From its beginnings in 1958, the Society has mounted exhibitions and/or displays, in early days in shop window and in community spaces located in the Kew City Hall (later Kew Library), and since 2010 at the Kew Court House. Exhibitions typically coincided with the annual Kew Community Festival in March, but after 2013 evolved into three new exhibitions yearly at the Kew Court House. Smaller displays continue to be mounted in the Kew Library. Display of seven costumes from the Weir collection dating from the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s used as a display at the 11 April 2018 monthly meeting at which the speakers were Jillian Rigby, Robert Baker and Suzanne McWha. The topic was the Weirs of Princess Street (Kew). The dresses form part of the Kew Historical Society Australian fashion collection and are catalogued individually.weir collection, women's clothing, kew historical society - meetings, australian fashion - 19100s - 1910s - 1920s - 1930s

Jinoel of Melbourne was a highly successful Australian fashion house launched by Jill and Noel Kemmelfield in 1957. Eleven years later the designers won the [Melbourne] Gown of the Year award. Jill and Noel Kemmelfield were later to launch Marty and Martine, their mid-market labels. They closed their business in the 1980s. The evening coat was owned, worn and donated by Dione McIntyre.This garment is a representative example of high-end Australian boutique fashion from the late 1960s to early 1970s, designed by the prominent Melbourne fashion house Jinoel. Known for sourcing luxury textiles and tailoring sophisticated silhouettes for the contemporary Australian woman, this piece highlights the transition from late-1960s tailored structure into early-1970s dramatic maxi lengths. The use of a bold fabric reflects Melbourne's mid-century cosmopolitan fashion identity and boutique manufacturing era.A structured, full-length maxi-length evening coat dress made from heavy, vibrant yellow silk. The garment features long, slightly tapered three-quarter sleeves and a deep V-neckline framed by a broad notched lapel collar. It features a continuous column closure running down the center front. The waist is defined by a wide, self-fabric matching belt with a prominent rectangular covered buckle, flaring out slightly to a structured, sweeping A-line skirt.Label: Jinoel of Melbourneaustralian fashion, melbourne designers, 1970s fashion, maxi dresses, coatdresses, corduroy, jinoel, flinders lane, dione mcintyre

Linda Britten is a fashion designer who graduated from RMIT in 1968. Following her graduation she worked in the design house of Noleen King and freelanced for Kenneth Pirrie. She opened a shop in Hampton, Melbourne in the mid 1970s, and then another in Chapel Street. She first used the ‘Linda Britten’ label in 1978, designing and selling ‘up-market couture and eveningwear. Later, from 1980 she was to specialise in bridal wear. In 1980, she was awarded the Australian Fashion Designer of the Year. Three quarter length peacock-blue polyester taffeta dress with black collar. The fabric is gathered at the sleeves and at the waist to provide fullness to the design.Label: Linda Brittenlinda britten, women's clothing, 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. Sportsgirl is an Australian fashion house. Founded in 1948, the first Sportsgirl store was located in Swanston Street, Melbourne. During the 1950s the brand continued to expand its stores in Melbourne. It expanded to Sydney in the 1960s. The dress was donated 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. Sleeveless white cotton mini dress with a high round collarLabel: Sportsgirlwomen's clothing, fashion and textiles collection, australian fashion - 1960s, day dresses, mcintyre collection

The Gown of the Year Program was a gala event in Melbourne's cultural calendar. Australia's supermodels of the day, such as Diane Masters (pictured), Bambi Shmith, and Betty Jackson modelled clothes by Melbourne's leading designers, Hall Ludlow, Le Louvre, and others. Diane Masters has played a seminal role in contributing to the Design Archives through her personal and professional fashion archive, her role in the Hall Ludlow collection and archive, the Laurie Carew collection, and her generosity in gifting items from the Frederick Romberg archive to the RMIT Design Archives. She has been and remains a key figure in Melbourne and Australian fashion. Suzanne Davies, 2017Black and white photograph features fashion designer Hall Ludlow (right), holding his trophies for winning the 1959 Gown of the Year at the Menzies Hotel, Melbourne. Model Diane Masters (right) is wearing the winning gown: a pale full length gown with short sleeves, scoop neck, and ruffled skirt. The matching coat also features small ruffled down its length.Verso: Stamped in black ink, bottom right: 'Photographed by/ ATHOL SHMITH/ F.R.P.S . . F.R.S.A/ 125 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE/ TELEPHONE MF 5[illegible]4australian fashion, fashion design, mid-century modern

