Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection. Aqua chiffon, high neck, full-length body hugging gown with sheer batwings to wrists. The chiffon is covered with round silver sequin-size 'sparkles'. The dress was worn by Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) in live performances in the 1960s, including at the Wentworth Leagues Club Sydney and also on the Barry Crocker Show in 1968.performing arts - australia - 1960s, robin vanser, performance costumes, floor show dresses

The Lady Barbara Grimwade Costume Collection is comprised of Lady Barbara Grimwade's personal apparel and includes 145 pieces of clothing, 10 hats, 19 handbags, 66 pairs of shoes and assorted accessories of gloves, belts and scarves. In its breadth, this significant acquisition ranges from the mundane to the memorable, therefore giving a balanced representation of one person's taste. Following Lady Barbara Grimwade’s death in March 1990, Ararat Gallery formally accepted the generous gift of clothing and accessories donated by Lady Grimwade's son, Mr Angus K Grimwade, on 28 August 1991. Subsequent smaller donations in 1995 enhanced the collection. Lady Grimwade's Scottish forebears, the Gaerloch Campbells, first settled in Australia in 1861 in the Ararat-Beaufort district. Her great great grandfather, Mr Henry Campbell, died on the voyage to Australia. His widow, Jane, with 10 of her 13 children, farmed and grazed land, firstly at Stockyard Hill then at Fiery Creek, near Buangor, before leaving the shire in 1873. Lady Grimwade held a privileged position in Melbourne society. As the wife of Sir Andrew Grimwade, a prominent businessman, Chairman of several boards and a Trustee of various committees, Lady Grimwade met with royalty, heads of state, politicians, corporate directors, and horse and cattle breeders. Excerpt from 'Hot Pink Summers' catalogue essay, Helen Jackson, 1995.

Paper backed nylon stockings in cellophane packetSutex Chiffon Mist Nylon Non Run Stretch 10.5costume accessories, female

This dress belonged to Christina Barclay 'Ina' Strahan (nee Guinn, 1889-1974), the mother of donor Sheila Alston (1911-2008). Ina married medical practitioner Dr Septimus Strahan in 1909 and the family lived in a stately home in Moonee Ponds from 1912 until Septimus' untimely death at 56 in 1933. Ina later moved to Sandringham, where her daughter Sheila also settled after her marriage to Peter Alston.Black chiffon and lace dress with long sleeves, scooped neckline. Lozenge shaped lace pattern; machine top-stiched chiffon panels.Label, woven, blue on cream cotton, centre back: MADE IN FRANCElace, christina barclay strahan, 1920s

A report in the Southern Argus (S.A.) described the bride's dress as: Magnolia chiffon velvet fashioned the lovely wedding gown, made with square-neck bodice, and long tight cowl sleeves, and allied to a softly flaring skirt, which extended at the back into a graceful train. The veil of old Spanish lace (a gift from her aunt) was mounted on filmy magnolia, tulle, caught with an orange blossom halo. Full length Magnolia chiffon velvet wedding dress with square-neck bodice, and long tight cowl sleeves above a softly flaring skirt which extends at the back into a graceful train. The gown was worn by Elsie Lorance (Laurie) Jenkins at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Mildura in 1934.The photo was taken when the dress was displayed at Villa Alba Museum in 2025 as part of an exhibition by Kew Historical Society of 'wedding fashion'.weddings -- mildura (vic.) -- 1934, st andrew’s presbyterian church mildura, elsie lorance (laurie) jenkins, fashion -- 1930s

This dress belonged to Brighton resident Isabell Nora "Billie" Blair, nee McNamara (1895-1989). Born in Mirboo North, Billie lost her mother Catherine at a young age in 1898 and was raised mostly by Catherine's sister, Isabell Frances Vallender. She married magistrate Douglas Granville Blair (1893-1976) in 1926. The couple lived first in Benalla, where their daughter Katherine Blair (1929-2023) was born, before moving to Brighton, where they lived the rest of their lives.Mid-length velvet and chiffon dress with shallow v-neck. Velvet features a geometric pattern in purple, maroon, gold and green. Skirt is slashed at front and back with dark purple chiffon. Long dark purple chiffon sleeves with velvet cuffs. katherine fennell blair, isabell nora blair, isabell nora mcnamara, 1920s

