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.Black strapless satin evening dress with a ruched gold neckine. The outfit includes a fitted long sleeved black jacket.Label: SMARAGD EXCLUSIVE OF MELBOURNE. SIZE 12fashion - australia - melbourne, smaragd of melbourne, women's clothing, evening dresses, fashion design, clothing -- 1970s

The blouse made from a man-made fibre which resembled linen and trimmed with crochet motifs and edging was fashionable during the early 1970's. They were often worn with batik printed skirts.A cream linen blouse with three pin tucks and a crochet band on either side of the centre front opening. There is a shell pattern crochet border around the square neckline and across the hem of the short sleeves and around the bottom of the blouse. There are two darts in the back. there are five brown buttons down the centre front."Made in the/PHILIPPINES/..."1970s, clothing and dress, george evans collection

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.Black wool vest with a lace up front. The vest is heavily embroidered in an abstract multicoloured floral motifs. It is lined with a fine olive green silk. women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, vests

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 cocktail dress is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Marion Blatchley.Plum coloured silk taffeta underdress with a black sequinned overdress and belt.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, cocktail dresses

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. The outfit was owned, worn and donated to the collection 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.Brightly coloured, long sleeve floral cotton coat dress which has regular pink plastic buttons to waist.Label: Kenneth Pirriekenneth pirrie, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, mcintyre collection, day wear, coat dresses

Evening dress owned and donated by Kew architect, and Life Member of the Kew Historical Society, Dione McIntyre. The dress was created by the Sydney company Simona Couture, founded 1963 by Inge Fonagy. Inge Fonagy trained in Switzerland and migrated to Australia in 1950. The chief designer of the company from the late 1960s was her son, John Recek. The fashion house won a number of awards including: David Jones' Supreme Award for Fashion Excellence (1972); David Jones Award for High Grade Fashion (1972); and David Jones Award for Pret-a-porter (1973),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. Cream coloured long sleeve evening gown with cross-grain same colour trim and belt. The skirt features heat-treated sunray pleats.Label: Simona Couturemcintyre collection, evening wear, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, simona couture

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.Faux satin white polyester long sleeved blouse with attached scarf at neck.Label: Den Bruden bru, women's clothing, australian fashion -- 1970s, blouses

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 of items donated to the Fashion Collection 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. Long dark green sun dress with a pink tulip pattern.Label: Allen Gayeallen gaye, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, mcintyre collection, day wear

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 cocktail dress is one of a number of items donated to the collection by Rosemary-Vaughan Smith.Pale pink satin embroidered evening dress with ruched hem and heavy gold braid.women's clothing, australian fashion - 1970s, evening wear, cocktail dresses, rosemary vaughan-smith

These trousers have been made by Fletcher Jones and Staff. This business was established by David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) in 1924 when he leased three shops in Liebig Street, Warrnambool. In 1928 he moved his business to the main retailing area near the Liebig Street/Koroit Street intersection. In 1931 a shop built to Fletcher Jones’ requirements was erected and by 1938 he had a staff of 40. By 1945 FJ trousers were sold in 123 stores in Victoria and in 1948 the Fletcher Jones factory was established in Flaxman Street Warrnambool, officially named Pleasant Hill. In 1951 the company became Fletcher Jones and Staff and by the mid 1970s the staff had 75% ownership. By this time FJ and Staff had become one of the largest clothing manufacturers in Australia with 55 shops and almost 3000 employees. The range of clothing was enlarged to include both men’s and women’s wear. In the 1980s, after the death of Fletcher Jones, the abolition of import tariffs and the availability of cheap imported clothing caused the Fletcher Jones Company to decline and to be sold to a Geelong company. By 2011 all Fletcher Jones shops had closed. These trousers are of great interest as they are a product of a Warrnambool business that was nationally and internationally known in the 20th century for its quality men’s wear, especially the Coverdine brand trousers. The Fletcher Jones business remains one of the most important businesses, (if not the most important), that ever existed in Warrnambool. It employed a great number of local people in the second half of the 20th century, and is remembered with great fondness by many people in the city and surrounds today. The Fletcher Jones Gardens at the Factory site are still maintained today and are a tourist attraction in the city. These are a pair of brown Fletcher Jones trousers made of Coverdine material (87.5% wool with nylon). There is some lining around the waist area and the legs are turned up at the end with some leather binding inside the bottom legs. The waist band is stiffened and is fastened with a metal clip and two buttons. The waist band has two adjustable areas using tabs and two buttons each side. The back pockets also have buttons.fletcher jones and staff, coverdine fletcher jones trousers, history of warrnambool, david fletcher jones