This outfit from Sydney-based wearables label Iordanes Spyridon Gogos (ISG), was designed by Founder and Creative Director Jordan Gogos in collaboration with Akira Isogawa and other creative partners. The shoes are by Julia Baldini. The outfit comes from the ISG x Akira 2023 Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) collection show presented at Carriageworks, Sydney 16 May 2023. Jordan Gogos is one of Australia's most innovative multidisciplinary artists. Preferring to describe his current designs as 'non normative', 'wearables for the imaginative' Gogos' work and practices have been influential in changing the conversation around clothing design, production and presentation by embedding co-collaboration, sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity in all aspects of his label. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan before immigrating to Australia in 1987, Akira Isogawa is regarded as one of Australia's most innovative and successful fashion designers. In a career spanning over 25 years, Akira is perhaps best known for his contemporary interpretations of traditional Japanese clothing, and the quality of his craftsmanship. Isogawa has worked on a range of creative collaboration projects over the course of his career and was named Australian Designer of the Year at the Australian Fashion Industries Awards in 1999. The ISG x Akira collection show presented at AAFW resulted in a collection of 40 looks featuring digitally printed, compressed and patchworked garments with applique, embroidery, beading and origami. Made from deadstock and archival fabrics, accessorised with unique headpieces and footwear designs, the looks were presented in a theatrical collection show amid a colourful runway piled high with upcycled textile artworks and trojan horses signifying Gogo's Greek heritage, signed by Akira in red calligraphy. The models included people with diverse gender identities and body shape and size. - Kristina StankovskiOutfit consisting of a dress, underskirt and shoes (pair). The underskirt is made of tulle, while the dress is origami style with black, red, white, gold, green, yellow and orange fabric. The dress has two sets of press studs under each shoulder strap. Shoes are lace up boots with black, white and yellow patchwork fabric, with rubber soles and vinyl lining. This record includes seventeen pieces of test/sample fabric. 9013.1 Dress 9013.2 Underskirt 9013.3 Boots & White laces 9013.4 Fabric samplesjordan gogos, iordanes spyridon gogos, akira isogawa, 2023 afterpay australian fashion week, design, fashion, art, sustainability, innovation, trojan horse

This outfit from Sydney-based wearables label Iordanes Spyridon Gogos (ISG), was designed by Founder and Creative Director Jordan Gogos in collaboration with Akira Isogawa and other creative partners. The shoes are by Julia Baldini. The outfit comes from the ISG x Akira 2023 Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) collection show presented at Carriageworks, Sydney 16 May 2023. Jordan Gogos is one of Australia's most innovative multidisciplinary artists. Preferring to describe his current designs as 'non normative', 'wearables for the imaginative' Gogos' work and practices have been influential in changing the conversation around clothing design, production and presentation by embedding co-collaboration, sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity in all aspects of his label. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan before immigrating to Australia in 1987, Akira Isogawa is regarded as one of Australia's most innovative and successful fashion designers. In a career spanning over 25 years, Akira is perhaps best known for his contemporary interpretations of traditional Japanese clothing, and the quality of his craftsmanship. Isogawa has worked on a range of creative collaboration projects over the course of his career and was named Australian Designer of the Year at the Australian Fashion Industries Awards in 1999. The ISG x Akira collection show presented at AAFW resulted in a collection of 40 looks featuring digitally printed, compressed and patchworked garments with applique, embroidery, beading and origami. Made from deadstock and archival fabrics, accessorised with unique headpieces and footwear designs, the looks were presented in a theatrical collection show amid a colourful runway piled high with upcycled textile artworks and trojan horses signifying Gogo's Greek heritage, signed by Akira in red calligraphy. The models included people with diverse gender identities and body shape and size. - Kristina StankovskiOutfit consisting of a headpiece, top, skirt and shoes (pair). The fabric of the hat, top and skirt has been quilted and stitched together, and is of grey, white, black and yellow hues. The top has two sets of ties which fasten at the back of the waist. The skirt and top feature gold medallions which show a trojan horse and lettering. The shoes are lace up boots and include hues of fluro pink and yellow, as well as white, black and grey. The boots are lined with black vinyl. As part of this collection, this record includes six quilted squares of material created as test patch/samples of fabric used to create the outfit, and two test gold medallions. 9014.1 Headpiece 9014.2 Top 9014.3 Skirt 9014.4 Boots 9014.6 Six fabric sample squares 9014.6 Two gold medallions[printed on gold medallions] IORDANES SPYRIDON GOGOSjordan gogos, iordanes spyridon gogos, akira isogawa, 2023 afterpay australian fashion week, design, fashion, art, sustainability, innovation, trojan horse

