Joseph Butterworth COOMBS (1842-1901), was an accountant who founded a successful mercantile trading company. At the time of his marriage to Caroline Mary MICHEL in 1869, Coombs had already purchased ten acres of Studley Park. The acreage included land on the west of Fenwick Street that extended along lower Stawell Street to the corner of Yarra Street, all of it connected directly to the Yarra environs. A right of way to Studley Park Road was on the title, though Coombs went on to purchase more land, some of which faced Studley Park Road. In addition to owning the Studley Park acreage, Coombs later acquired 1,201 acres of land abutting the Acheron River. While retaining the Kew property he became a Taggerty Councillor and was Shire President for a time. J.B. Coombs died at Acheron Station in 1901 (aged 59 years). A few months after, tenders were called to repair the Kew dwelling, the Fenwick Street property now appearing in records with the name ‘Hope Mansell’. Caroline Coombs remained at Hope Mansell until she died in 1924, survived by three sons and five daughters. Not long after her death, advertisements appeared for the sale of the Studley Park land. The sale seems to have been a mechanism for distribution of the Estate, as the following year the original ten acre holding was transferred to members of the family. The eldest daughter Mabel married William Younger who, with his brother Alexander, developed Younger and Mackie Courts, both south of Studley Park Road. [Research: Kerry Fairbank]In 1961, the granddaughter of Joseph and Caroline Coombs, Mabel Isola (Younger) Grattan, donated ten 19th century dresses and parasols to the Kew Historical Society. The costumes, now known as the 'Coombs Collection', are the earliest recorded items of clothing to enter the Society's collection. Each of the items in the Coombs Collection, of which this item forms a part, is historically, aesthetically and socially significant. As a collection, the costumes includes outstanding examples of morning wear, day dresses, wedding dresses, and clothing accessories, providing evidence of outstanding dressmaker skills in Victoria during the mid to late Victorian period. One-piece, floor length blue silk day dress with a bell skirt that is slightly longer at the back. The dress is joined, centre-front with hooks and eyes. It is probable that the 19th century cream-coloured lace on the bodice and cuffs is a later addition. The lace extends in a long loop at the font of the skirt. The bodice has a high round neck, later modified to a V-shape. The dress must at one stage have been reconfigured or strengthened at the join of the bodice and skirt, as there is evidence of the use of new machine stitching. The dress is fully lined with a stiffened cotton lining fabric. Apart from minor staining, the dress is in excellent condition. The dress is the earliest complete costume in the collection. Measurements - 145.0 cm (centre back) 25.0 cm (waist, flat)Nilcoombs collection, fashion - 1860s, women's clothing, costumes, daywear

Prue Acton launched her label in Melbourne in 1963. Initially celebrated for capturing the youthful energy of the 1960s "Youthquake" movement, her brand underwent a significant maturity shift during the late 1970s and early 1980s. As her original teenage and twenty-something clientele entered the professional workforce, Acton transitioned her designs from playful boutique mini-dresses into sophisticated, structured, and upscale ready-to-wear pieces. This wrap day dress perfectly exemplifies that evolutionary step. It offers practical utility for the contemporary working woman while maintaining the high-impact visual flair she was known for. This specific garment reflects her obsession with pure, interacting hues. The combination of saturated teal against coral-red and gold metallic trimmings is a masterclass in complementary color dynamics. Instead of relying on traditional printed patterns, she used the structural trim itself to dictate the architecture of the dress. The wrap dress style allowed for physical ease in warmer climates, while the sharp graphic lines gave it an assertive presence. A midi-length day dress in deep teal featuring a wrapped crossover V-neckline, short fluttering tulip sleeves, and a defined waist. The dress is accompanied by a wide, matching self-tie fabric belt. The garment features striking, avant-garde contrast borders in coral-red and gold metallic ribbon. This graphic trim accents the length of the belt, forms a bold, geometric zig-zag pattern around the lower hips, and finishes in parallel horizontal bands directly above the hemline. While the tailored cotton construction echoes late-1970s daywear, the hyper-saturated colorblock palette and bold geometric patterns strongly align with Prue Acton's transition into the vibrant, structured aesthetics of the early 1980s.Label 1: "Prue Acton" Label 2: "Size 14 ..."prue acton, australian fashion -- melbourne -- 1970s, dresses