This button has come from an item of clothing made by George Wardrop, a well-known Victorian tailor who was apprenticed to a Mr J. Jones in Smith Street Collingwood in the late 19th century. George Wardrop was a partner in the Jones firm for seven years before opening his own tailoring business in Collingwood and later in Northcote. The business expanded, with a major store in Melbourne established in the 1930s, (Wardrops, My Tailor) and other stores opening in suburban and regional areas in Victoria. The business lasted until the early 1970s. This button is of interest as it was found in a Warrnambool garden and perhaps came from an item of clothing owned by a local resident and purchased from a Wardrop tailoring shop early in the 20th century.This is a round buff-coloured button with an eyelet and printing around the button edge. The item is slightly bent and discoloured.‘G. Wardrop Collingwood’wardrop, tailor

This item is an attractive one and has belonged to someone who was a more affluent member of society. It is an item that would have been kept in a bedroom on a dresser or table. It is surmised that the ‘H.D’ stands for Hope Dickson, a member of a prominent Warrnambool family. She was the daughter of Mary Glass Cramond and James Dickson. Her grandfathers, John Cramond and James Dickson, established a clothing and drapery store in Warrnambool in the 1850s and it continued as a major business in Liebig Street, Warrnambool until 1973. As an elderly woman in the 1970s, Hope Dickson donated many household and personal items to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society and this perfume bottle may be one of them. This item is significant because it is a high-quality household item that dates back 100 years. If it belonged to Hope Dickson then this local provenance gives it added importance. This is a glass bottle with a covering silver holder. The bottle body is round with two straight pieces on either side. The neck is rounded and short and the opening has a cork stopper that extends down the neck. The silver folder, which is cylindrical, covers the entire base of the bottle and is open at both ends. The silver holder has impressed silver patterns (chains, bows and discs).The bottle slides into the folder which is slightly rusted inside.‘H.D.’women’s boudoir items, perfume bottle, history of warrnambool

This sports coat was made at a Fletcher Jones factory about the 1970s. David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) served in World War One and in the 1920s set up as a travelling hawker selling drapery in Western Victoria. In 1924 he leased three shops in Liebig Street, Warrnambool and in 1928 opened his Man's Shop at the intersection of Koroit/Liebig Streets. He manufactured men's clothing on site in a new building erected in 1931. In 1946 a Fletcher Jones shop was opened in Melbourne and in 1948 a factory was established in Warrnambool with a new company Fletcher Jones and Staff established in 1951.This company then operated in other States and known Australia-wide firstly for its production of men's trousers and later for men's and women's clothing. By 2011 the Warrnambool factory was closed and the company dissolved. This coat was bought by Lew Officer, a member of a family with pastoral interests in the Western District.This item is of considerable historical interest as an example of the high quality work produced by the Fletcher Jones and Staff Clothing Stores. This company was a key industry in Warrnambool in the 20th centuryThis is a man's sports coat made of Harris tweed hand woven in the Outer Hebrides made from Scottish-grown wool. The checked material is in brown tonings. The coat has a brown material lining and there are two brown buttons down the front and two on each sleeve. The collar has a grey felt lining.fletcher jones clothing stores, warrnambool, harris tweed jacket, lew officer