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.Hot pink chiffon tiered evening dress.Label: Hartnell of Melbournehartnell of melbourne, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1960s, evening dresses

Wedding Dress - Mrs Langsford. Chiffon and Silk. Langsford Phillips.stawell clothing material

From Mrs. H. N. LordPink chiffon pot pourri sachet with pink ribbon and artificial flowers.pot pourri

Grace James, the creator of the items in the Grace James collection, designed and created costumes over a 19 year period (1969-1988) for her daughter Ceri. The collection of clothing ranges from evening wear to knitted garments. All the items display exemplary dressmaking skills. The designs are of the period and reflect evolving fashions of the time. Some items are copies of published designs whereas others are original creations. The collection was donated in 2006.While most of the items in the Fashion & Design Collection of the Kew Historical Society are commercially designed items of clothing, there are also items made by home dressmakers. Many of these exhibit outstanding design knowledge and technical skills. A large and important group of these items of women's clothing is contained in the Grace James collection of outfits created for the dressmaker's daughter. The items have additional significance due to information about the purpose of the creation and the date when it was constructed.Long plain red sleeveless dress made of a crepe like fabric. The dress has narrow strapped shoulders. Red, pink and black floral chiffon overlap. The chiffon overlap is a John Kaldor fabric.grace james, women's clothing, dressmakers - surrey hills (vic), fashion -- 1970s, fashion design

Part of Betty Jones collectionBlack chiffon scarf, square. White flower pattern embroidery in one cornercostume, female underwear

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. Di purchased this dress as a vintage item. Elvie Hill (1917-2018) was a Melbourne fashion designer and a longtime Brighton resident. She established her eponymous label and became well-known for her elegant and feminine designs. She dressed some of Australia's best known women, including Lady Sonia McMahon and Dame Pattie Menzies, and was also known for her boutiques in Melbourne (the last store closed in 1991). She retired in 1999, aged 80.Long-sleeved silk chiffon evening dress with yellow/gold floral print and brown, red and black border at hem. Ruffled neckline and cuffs. Snap fastenings at cuffs and zip at back. Matching silk chiffon sash.Label, inside collar, black on white: "ELVIE HILL / OF MELBOURNE" Label inside seam: "SIZE 10 / TO FIT / Bust 80cm"di reidie, vintage clothing, melbourne designers, elvie hill, 1970s

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. Most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women. There are however 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.Hat in the shape of a turban, the exterior featuring folds of green chiffon in two shades of green.Nilwomen's hats, headwear, clothing

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.Circular woman’s hat, the crown and the rim separated by a band of green chiffon that is held in place by a green beaded clasp.Nilwomen's clothing -- hats, pillbox hats, headwear

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection. Orange brocade, high neck sheath, full length, sleeveless with two orange chiffon drops from back to floor. The chiffon is covered with round silver sequin-size 'sparkles'. The dress was worn by Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) in live performances in the 1960s, including performances with Jay Justin and Dinah Lee.performing arts - australia - 1960s, robin vanser, performance costumes, floor show dresses

Said to be the donor's grandmother's opera dress. About 70 years old. Grandmother of donor was Mrs Christina Sophia Cummins, born Lilydale, Victoria 6/9/1870. Died 14/9/1954.Black chiffon dress with back beading and sequins back and front. Long sleeves finishing in a double frill at wrist. Size medium fit.Label "Made in France"dress, beading, france, 1920-40, garments

Long-sleeved ivory-coloured silk chiffon and gold metallic fabric dress decorated with silk and metallic thread emroidery and (gelatine?) beading.metallic fabric, embroidery, beading, 1920s