This ensemble is a highly representative example of the pioneering textile artistry of Prue Acton, an iconic figure in Australian fashion history often celebrated for injecting the energy of the 1960s and '70s "Youthquake" movement into the domestic market. The piece belongs to Acton’s critically acclaimed 1970s "Patch" era. During this period, Acton moved away from the slick synthetics of the Mod era toward natural fibers and whimsical, story-driven collections inspired by the global folk revival and bohemian styles. According to historical archival provenance from similar surviving museum garments, these conversational, pictorial patchwork designs were often ingeniously engineered utilizing high-quality end-of-roll textile remnants. This specific garment beautifully encapsulates the early 1970s pastoral "cottagecore" fantasy, exhibiting how Acton blended commercial garment production with playful, illustrative textile collage.A two-piece daywear ensemble comprising a structured blouse and an elaborate, narrative-driven midi skirt with a coordinating waist sash. Comprised of a semi-fitted blouse of medium-weight slate gray plain-weave fabric. It features brief, extended cap sleeves, a high mandarin-style band collar, and a center-front button closure secured by five self-colored small round buttons. The high-waisted skirt is a full A-line midi-length skirt featuring an intricate, illustrative folk-art narrative applique landscape. The pieced design represents a stylized house or cottage set within a garden. Fabric sections are arranged into vertical stripe configurations mimicking window panes, alongside curved, layered patch elements in multi-colored floral calicos that form bushes and ground structures. The lower tier terminates in a broad, contrasting cream-colored patterned base hem panel. A wide, detachable self-tie waist sash executed in a dense, small-scale floral calico print is intended to be cinched around the high-fitted waistband to form a statement bow at the front.Label: "Prue Acton"prue acton, fashion -- melbourne -- 1970s

Long sleeved pink silk bodice lined with pink and mauve cotton fabric. Front of bodice made of pieces with a centre seam. Centre panel insert of cream coloured embroidered net narrowing from 28 cms across high neckline to 18 cms at waist. Five black velvet bows are attached vertically at centre front from below the throat, 6 cms apart. Velvet bows hand stitched to centre front. Front panel has rounded shape dipping below the waist. On either side of front insert are two wide vertical tucks Stand up collar of embroidered net (6 cms) has two pieces of wire inserted at LHS of back opening and in front of LH shoulder. Matching wire pieces on RHS are missing. Wire pieces are hand stitched in place. The bodice has a back opening fastened with six buttons and button holes plus a hook and eye at the top below the collar. One button is missing. Buttons are white with wheel spoke pattern. Strip of hemmed silk fabric is tied to the top buttonhole. Cotton lining consists of four pieces across the back and two pieces across the front with centre seam and two darts on either side. Full gathered set in sleeves from the shoulder are gathered into a tightly fitted 20 cm lower sleeve just below the elbow. The upper sleeve has a fitted lining of mauve cotton fabric shaped to the elbow and then forming the fitted sleeve along the lower arm. The fitted lower sleeves are covered with cream coloured embroidered net and have a 10 cm opening on outer edge fastened with three buttons and button holes. Hand and machine stitched.costume, female daywear, silk bodice

Floor length dress of royal blue silk fabric with a metallic thread forming a tinsel like pattern. There is a V neck at front with a high round neck at the back. The bodice front is made from two pieces with a centre seam. The bodice is attached to midriff panel of royal blue satin. At the front the bodice is gathered slightly onto the panel with a V shape at t centre front of the panel. At the hip line centre front the midriff panel narrows and then widens and the panel extends to the hem. The centre panel is divided and has a godet insert in the centre. Fifteen decorative fabric covered buttons with roulette loops are attached at centre of midriff panel. The back of the bodice is one piece is gathered slightly into a high waisted skirt made up of four gored pieces. The side opening (21 cm) at the waist on the LHS has three metal hooks with cotton loops and two press studs. The long sleeves are set in with lily point finish at the wrist. The underside of the sleeve at the wrist has ten decorative fabric covered buttons with roulette loops. Machine and hand stitched.costume, female daywear, blue silk dress

Lightweight knee length linen coat with long sleeves. The coat is single breasted with a V neckline with a fold over collar of black linen fabric. There are two rows of black cotton piping on the edges of the collar. The front is made up of four pieces. The two centre panels are shaped at the bust line. The two side panels are narrow at the shoulders and flare slightly from the hip line to the hem line. There is a decorative line of stitching on the front seams. The front of the coat is fastened with three black buttons (2 cm) and button holes. The back of the coat is made up of three pieces. The centre panel is shaped in at the waistline. The two side panels are narrow at the shoulders and flare slightly from hip line to hemline. The two back seams each have three decorative black buttons (2 cm) vertically between bust line and waist. There is a decorative line of stitching on the back seams. The coat has long set in sleeves shaped at the elbow and with black linen cuffs (10 cm). There are two rows of black cotton piping on the top edge of each cuff and one row of black cotton piping on the lower edge of each cuff. There is a 14 cm cotton tape hanging tag stitched inside the coat just below the collar on the back. Machine stitched.costume, female daywear, linen coat