THE HOUSE OF YOUTH label was founded c.1935) by Mr. Samuel Stein. By 1955 Mrs. Stein, his son, Philip, and his daughter, Elizabeth, all played an active part in the business. The connection with Dior came to them without seeking. Dior, that man of fashion genius, had come to the conclusion that the Australian market offered a scope he could not afford to ignore. He questioned many visitors to Paris and decided that the House of Youth was the obvious channel through which his designs should flow to the Australian woman. Completely versatile, this firm is capable of covering every phase of fashion production, from impeccably tailored suits and coats to softly draped, intricately cut dresses and evening gowns. Mr. Philip Stein was modest when asked what Dior thought of their copies, but confessed that Dior, had been "very flattering". Dior had-been greatly impressed with the standard of Australian craftsmanship, and, as a result of the success of this joint Parisian-Australian fashion venture, it is whispered that the great man himself is seriously contemplating a visit to Australia. (Source: The Argus 22 Feb 1955)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 quarter length flared cream coloured silk cape caught at the neck and waist with two large buttons covered with the same coloured fabric.Label: House of Youthwomen's clothing, house of youth, evening coats, australian fashion - 1960s

THE HOUSE OF YOUTH label was founded c.1935) by Mr. Samuel Stein. By 1955 Mrs. Stein, his son, Philip, and his daughter, Elizabeth, all played an active part in the business. The connection with Dior came to them without seeking. Dior, that man of fashion genius, had come to the conclusion that the Australian market offered a scope he could not afford to ignore. He questioned many visitors to Paris and decided that the House of Youth was the obvious channel through which his designs should flow to the Australian woman. Completely versatile, this firm is capable of covering every phase of fashion production, from impeccably tailored suits and coats to softly draped, intricately cut dresses and evening gowns. Mr. Philip Stein was modest when asked what Dior thought of their copies, but confessed that Dior, had been "very flattering". Dior had-been greatly impressed with the standard of Australian craftsmanship, and, as a result of the success of this joint Parisian-Australian fashion venture, it is whispered that the great man himself is seriously contemplating a visit to Australia. (Source: The Argus 22 Feb 1955)Unlined pale grey linen two-piece suit with a fabric belt attached. The suit has the label "House of Youth Model" which may indicate that it is a licensed copy of a French original.Label: "House of Youth Model"women's clothing, australian fashion - 1950s, dresses, house of youth

Part of the Cooper Collection. "John Percy VERCOE", No. 2530, enlisted 18/5/16 in 5th Reinforcements, 60 BN. Aged 30 years. Embarked for England 25/9/1916, embarked for France 4/2/1917, WIA 26/4/1918. GSW to left eye, severe. Left eye excised England 30/4/1918. RTA 23/9/1918. Discharged from the AIF 4/1/1919. Passed away 30/12/1925. John received a Congratulatory card from MAJ.General J.H. Hobbs, K.C.B, V.D. Commanding 5th Aust. Division - for bravery and devotion to duty in dressing and carrying wounded to the Regt. Aid Post during a counter attack on Villers Brettoneux on the night of 24/25th April 1918.Brass map of Australia fashioned into a bracelet. Band is secured with a clip. Owners details engraved on the map.Engraved in the face of the map: 'No.2530, PTE J.P. VERCOE, 60TH BATT, AIF, 1916.cooper collection, trench art, john p. vercoe