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.Black and white narrow woman’s hat designed and or retailed by Beverly of Melbourne surmounted by a band of black chiffon that forms a loose bow at the back.Label: Beverly 13 Centre Place, Melb. MF 8873milliners -- melbourne -- beverly, women's clothing -- hats, headwear, cocktail hats

White short sleeved dress, with pink velvet ribbon around the waist. Has pink/white embroidered flowers. Chiffon overlay with white cotton lining.dresses, girls clothing

An item forming part of a collection of costumes, photographs and documents relating to the Weir family who lived in the mansion originally named Illapa, 84 Princess Street, Kew, from c.1917 to 1950. This historically significant collection includes items relating to both George Weir (1866-1937) and his wife Edith Mary Weir (1867-1948). George Weir attained national prominence in the mining industry, becoming General Manager of the North Broken Hill Silver Mining Company in 1903 (later renamed North Broken Hill Mining Company 1905-12, and North Broken Hill Ltd 1912-1988), and subsequently President of the Mine Owners Association. He was to remain General Manager of North Broken Hill Ltd until his retirement in 1926.This scarf is part of a 30-piece collection of women’s clothing owned by Edith Mary Weir (nee Betteridge), who was born in Clare, South Australia in 1867 and who died in Kew at the age of 81 in 1948. The items of clothing in the collection date from the 1880s to the 1940s and constitute outstanding examples of dressmaker’s skills from each of these decades. The collection includes day dresses, evening dresses, evening coats, capes, shoes and undergarments. As the wife of a mining engineer, and later mine manager, Edith Weir’s clothing has historic significance as examples of clothing worn by upper middle class Australian women in domestic circumstances and at social and civic events. The costumes in the collection represent the periods when Edith Weir lived in Broken Hill, New South Wales, and in Kew, Melbourne. A number of the costumes from the 1920s to the 1940s are of a particularly fine quality, being both rare, representative and intact examples of Australian fashion of the period. The garments in the Weir Collection were donated to the Kew Historical Society by the granddaughter of Edith Weir in 2017Very long, doubled chiffon evening scarf with a silk tassle at one end and multicoloured hand embroidered flowers at the other. The scarf was owned by Edith Mary Weir.edith mary (betteridge) weir, 84 princess street -kew, australian fashion, scarfs

This dress belonged to Brighton local Paula Folks, who wore it to her niece's wedding at St John's, Toorak in 1970. It also bears a second connection to Brighton through the label, Elegance, a Flinders Lane fashion house co-owned by Rudy Brill and Brighton resident Robert Salter. Paula was a longtime manager and owner of Pearl's Boutique, a well-known local fashion boutique established by Elsebe Wilhelmine Wills and Pearl Murray in 1965. The two friends had grown up together in Horsham, and decided to go into business together after reading in Fashionweek that women in their thirties, forties, fifties and older had trouble finding young-looking styles. Setting out to fill this gap in the market, they established a store at 240 St Kilda Street, near the Brighton Yacht Club, with Elsebe handled the buying while Pearl fronted the shop. They moved to 40 Church Street, Brighton in 1967. Paula joined the business as a manager in 1968, became a partner in 1971 and took over from the original owners in 1988. When she closed the boutique in 2005, she donated a number of garments to Brighton Historical Society. Reflecting fondly on her 38 years at Pearls, she told The Age, "I have enjoyed all my days here because people are special to me. I love fashion. It's been a pleasure to dress people, to make them look good and feel pleased with themselves."Cream terylene chiffon dress with all-over daisy appliqués. High band collar with v-shaped scoop at back. Sheer long sleeves with gathered cuffs.Label: "miss Elegance / TERYLENE".pearl's boutique, pearl's of brighton, paula folks, 1970s, flinders lane, melbourne designers, robert salter, rudy brill, miss elegance, elegance

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. Fashion (or clothing/costumes) in the collection was largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories. This short, beaded 'flapper' dress was worn by Mrs Udora Freame to a ball at the Hawthorn Town Hall in the 1920s. Donated by her daughter, the dress is the earliest item of fashion in the collection where provenance can be linked to a local civic event.Sleeveless black chiffon 'flapper' evening dress with v-neck. The dress is embroidered with silver thread using chain stitch and glass beads simulating Parisian jet.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1920s, evening dresses, udora freame, evening wear, flapper dresses, mayoral balls -- hawthorn (vic.)