White fine cotton short sleeved blouse. The front is made of two pieces with a front opening. Each side has two darts from the waist and are slightly gathered at centre front. The front has a V shaped neckline with a border from the shoulder. The border is made up of three rows of cotton featuring drawn work patterns and embroidered flowers. The back is made of two pieces with a centre seam. The front and back pieces are attached to a casing that is attached to a peplum. The neckline is edged with lace at front and back. The front opening is fastened with three buttons and buttonholes plus three cotton tapes threaded through casings around the neckline and around the waist above the peplum.costume, female daywear, cotton blouse

Ivory coloured silk bodice. Part of wedding ensemble with matching skirt with train. (11400.513B). The silk fabric has an all over pattern of scattered leaves. The bodice has long sleeves and is fully lined with cotton fabric with a front opening. The cotton lining at the front forms a separate bodice with a front opening fastened with fifteen hooks and eyes from throat to waist. The lining is edged at centre front on both sides with a border of the silk fabric. The border narrows from 7 cm at the throat to 3 cm at the waist. In the lining of the bodice are two casings on either side of the front opening containing boned segments. Across the lining of the back are seven casings containing boned segments. The front LHS of the bodice has an outer layer of silk fabric with a squared neckline. The RHS of the bodice overlaps the centre opening of the bordered lining to attach across the left shoulder. From the left shoulder the front tapers diagonally to the waistline 4cm to the left of centre. This cross over section is fastened with ten hooks and eyes – seven of the eyes are attached to the bodice lining and three are on the LHS outer silk fabric layer. This section crosses full width to the edge of the LH sleeve, across the top of the shoulder to the neckline. The LHS outer section crosses back over the edge of the centre section. There is a third layer on the RHS with a squared neckline to form a symmetrical appearance. The two side sections are edged with ruffles of fine silk ribbon. The centre section of the crossover part has vertical pintucks extending from the throat for 9 cm. The fullness created by the pintucks is gathered to centre front where the waist dips to a shallow V shape. The back of the bodice has vertical pintucks extending 12 cm from across the shoulders, narrowing to a single vertical strip of pintucks (4 cm) ending at centre waist. The waist is edged with a border of silk ribbon with a horizontal tuck. Inside the back of the bodice above the waist cotton tape ties are attached. These ties extend to the front of the bodice and the ends are fastened with a metal buckle. On this cotton tape at centre back there are to metal hooks for attaching the skirt. Attached to the neckline of the front section of the bodice is a 7 cm stand up collar. The collar extends from the RH shoulder in front of the neck and across the LH shoulder and continues unattached around the back of the neck to attach to the edge of the collar at the RH shoulder. The edges of the collar are fastened with three hooks and eyes. The collar has three full width horizontal pleats and the top edge is trimmed with a frill of fine gathered silk ribbon. On the waistline at centre front and centre back are decorative buttons (3.5 cm) of pearl coloured beads. The buttons have a centre pearl bead bordered by small glass beads surrounded by 9 smaller pearl beads and nine small pearl beads. Each button is edged with a row of tiny class beads with 18 points. The long sleeves are fully lined and made of two sections. The underneath section of the sleeve is ungathered and shaped at the elbow. The upper section of each sleeve is gathered at the shoulders and attached to the underneath section with a series of small pleats down to the elbow creating fullness. There is a small cap sleeve at each shoulder over the top of the gathered sleeve. The cap sleeves are edged with a frill of gathered silk ribbon with a decorative row of gathered silk ribbon parallel to the edge. At each wrist is a gathered frill of silk fabric edged with silk ribbon. Each sleeve has an 8 cm split at the wrist on the back seam. Full length ivory coloured silk skirt. The silk fabric has an all over pattern of scattered leaves. The skirt is fully lined with cotton fabric. The skirt is made of 5 pieces. The centre front panel has two darts at the waistline. The two side panels are cut on the bias and wrap around to form a centre back seam gathered into the waistband and finishing 44 cm below the waist line. Two triangular pieces of fabric are inserted at the back below the centre seam to complete the full circle of the skirt. There is 30 cm back opening. The waistband is made of cotton tape (3cm) fastened with two hooks and eyes with a 2 cm crossover. There is another hook and eye fastener halfway along the opening split. There is one upward facing hook on either side of the centre back opening to attach the matching bodice. The LHS of the back opening has a cotton fabric pocket inserted along the seam. The hem of the skirt is edged with two 5 cm frills of gathered silk fabric.costume, female daywear, silk bodice

