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

This skirt is part of a matching skirt and jacket suit worn by the donor, Sandra Hooker (nee White) as an 8 year old, on special occasions in the late 1960's. Sandra grew up on a sheep farm near Torquay where woollen garments were a family priority. The suit was given to Sandra as a child, and probably purchased by her grandparents. Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940's – 1980's. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly.Red pleated woollen skirt with elastic waistband.kathryn knitwear, brendan blake, fashion, children, clothing, melbourne, textile industry, 1960s

This jacket is part of a matching skirt and jacket suit worn by the donor, Sandra Hooker (nee White) as an 8 year old, on special occasions in the late 1960's. Sandra grew up on a sheep farm near Torquay where woollen garments were a family priority. The suit was given to Sandra as a child, and probably purchased by her grandparents. Kathryn Knitwear, founded by Robert Blake, manufactured high quality children’s knitwear in Melbourne from the 1940's – 1980's. Robert Blake’s Son, Brendan recalls that “The Kathryn brand was famous around Australia, anywhere children needed to keep warm and dress smartly. It also won a number of wool fashion awards”, including the 1969 Wool Awards, which was held by the Australian Wool Bureau and published in Women’s Weekly.Red woollen jacket with navy trim and eight brass buttons.kathryn knitwear, brendan blake, fashion, children, clothing, melbourne, textile industry, 1960s