Cap of stiffened machined lace with two pleated 'wings' of stiffened and pleated chiffon on either side. Lace edging on hem. Pull tape ties around face.costume, female headwear

This dress is believed to have belonged to Ruby May Selina Wallace (1891-1973), who lived in the Inglewood area, Victoria. It was donated by an Emerald resident who received it from Ruby. The dress was likely worn around the 1930's and was probably made by a dressmaker. This is an example of a stylish tailor-made dress from circa 1930s.Long sleeved mid length black chiffon day dress with cream silk inset at bodice and sleeve cuffs. Ties back at the waist with applique and hand embroidered embellishment to front panel.No inscriptionsclothing, fashion, 1930s

Grace James, the creator of the items in the Grace James collection, designed and created costumes over a 19 year period (1969-1988) for her daughter Ceri. The collection of clothing ranges from evening wear to knitted garments. All the items display exemplary dressmaking skills. The designs are of the period and reflect evolving fashions of the time. Some items are copies of published designs whereas others are original creations. The collection was donated in 2006.While most of the items in the Fashion & Design Collection of the Kew Historical Society are commercially designed items of clothing, there are also items made by home dressmakers. Many of these exhibit outstanding design knowledge and technical skills. A large and important group of these items of women's clothing is contained in the Grace James collection of outfits created for the dressmaker's daughter. The items have additional significance due to information about the purpose of the creation and the date when it was constructed.Three-piece pink chiffon outfit, the outer sections of a different floral weave. The two outer sections are attached with buttons at the waist. The plain pink shift with a zip at the neck was created to wear underneathgrace james, women's clothing, dressmakers - surrey hills (vic), fashion design, fashion -- 1980s

The hat was owned, worn and donated by by Jill O'Brien, member of the Kew Historical Society and a former mayor of Kew. The rose is a later addition.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.Soft pink coloured woman’s hat; the high crown swathed in fine pink silk, while the brim is covered with white chiffon. Two large floppy silk roses are used to decorate the hat.Nilmilliners, hats, women's clothing, australian fashion, jill o'brien

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.Pale pink coloured straw woman’s hat featuring a low crown and a wide brim. The latter is covered with silk chiffon of the same colour. A metallic adornment comprised of concentric rings is attached to the base of the crown. Nilstraw hats, sun hats, cartwheel shape hats, women's clothing -- hats, headwear

Clothing. Wedding Dress - Bodice.Cream coloured bodice of wedding dress. ''Japanese silk with transparent yolk of chiffon tucked Russian Body'' ( Quote from newspaper of the day).Long pintucked sleeves. Fine ribbon trim and bows at wrists. Two flounces of silk, trimmed with ribbon at elbows. Front panel fastened at side with metal hooks and hand made loops, to show a centre panel trimmed with chiffon frills. Pearl beaded motifs at front. Sash at waistline ties at the side - finished with pearl beading, and and a stand up chiffon collar. Worn by Mary Smith who was the daughter of Felix Smith. He built the Wycheproof Court House, Post Office and Royal Mail Hotel. Mary and John Keane lived in a mud brick house after they their marriage. See also 11400.75, & 11400.77.costume, female, wedding dress bodice

Sheer black silk chiffon dress with black beaded front detail and pin tucked front skirt. Long pointed beaded collar. Long sleeves with nine rows of horizontal pin tucking on lower edge.