and sleeves, and with a lace collar. She is standing with arms resting on the back of a chair.martha emily jennings

PHOTOGRAPH FOUND IN THE HOME OF THE LATE LAURA HUDSON , HOUSE IN LOWER STREET, CLUNES.[ NOW BLACKMORE ROAD] THIS HOME WAS LATER OWNED BY MR. G. WILTSHIRE.PHOTOGRAPH OF YOUNG WOMEN [NAME UNKNOWN] WEARING DRESS WITH WHITE SKIRT, DARK BODICE AND HEM LINE; WHITE FRILL AT NECK LINE.local history, photography, photographs, hudson, laura.

Four-piece wedding outfit comprising bodice, belt, skirt and separate train all made of cream figured wool. The bodice has a centre front ruched panel, stand collar and a fitted two-piece sleeve with full gathered head. It is trimmed with cream-coloured beading with pearl drops. The bodice has seven interior bones and is fastened with metal hooks and hand sewn eyelets which are concealed under the front panel. A separate pleated belt fastens centre back. Plain gored skirt with separate train that ties around the waist.wedding dress, 1890s fashion

This corset cover is one of several linen and clothing items that were made and belonged to Mrs. Eliza Towns and donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village. Eliza was born Eliza Gould in 1857 in South Melbourne (Emerald Hill) and in 1879 married Charles Towns. In the early 1880's they moved to Nhill in western Victoria and remained there for the rest of their married life. Charles was a jeweller and later became an accountant and for many years was involved with the Shire Council, the local show committee (A & P Society), the Hospital Committee and the Board of the local newspaper (the Nhill Free Press). They had three children and lived a life that would be regarded as comfortably "middle class". Eliza probably had a treadle sewing machine and would have made many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children - adding her own handmade embroidered or crocheted decorative trim. This corset cover is an excellent example of an everyday clothing item with the decorative trim favoured by women in the late Victorian era. Eliza Towns has added pintucks, embroidered feather stitch and a highly decorative hand crocheted lace trim to the neckline, sleeves and front of the bodice. Corset covers (sometimes called camisoles) began to appear in women's fashion around 1840 and continued through the late Victorian decades into the Edwardian era. The long chemise was considered too bulky to cover the corset and so the corset cover was developed to be short and light and was worn over the corset and under the bodice of the outer garment. A woman would dress into her chemise and drawers first, followed by her corset and finally her corset cover as a final layer under her dress. Corset covers served several purposes. They provided protection against sweat (and the need to regularly wash the corset), helped smooth the lines of the corset and increased a woman's modesty.This item is an example of the needlework skills of women in the late 19th century - combining machine stitching with hand embroidery and crochet to embellish an item of personal underclothing. It is also significant as an example of a practical solution to the difficulty of hand washing a corset in the Victorian era.A short (waist length) corset cover of fine cotton. Short sleeves fall from a square neckline and are gathered into a wide crocheted lace trim with a band of embroidered feather stitch. The same crocheted lace design and feather stitching are also on the square neckline which is finished with a drawstring ribbon. The bodice has a front opening with five buttons and is bordered on each side with four pintucks. It has a drawstring ribbon at the waist and an extra layer of fine cotton lining has been added to strengthen the corset cover under the arms. The back has two bands of three pintucks running vertically from the neckline to the waist.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, warrnambool, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, nhill, wimmera, eliza towns, underclothing, corset cover, camisole, machine sewing, hand sewing, crocheted lace, pintucks, feather stitch, embroidery, underwear, victorian era underclothing, victorian era corset cover

White embroidered cotton Christening gown. Eleven cm deep bodice with five vertical front neck to bodice and skirt seam, panels of embroidered cotton.Neckline has a casing with drawstring of cotton tape. Cap sleeves gathered at neckline edge, and outer edge trimmed with embroidered cotton. Skirt gathers to the bodice. Bodice also has a casing and drawstring tie, leaving a centre back opening from neck to skirt. Skirt is 84 cm long, and has an elaborately embroidered centre panel - full length. Two bands of embroidered cotton edge the centre panel. Embroidered "bobbles" similar to french knots extend full length beside the embroidered bands, and also form part of the embroidery on the bands. The gown was made by Merle's Grandmother for the christening of Merle's grandmother Geuer's son in 1885.costume, children's, christening gown