David Fletcher Jones (1895-1977) was a travelling hawker who opened a business in Liebig Street, Warrnambool in 1924. In 1931 he opened The Man's Shop at the corner of Liebig Street and Koroit Street. He sold suits and overcoats tailored in the work rooms upstairs. In 1948 his factory known as Pleasant Hill was opened in Flaxman Street in Warrnambool, the site of an old quarry. In 1951 the company Fletcher Jones and Staff was formed with the staff owning 51% of the shares, By the 1970s Fletcher Jones and Staff had become one of the largest clothing companies in Australia with 55 shops and 3000 employees. In 1992 the Warrnambool City Council bought the factory and gardens with the site now a tourist attraction. Although the name is retained today for trading purposes the original Fletcher Jones company has been dissolved. The screen is a representation of the Fletcher Jones factory post 1967. It a wool tapestry by Martin Prider who was a painter and caretaker what the Fletcher Jones factory. He lived in one of the Fletcher Jones cottages on site. (Robin Boyd Age Small Homes Scheme, today Heritage listed.)This is an interesting memento of the Fletcher Jones company and the factory. It was done by a local resident and features the famous Fletcher Jones gardensTapestry fire screen in a rectangular light timber frame depicting the Fletcher Jones Factory Gardens. The screen has two timber feet, non relective glass and appears to be a wool tapestry. The image of the gardens is after 1967 as the silver ball is included and that was erected in 1967. Nilfletcher jones company and warrnambool factory, pleasant hill warrnambool, martin prider, fletcher jones, tapestry of fletcher jones factory

Robert Harper and Co. Ltd. was an Australian company involved with sugar refining and starch and oatmeal production. Silver Star Starch was a well-known product and starch was used extensively in most households, mainly for shirt collars, aprons, nurses’ uniforms, household linen, tablecloths, doyleys etc. This item is of some interest, both for display and as a good example of housekeeping methods of the past (up to about the 1970s). However, the starching of clothing does continue today, mainly for special purposes – theatre costumes, clerical and ceremonial garb etc. The item can be specifically used by the Warrnambool and District Historical Society in any display connected to the 1896-7 Warrnambool Industrial and Art Exhibition as this exhibition had, as one of its competitions, the Silver Star Starch Ironing Competition (see pages 96-7, book, ‘The Great Warrnambool Exhibition’, by E. O’Callaghan, Collett, Bain and Gaspars, 2002)A box that contained 12 ounces of Silver Star starch for domestic use, mainly for ironing clothes. The box, a product of Robert Harper and Company Limited, Victoria, Australia, has several advertising captions – ‘Won’t Stick to the Iron’, ‘The Best in the World’. ‘Requires no Boiling’, and has directions for use. The front of the box has an illustration of two women from Victorian times using the product,warrnambool, silver star starch, robert harper & co ltd

This pair of CFA fire fighter's overalls were donated by the Emerald Fire Brigade which was established on 14 March 1941 as the Emerald Bush Brigade. Originally its equipment was stored at Madigan's butcher's shop near the corner of Monbulk Road. The Brigade's first fire station was built around 1945. In 1966, this station was recorded as containing the fire truck and a Land rover pumper, three radio sets, 40 knapsacks, six lengths of hose, helmets, rake hoes and other hand tools. In 2010, the Brigade moved into a new purpose-built building in Monbulk Road. These beaters date from the 1960s to 1970s.These CFA fire fighter's overalls were used by members of a crucial volunteer fire fighting service operating in the Emerald district since 1941.A Pair of CFA Firefighter overalls, yellow in colour, Size 97R CFA, Stewart and Heaton Clothing manufacturer. Size 97 Regularfire fighting, emerald fire brigade, cfa

Description of women's costumes from 1860s to 1970s, illustrated by photographs from various sources.10 p. text and black and white/sepia photographswomen's costume, dating photographs, clothing, fashion, women's clothing

the three women appear to be in 'Silent Street', part of the Wonderland Range on the pathway to The Pinnacle lookout.3 young women sitting and standing amongst 2 rock cliffs with tumbled rocks that appear to form steps. a railing can be seen behind standing girl. Clothing is suggestive of the 1970s period.scenery, wonderland range