The photo is taken in 1890 and a man is depicted, entering the main gates of the Mental Hospital at Beechworth, with the lodge on his right side. The man is dressed according to the australian fashion of that time, wearing a dark suit and a top hat. The countryside surrounding the Hospital is in the background. The Mayday Hills Hospital was constructed between 1864 and 1867, with buildings created in a number of periods. It formally opened on 24 October 1867 and, along with the Ovens Hospital and the Benevolent Asylum, made Beechworth a prominent social welfare centre in Victoria. The need for an institution of this kind was arisen due to the increased number of people with mental disturbances (induced by the harsh living conditions on the goldfields) and the remoteness of the district from Melbourne. The site was chosen for its panoramic view of the countryside, the hilltop atmosphere and the native fauna, all contributing to the cure of patients. It was designed in Italianate style and around 250 workmen were employed for its construction. The Hospital was originally named the “Ovens Lunatic Asylum” but, during the centenary celebrations in 1967, the name was officially changed to “Mayday Hills Hospital”, showing the gradual shift in the perception and understanding of mental health conditions over the last decades. The Hospital lies on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation.This photograph is historically significant as it provides an insight into the location, surroundings and the exterior of the Mayday Hills Hospital at the end of the 19th century. It also contributes to the understanding of the district`s development and its importance to the course of Victoria`s history. Moreover, it adds information to the scientific research and the way mental health conditions were treated at that time.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on paper unframed.Obverse: Asylum Gates & Lodge/ Reverse: 3451-1/mental hospital, beechworth, australian fashion, dark suit, top hat, countryside, mayday hills hospital, ovens hospital, benevolent asylum, institution, mental disturbances, social welfare, living conditions, goldfields, workmen, italianate style, kulin nation, mental health, ovens lunatic asylum, patients

This jacket and cap were designed by Rosalie 'Rosa' Kiessling about 1967. They formed part of the Fashion Group Inc's Walkabout Tour of the USA in 1967 which aimed to promote Australian fashion design in America. German by birth Rosalie, grew up skiing and ice skating, studied fashion design in Munich and worked designing women’s ski wear and lingerie before migrating to Australia via New Zealand in 1939 with her husband. As skiing increased in popularity following the end of WWII, Rosalie’s business grew reaching its peak during the 1960s. Though it was never large; at most she employed three staff. Her designs featured in the pages of Australian Vogue, Flair and the Women’s Weekly throughout the 1960s and received coverage from newspapers in Australia, New Zealand the United States. Rosalie was closely involved with the Swiss Club of Victoria, the Australian Wool Board and the Fur Traders Association, participating in numerous fashion shows and awards run by these groups. In the late 1960s she became involved with the Melbourne Branch of the Fashion Group Inc, a worldwide non-commercial association of women involved in the fashion industry. Rosalie continued to design and manufacture fashionable but functional ski wear until the late 1970s, although increasing imports from large overseas manufactures and constant new innovations in fabric technology made it difficult for her to compete in a relatively small industry. This ski jacket and cap illustrate Rosalie Kiessling's emphasis on practical glamour. She was the first Australian ski wear manufacturer to bring high fashion to ski wear design; which though common in the boutiques of St Mortiz, Chamonix and St Anton was new to Australia. The use of an Australian wildflower motif and of these pieces in the Fashion Group's Walkabout Tour also speak to her involvement in and promotion of the Australian fashion industry during the 1960s.Ski jacket and matching cap appliqued with Australian wildflowers.Noneskiing, ski clothing, fashion design, australian fashion, australian flora

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 is one of a number donated to the collection by Rosemary Vaughan-Smith. Full-length cream and purple paisley pattern evening dress.Nilwomen's clothing, caftans, evening dresses, australian fashion - 1960-1969, rosemary vaughan-smith, australian fashion - 1960s

Ann Austin of Melbourne was the name of a Melbourne millinery house. Thelma Prentice was one of the partners in the house, and the chief designer/milliner. Very little information about the millinery house and the milliner are available online but there is an interesting article, published in the Brisbane Courier Mail on 8 October 1949 which describes the influence of French style on fashion and design in Australia. The article by Lucy Gough recounts the views of Thelma Prentice who had just returned from the Paris fashion shows. "Australian millinery toes line with Paris From LUCY GOUGH LONDON, October 7 (Special) Australian hats can compare very favourably with those designed in Paris, and are considerably cheaper, says Miss Thelma Prentice, partner in a well-known Melbourne millinery firm, who has just completed six months' visit to England and the Continent. An ordinary hat, Miss Prentice said, would cost at least £15 from any of the top Paris houses. Australia could achieve the same effect for a lot less money. Miss Prentice went to all the Important dress shows as well as the millinery houses in Paris, because she believes that millinery is an accessory to fashion and to obtain the best idea of new trends hats must be shown with frocks to get a complete follow-through and tie-up between the two. At their packed shows, with standing room only, Path and Dior were selling hats they designed, faster than many well known Paris millinery houses, Fath's favourite line was the becoming 'wing treatment,' which he achieved by a profile flattering side swing of material jutting out almost 10 inches from the face. This was completely different to the side drape already seen in Australia. Dior, as a direct contrast, was specialising in skull hats, which almost followed the hair line, to show very little hair at the back of the head. His cocktail hats were heavily sequinned and beaded. Every model was designed exclusively for short hair, and Miss Prentice, whose own hair is beautifully short cut by a Paris hairdresser, said that French mannequins' hair was so abbreviated at the back it was almost a semi-shingle. Hats generally she found were plain, with sharply angled self trimming, and black one of the most popular colours." The hat was donated by Kathleen Gervasoni, a resident of Kew, and during the 1970s a Mayoress of the former City of Kew. The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners.High crowned hat made of burgundy felt with decorative pink jersey turban folds attached to the side by clusters of pink beads. The hat was designed by Thelma Prentice of the ' Austin of Melbourne' millinery house. Label, inside centre crown, woven in black on white polyester: *ann austin / OF MELBOURNEmilliners, hats, ann austin of melbourne, thelma prentice, australian fashion - 1960s, kathleen gervasoni

