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 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