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.Shot silk purple ball gown, featuring a fitted silk bodice with puff sleeves and a wide full-length skirt. The dress has coloured guipure lace at the neck and the cuffs, which has been identified as being of the period. The brush braid on the hem has probably been replaced at a later date. Dated to 1899-1900. ball gowns - 1900s, australian fashion - 1900s, costume

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 top features a v-shaped rear neck. A wide velvet cummerbund is part of the outfit. Dated to 1905-07. australian fashion - 1900s, ball gowns - 1900s, evening dresses, evening wear, women's clothing

A photo of a junior legatees in elaborate ballgowns and old fashioned outfits, and wigs dancing on stage at the Annual Demonstration. Central characters appear to be a queen and a girl in a tutu as part of a dramatic dance routine. Legacy clubs ran classes for junior legatees for many years such as gymnastics, swimming or dancing classes. It was part of providing for the children of their deceased comrades. The skills they learned were show cased in an annual demonstration usually at the Melbourne Town Hall. It appears to be photo taken professionally of the Annual Demonstration. Year unknown.A record of a way Legacy provided classes for junior legatees and the skills learned were displayed in the Annual Demonstration.Black and white photo of junior legatees in ball gowns dancing on stage at Melbourne Town Hall.Stamped "Leslie Thomspon / 8 Keystone Cres / East Kew WL 3078" in purple ink. Handwritten 'Legacy P2' in blue pen.junior legatee, annual demonstration

Growing up in Sandringham, Joy Bosomworth learned to sew at the knee of her mother Elsie Myra Keefer, a seamstress. By the time she was an adult, she was making most of her own clothes. She made this shot velvet evening dress, along with a matching stole and bag, in 1961 to wear to a ball at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where she worked as a radiographer. An evening outfit consisting of a matching dress, stole, bag and gloves. Sleeveless one-shoulder evening dress of blue velvet shot with metallic red. The dress is gathered at the proper left front waist and is lined with red synthetic fabric. Fastens with a zip and hook at the side. Stole of blue velvet shot with metallic red, lined with red synthetic fabric. Handbag made from blue velvet shot with metallic red. The bag has a gold metal frame and clasp, with a shot gold metal chain attached. The interior is red synthetic fabric, with a single side pocket. Elbow-length red nylon evening globes.joy myra bosomworth, joy myra keefer, evening dress, ball gown, 1960s

The photograph wqas taken at a Belle of the Ball which took place in Sunbury on 2 October 1953. The people in the photograph are from L-R: Ken Nevant, Flora Lloyd, who was the daughter of the local chemist, Norman Hoiles, Pat Barrow, Jean Hall and Lachlan Mason, who was Ken Nevant's half brother. The Belle of the Ball was a popular annual event, usually organized by the football club in Sunbury. The event took place in the Memorial Hall.A black and white photograph of three couples at a ball. The girls are dressed in ball gowns and their partners are in suits. The names of the six people along with the date of the ball have been written in black pen across the top of the photograph.dances, belle of belles, nevant, ken, lloyd, flora, hoiles, norman, barrow, pat, hall, jean, mason, lachlan, returned servicemens league, george evans collection

Production Number 66 by the Heidelberg Repertory Group - currently known as the Heidelberg Theatre Company Inc. The program lists names of actors and roles,, backstage, technical crew, creative and administration positions. Special mention of Lois Connor for 'general assistance with costumes and designing and making Mrs. Cheveley's ball gown.'All in Good Condition. The Program is rather fragile.None1961, 66, city of heidelberg repertory group, heidelberg theatre company inc, directed by alice o'donnell

This dress was worn by Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, to a Mayoral Ball held at Brighton Technical School in 1976. Diane Margaret Lewis completed a law degree at the University of Melbourne, later marrying one of her classmates, criminal lawyer Ramon (Ray) Lopez. A strong believer in open local government, when she decided to run for the Brighton City Council in 1975 she rallied friends and supporters in an extensive door-knocking campaign, ultimately succeeding in unseating former mayor Keith Davenport. She went on to serve two terms on council, between 1975 and 1981, and was elected mayor by her fellow councillors in 1976. The first woman in Brighton's history to hold the title of mayor, Di championed women's representation in local government, declaring that "all council issues affect women - except a men's toilet". She was a member of the Women's Electoral Lobby and encouraged both Sally Allmand and Kate Harman to run for council (both were successfully elected). As a councillor and as mayor, 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. Di was known as a colourful, flamboyant figure who was unafraid to address issues head-on. This is exemplified by this unconventional choice of dress for the a Mayoral Ball, which typically had a formal dress code. By eschewing a traditional ball gown in favour of this wild, feathered chamois, she was not only making a fashion statement, but a political one - declaring an intention to lead a progressive council, embracing the new and refusing to be hemmed in by dated traditions.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