DCPU is a five colour camouflage pattern developed by the Australian Defence Force and tested during Auscamthe late 1970s. DCPU has been replaced in the Australian Army by Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU) Long sleeved Shirt with two pockets, epaulets on both shoulders, tightening tabs on cuffs. Material is Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DCPU) nicknamed Auscam or Jelly Bean Camo. auscam cammo, shirt, uniform, australian armed forces

DCPU is a five colour camouflage pattern developed by the Australian Defence Force and tested during Auscamthe late 1970s. DCPU has been replaced in the Australian Army by Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU) Long Trousers with two large thigh pockets, zip fly. Material is Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform (DCPU) nicknamed Auscam or Jelly Bean Camo. auscam cammo, uniform, australian armed forces

12 photos taken around Port Melbourne in the 1970s. (01) Rouse st dwellings (02) 61-69 Bay st - two copies (03) Faram Bros hardware (04) 286 Nott St (05) 348 Bay St (06) 244 -246 Nott St (07) Tom BUCKINGHAM clothing shop at 79-85 Bay St - two copies ( 08) 1 Beach St residence (09) Metthodist Church (now demolished) (10) Corner Bay and Rouse Sts, Old Post Office (11) Former fire station at 143-145 Liardet St (12) Nott St Primary schoolfaram brothers hardware, engineering - roads streets lanes and footpaths, built environment, religion - wesleyan methodist church, rouse street, bay street, theodore thomas (tom) buckingham, beach street, post office, fire station, nott street state school

This collection of knitting books date from 1947 to the late 1970s and were donated by Helen Bryant. Titles: Patons knitting book no 570, Patons knitting book no 209, Olive Ketel's exclusive knitwear for young folk (1947),Patons Woolcraft, Paragon knitting book number 70.These knitting books are from a time when knitting was a favourite pastime and an essential method of clothing the family.Collection of knitting books. Black and white text, some with colour illustrations.Name of owner on some copies.knitting, patons, paragon, olive ketel, knitting patterns, helen bryant

This stable belt is in the battalion colours of The Royal Australian Regiment. A stable belt is a striped colored belt worn at times by the armed forces of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. The stripes identify and vary by regiment and corps.The term "stable belt" originates from when UK cavalrymen would place the surcingle around the waist when cleaning the stables and tending to their horsesThe Australian Army adopted the stable belt in the late 1970s. They were removed from service in 1995 but were reintroduced in 2017.Red and dark green striped woven belt with gold coloured buckle with crestBuckle - The Royal Australian Regimentrar, stable belt, royal australian regiment

This book was written by Gloria Anne Bell (nee Fisher) and contains history and reminesces of her life and the Fisher family in Orbost. The Fisher family had farming property at Lochend and also along the Marlo Road. In Orbost, the Fisher Bros. had businesses including a seed bean factory located in what used to be the 'old' butter factory building in Lochiel Street, Orbost. They provided services to the seed bean growing industry in Orbost. This was a major industry until the 1970s and the KING FISHER brand was well-know, often stencilled onto bags of beans. This book is significant because it relates much of the history of the Fisher family in the Orbost district. A book with a white cover and spiral binding. The front cover is white with black printing, and with a b/w photograph of a woman with dark hair and wearing white clothing. It is 130 pages, and is signed by the Author.My Story Gloria Anne Bell (nee Fisher)agriculture, seed beans, fisher bros., gloria anne bell, james fisher