This style of bonnet was commonly worn outdoors by women in South West Victoria in the late 1800s - early 1900sThe bonnet is significant as a typical of women's outdoor headwear in Australia in the late 19th and early 20th century.Ladies outdoor bonnet, white cotton with narrow mauve stripes and small flowers. Bonnet is trimmed with frills and straps to tie under the chin. Dated late 19th to early 20th century.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, ladies bonnet, outdoor bonnet, hat, bonnet, headwear, ladies clothing, late 19th century bonnet, early 20th century bonnet, women's fashion, australian fashion, australian millinery

The Fashion Design Council (FDC) was founded by Robert Buckingham, Kate Durham and Robert Pearce in 1983. This issue of the Fashion Design Council of Australia Newsletter describes the role, purpose and motivation of the FDC. It also lists the programme of events for November 1984 - September 1985 and includes minutes of the General Meeting held 16th June 1984. The newsletter was designed by graphic designer, Robert Pearce. The FDC ceased operation in 1983, and its archive of some 1,500 artefacts is held at the RMIT Design Archives.The Fashion Design Council of Australia Newsletter. It describes the role, purpose and motivation of the Fashion Design Council. It also lists the programme of events for November 1984 - September 1985 and incudes minutes of the General Meeting held 16th June 1984.fashion design, australian fashion, graphic design

Abyss Studio was one of a number of fashion labels established by Sara Thorn and Bruce Slorach in the 1980s and 1990s. From 1986 to 1992 the pair also operated the Galaxy Emporium where they stocked their own designs as well as those of fellow Fashion Design Council members. Abyss was a street wear label and, like many independent designers at the time, was concerned with creating culture through clothing.T-shirt featuring 'Daisy Bone' and mouse printaustralian fashion, fashion design

A cotton fabric printed with a fluorescent rainbow striped background, and scattered purple hibiscus. Designed for Bush Couture's 'Bush Kids' children's line.Printed on the selvedge: 'Linda Jackson handprint 1989'textile design, australian fashion

Scarf featuring fish designtextile design, textile, australian fashion

This light woollen evening dress is made from Peppinella, a new fabric Norma Tullo introduced into her range in 1973. The fabric was used exclusively by Tullo, and came from the wool of Peppin Merino (first introduced into Australia in 1858 by the Peppin brothers). According to the papers of the day Tullo’s 1973 winter collection featured ‘St. Trinian’s styles to garments dripping lace, in bold plain colours to floral prints.” Shirley Lyle designed the floral fabric. Norma Tullo (1935-2019) was one of the leading fashion designers of her time, establishing her label in 1956. After establishing a business the Old Metropole Arcade in Melbourne in 1956, with three sewing machines, Tullo's ready to wear fashions for young women became sought after, and her business flourished. In 1966 the Japanese department store chain Isetan Co Ltd began to mass-produce her garments for their stores across Japan. Tullo closed her label in 1977, and later worked for Fletcher Jones. Ann Carew, 2020The dress is historically significant as a dress designed by Norma Tullo, a leading fashion designer of the 1960s and 1970s. During this period the Australian Wool Industry strove to promote wool, and to develop light woollen fabrics to compete with new synthetic fibres such as rayon. The garment is historically significant for the use of a merino wool showcasing its versatility for dress fabrics. Full length woman's dress with full skirt and long sleeves, collared with open neck and pleat work on bodice. Material is predominately red with a repeated pattern featuring posie of blue and mauve flowers.Inscribed, black label on back neck left of zip, 'TULLO/IN/PEPPINELLA/AUSTRALIA MERINO WOOL'; Inscribed, white satin label on back neck right of zip, 'DRY CLEAN ONLY'; Inscribed, white satin label underneath above label, 'SIZE 12/To Fit Bust 34"/To Fit Waistwool, rmit design archives, rmit university, woman's dress, textile design, australian fashion