A newspaper clipping about the 'Gown of the Year' from a book compiled about the Legacy children's residence called Stanhope. The newspaper clipping shows a photo of junior legatee girls on the steps of Stanhope watching Justine Silver model a ball gown. The caption says 'Legacy girls "Ooh" and "Ah" over this ruched gown which could have come straight from the pages of Cinderella. The flowing gown, worn by Justine Silver, is in chiffon.' The note below the picture adds 'Grey tulle (50 yds) over old gold'. The Gown of the Year was annual event modelling the latest ball fashions with the proceeds going to Legacy. Stanhope was supervised by Matron Dorothy (Dorrie) Vines from the time it opened in 1946 until it closed. It is possible she compiled this notebook as she is referred to as 'self' in one photo. Individual pages of photos or newspaper clippings have been added separately. Items 01817 to 01834. Blamey House (purchased 1947) , Stanhope (purchased 1945) and Harelands (purchased 1950) were residences run by Melbourne Legacy to take care of children whose fathers were servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for further education. Harelands accommodated boys and girls under the age of 14, Blamey House looked after boys over 14, and Stanhope looked after girls over 14. The children were cared for until they were old enough to become independent. A record of Stanhope being used as the setting for publicity for the Gown of the Year gala.Newspaper clipping of a girl modelling a gown for girls on the steps of Stanhope in October 1959.stanhope, gala performance

Most likely worn to balls around the Yarrawonga district most notably at Wilby where there were monthly old time balls held during the 50’s to 1980’s. Tomato pink crepe gown with tafetta lining. Three quarter full flowing Sleeves.V neck, gathered at bust with a beaded diamond shape set in the middle. Back zipper Label on bodice Silver Star, Sydney, size 18 Bust 100, waist 80, hip 105old time dancing, costume

Most likely worn at Wilby and balls around the districtVery pale pink satin skirt overplayed with tulle and net. Round neck, sleeveless bodice with lacy net overlay. Decorated by hand with sequins, diamentes and beads. Zipper at back. Hand made. None

This hooped petticoat or underskirt was worn in the 1950's under full skirted evening wear. Mt Beauty had a vibrant social life during this period with many balls and dances throughout the year.This garment was worn by Margaret McKendrick (nee Vyner) who was born and lived in Tawonga, then Mt Beauty.White cotton tiered under skirt with double hoops at the bottom. The skirt is gathered at the waist and falls to the floor. The waist has a drawstring (ribbon) which is tied at the back.The name "M.McKendrick Mt Beauty" is written in blue ink or texta around the inside of the waistband.petticoat. underskirt. hoop. evening dress. ball gown. mt beauty. entertainment.

Believed to be of St Stephens Anglican Ball, late 1970s or early 1980sPhotocopy of a newspaper clipping (newspaper unknown), showing a group of young ladies in debutante gowns.Caption at foot of photo: "Debutantes presented to Archdeacon of Wangaratta are back row, left to right: Misses Helen Briggs, Linda Neilson, Denise Trimble, Carmel O'Callaghan, Cathy Cody, Annette Smith, Rhonda Woods, Marita Meyer, Heather Briggs. Front row: Kerry Miller, Margery Mitchell, Maree Milthorpe, Sharon Bartel, Rosemary McQuade, Ruth Allan. Page boy Cameron Maden, flower girl, Andrea Miller -- Photo by G. Brown Corowa."st stephens church, debutantes, helen briggs, linda neilson, denise trimble, carmel o'callaghan, cathy cody, annette smith, rhonda woods, marita meyer, heather briggs, kerry miller, margery mitchell, maree milthorpe, sharon bartel, rosemary mcquade, ruth allan, cameron maden, andrea miller

Clothing. Dark cream coloured dress with bodice and gathered waltz length skirt. Back opening on bodice with six hooks and eyes. Back opening on skirt with two hooks and eyes at waist. Bodice lined with ivory coloured cotton. Short puffed sleeves. Frill around bottom of skirt is edged with purple trim top and bottom. Frill around neck front and back. Decorative purple loops on sleeves and around neckline. Dress worn with a decorative overskirt, (see 11400.124), hand made. 1860's dress worn in 1920 by Ava Jane Hall, granddaughter of W. Lansell. Photo taken by Bartlett Bros in the 1920's. The gown was worn to a ball in the Bendigo Town Hall in 1920.

Typed below photograph, "1956 - Queen Carnival Ball with queens. Written on back of photograph, "'Mail', 24/5/1956. Pre-school Queen Carnival, Ringwood".

A photo and newspaper clippings from a book compiled about the Legacy children's residence called Stanhope. Elizabeth Brown was a resident at Stanhope after her father died in 1953 and she came to Melbourne from Seymour to compete further studies at Toorak Teachers College. She was chosen to present a bouquet to Princess Alexandra at the Royal Ball. Elizabeth wore a pink taffeta gown and was accompanied by a Legacy boy, Julian Hyde. One colour photo and two black and white photos taken at Stanhope prior to the event. Stanhope was supervised by Matron Dorothy (Dorrie) Vines from the time it opened in 1946 until it closed. It is possible she compiled this notebook as she is referred to as 'self' in one photo. Individual pages of photos or newspaper clippings have been added separately. Items 01817 to 01827. Blamey House (purchased 1947) , Stanhope (purchased 1945) and Harelands (purchased 1950) were residences run by Melbourne Legacy to take care of children whose fathers were servicemen, and who may have been left orphans, or whose mother may have been unable to care for them herself, or they needed to stay in Melbourne for further education. Harelands accommodated boys and girls under the age of 14, Blamey House looked after boys over 14, and Stanhope looked after girls over 14. The children were cared for until they were old enough to become independent. A record of a Legacy girl being chosen to participate at an important event. Colour photo of Elizabeth Brown preparing to meet Princess Alexandra, and 2 black and white photos and newspaper clippings about the event.stanhope, residences, royal visit