This dress was worn by Brighton's first female mayor, Councillor Di Lopez, to a Mayoral Ball held at Brighton Technical School in 1977. Diane Margaret Lewis completed a law degree at the University of Melbourne, later marrying one of her classmates, criminal lawyer Ramon (Ray) Lopez. When she decided to run for the Brighton City Council in 1975, she was seen as an outside chance. Undeterred, she rallied a small group of friends and supporters and set out on an extensive door-knocking campaign that won voters to her side and successfully unseated former mayor Keith Devenport. She went on to serve two terms on council from 1975 to 1981. 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. She was a member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby and a champion for women’s representation, encouraging both Sally Allmand and Kate Harman to run for council (both were successfully elected). She advocated forcefully for an open, transparent local government in which ratepayers had the chance to participate and be heard. In 1976 Di became the first woman to hold the title of Mayor of Brighton, and she made it clear from the outset that she was going to do it her way. For the annual mayoral ball in 1977, ordinarily a staid traditional function, she chose a discotheque theme based on the Rod Stewart album Night on the Town, with a broad dress code of ‘black tie or jeans’: ‘You’ve got to get with the times,’ she said. ‘We want people to wear whatever they feel comfortable in.’ Di herself chose to attend in this knee-length chamois dress embellished with strings, ribbons, beads and feathers. It was both a fashion statement, exemplifying her colourful, flamboyant and forthright style, and a political one: a declaration of her intention to lead a progressive council, embracing the new and refusing to be hemmed in by dated traditions. In 2020 she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her service to local government and to the community of Brighton.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

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 bag from Tyabb Packing House Antiques in Tyabb, Victoria.Oval shaped bag made from armadillo leather with head and feet attached. Leather straps may be a recent addition. Metal clasp. Mirror on inside of lid. Interior lined with blue silk.handbag, armadillo, 1960s fashion, 1970s fashion, di reidie, vintage clothing

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 wore these novelty car print "Howard Showers" pants to many car rally events in Victoria, Australia and USA between 1990 and 2010, where she would perform the role of navigator and co-driver in a team with her husband David. Di's choice of clothing at the rallies is indicative of her sense of humour and attitude towards clothing. Cream coloured cotton French terry cloth pants with metal zip fly front, branded button closure, feature red stitching and printed cars in black ink. There are several car designs featured with each design appearing c1960s - 1970s. One car design features the name "Howard" on its number plate. Manufacturers label "Howard Showers, Holiday, size 12" Metal button inscription "Howard Showers, Syd (Sydney), Aust (Australia). "Made in Australia". Care label. howard showers, novelty print clothing, 1990s, di reidie

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 two piece ensemble from the influential fashion boutique "The House of Merivale and Mr John" to wear to a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" by London Festival Ballet, featuring Rudolph Nureyev at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda in May 1975.A two piece ensemble consisting of long evening dress (.1) and matching jacket (.2), cropped jacket of black acetate. The jacket features a tie front and long buttoned sleeve. The full length dress is slim fitting with centre back zip, shoestring straps and shaped bust with ruched centre front."Mandamatilda", "Dry Clean Only, SSWdi reidie, 1970s, house of merivale, manda matilda

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

This ladies suit belonged to an elderly neighbour of the donor, Margot Miller, who lived in Black Street, Brighton in the 1970s. The neighbour had offered Margot a selection of her old clothing, dating from the early 20th century, as she wanted somebody to hold onto and care for the items after she died. Before Margot could take the items the neighbour was moved into a nursing home and, while cleaning out the house, the woman's son took the clothing to the tip with a load of rubbish. Margot happened to see him leave and was able to follow him and retrieve the clothes. They remained in the Miller family for many years; some were worn by Margot's daughters and some were ultimately passed on to others. Based on our research, we believe that the suit's original owner may have been Julia Richards (nee O'Keefe, c. 1882-1976), who lived at 59 Black Street during this time. Born in Ireland, Julia emigrated to Queensland in 1900. She married William Alfred Richards in 1911 and lived with him in Ayr, near Townsville, where they ran a hotel. It is unclear what became of William, but by the mid-1920s Julia and her two children were living in Brighton, where she remained until her death in 1976, aged 94.Cream wool ladies suit consisting of a jacket and skirt. Jacket is partially lined with silk, quilted around shoulders. Fastens with four self-covered buttons, one attached to a belt. Two box pleats at front and back, each featuring four decorative self-covered buttons at the waist. Upturned cuffs, each with two buttons. The skirt features a fabric belt and triangular pockets in each side with decorative self-covered buttons. Hook fastenings at side.1910s, women's suit, julia richards