The Hardware Club was established in the 1980s in Hardware House, Hardware Lane Melbourne by Andrew Maine, Jules Taylor and Paul Jackson, who all worked together at 3RRR. Artists, fashion designers, and musicians all flocked to the Club in the 1980s. It was the place to experiment with fashion and dance to dawn at a time when may venues closed early. Hardware Houses rooms were perfectly suited for the purpose, its polished wooden floorboards ideal for a dance floor,mezzanine floor for spectators, and crucially the Club had two bars and a 24 hour licence. Initially the trio from 3RRR took over the club on Friday nights only , and then other nights followed. In 1983 graphic Designer Robert Pearce was commissioned to design this poster for The Hardware Club. According to Jules Taylor it was inspired by "subways of New York with a touch of Berlin and Film Noir ..." Ann Carewdesign, graphic design, australian fashion

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Of all the items Di donated to the Society, this four-piece Easton Pearson outfit was her favourite. When she bought it around 1997-98, it was the first time she had spent a large amount of money on clothing, and she thought it only fitting to throw a suitably elegant party at which to wear it. James Cameron's hit movie 'Titanic' had just been released, and upon discovering the recipe book 'Last Dinner On the Titanic: Menus and Recipes from the Great Liner', Di was inspired to host a Titanic-themed party for her friends. Held at her home in Brighton in 1998, the event included a string quartet, an eleven-course meal prepared entirely by Di, and a life boat in the backyard swimming pool.A four piece outfit consisting of a blouse/cardigan, camisole, skirt and wrap. Double-layered silk wrap with an outer layer of silk chiffon. Both ends feature and embroidered band of brown and black cotton, copper wire, and copper glass beads. Camisole of black and copper shot polyester rayon with wide shoulder straps and small shoulder pads. Blouse of brown silk chiffon, with a v-neck and eleven silk-covered buttons and loops at centre front. Patch pockets over front hip and full length sleeves. The neckline and sleeve edges are trimmed with copper-coloured glass beads. Full-length double-layered straight skirt with black and copper shot polyester rayon lining and silk chiffon overskirt. The skirt secures centre back with a nylon zip and botton closure. The skirt features a centre front embroidered panel of brown and black cotton leaf and flower motifs, with copper wire and copper glass beads. manufacturer's label: "Oh! Easton Pearson", "Pure Silk", "Polyester Rayon", Care label, "M"costume party, titanic, easton pearson, pamela easton, lydia pearson, australian fashion, di reidie, 1990s

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 'dance frock' by Park Avenue Gowns is one of a number of garments in the collection by this designer.Metallic thread silk cocktail dress and wrap by Park Avenue Gowns, 1960. Virtually identical dresses by the designer were featured in the Australian Women's Weekly in 1960, described as 'dance frocks', to which the wide flairing skirt would be well suited.Label : "Park Avenue Gowns"women's clothing, cocktail dresses, dance frocks, australian fashion - 1960s, fashion designers - melbourne (vic) - park avenue gowns

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 gown is one of a number of items donated to the Collection by Rosemary-Vaughan Smith.Full length ivory satin evening gown, possibly used previously as a wedding dress. Inset figured brocade panel on front of skirt and bodice, with flared plain satin panels at sides. Bodice has a wide rounded neck decorated with bands of pleated satin, and broad satin shoulder straps. evening dresses, women's clothing, vaughan-smith collection, evening wear, australian fashion - 1950s

Coffee coloured chemisette with lace. Machine sewn with two layers of netting applied by hand. Pink and green bullion knots worked on top net layer which is of machine made lace already embroidered and assembledlace, women's clothing, australian fashion

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. White cotton cutwork camisole. Tape insert around waist, ribbon insert around neckline. Front and back have a band of hand worked cutwork leaf sprays, as do the sleeves. The neckline is round. The garment is short sleevedlace, women's clothing, australian fashion