Light and dark grey fabric with small geometric patterns. Empire line dress with long sleeves. The bodice has two panels with diagonal pleating to shape the bust line. There are two pleated pieces at the shoulders with three pleats (12cm) into which raglan sleeves are attached. The front RHS panel crosses over the left to form a V neck line. The back has a high round neck line and plain back with two darts from the waist. The long sleeves taper to the waist with a top seam. Two small pleats gather the fabric at the top of the wrist/sleeve. The skirt is made up of nine pieces -a front slightly flared panel with 2 gored panels on either side. The back is made up of four gored panels. From the level of the waist, the skirt is lined with stiffened paper like lining. From the waist to the under bodice seam it is not lined. Centre back opening has 29cm zipper at centre back beginning 25cm below the neckline.Tag stitched inside back neckline Styled by Walton Gowns Melbourne All Rayoncostume, female daywear, dress

Royal blue rayon knee length dress made of rayon fabric. Bodice is sleeveless with three shoe string straps on each side. Straps have a decorative knot at shoulder joining the three straps. The neckline is an inverted U shape across the front. The bodice is lined with the royal blue rayon fabric. The front of the bodice has two pleated panels running diagonally from the top with the right side overlapping diagonally. The skirt is an A line shape attached to the bodice with two pleats on either side of the front and back. The skirt is lined with brown paper stiffening fabric. A 9cm horizontal band with three pleats is attached above the waist line. On each pleat is a row of decorative buttons (6, 5, 6) made of strings of clear glass beads coiled into a spiral shape. The central back opening has a 36cm zipper.Tag sown inside back of bodice on RHS - Styled by Jeffrey of Melbourne All Rayoncostume, female daywear, dress

Pink, purple, green and grey floral patterned dress. Rayon fabric with smooth surface. Sleeveless bodice with wide shoulder straps. The shoulder straps widen from 6cm at the front across the shoulders to attach at either side of centre at 14cm. Back of the bodice is made of four straight pieces from waist to above bust line. The front of the bodice is made from three pieces with centre piece dipping. Narrow at front because gathered in to U shape at centre front at waist. Across the bust line are two pieces of fabric with horizontal folds to create fullness. The pieces are joined at centre front with a decorative knot of fabric. The bodice and shoulder straps are lined with cream coloured net. Two darts at front and two at back from waist. The full length skirt is made from two pieces at the front and the back is made from four pieces. Back of the bodice inverted at skirt. Back opening at centre back with 26cm metal zipper. Hook and eye above zipper. On either side of centre back are two folded pieces of gathered fabric attached at waistline to create the effect of a large bow with tails. Attached at the waist on each hip are two padded sections of fabric 39cm x 10cm, gathered at waist.costume, female daywear, dress

Cream coloured knee length dress of crimplene fabric. Fabric has all over pattern of horizontal rows of looped knot pattern. Fabric also has silver thread woven into fabric. Dress has a high round neckline both front and back. Dress is A line, with front having side darts at bust line and two 30cm darts – vertical on either side of centre front from bust line to hip line. At lower end of each dart is a false pocket flap (11cm x 5cm). Back opening from centre neckline has 54cm nylon zipper with hook and loop at neckline. Back has two vertical darts on either side of centre back. Dress has short set-in cap sleeves. Part of ensemble with 11400.521.Top inside back below neckline: Fashioned by Gina of Melbourne Registered TMS Crimplene. Made from terylene polyester fibre. Wash by hand or machine in warm water. Rinse thoroughly. Gently squeeze out surplus water. Drip dry.costume, female daywear, dress

A Line cream coloured knee length coat of crimplene fabric. Fabric has all over pattern of horizontal rows of looped knot pattern. Fabric also has silver thread woven into fabric. High round neck with stand-up collar - 4.3cm. Two press studs at top below collar, plus one hook and loop to close the collar. Full length front opening with 4.5cm band. Five 2cm fabric covered buttons – evenly spaced from neckline to below hip line. Front has two side darts at bust line. Two false pocket flaps (14cm x 5cm) set at 45° angle to side seams at hem line. Long straight set in sleeves slightly tapered to the wrist. Part of ensemble with 11400.520.Top inside back below neckline: Fashioned by Gina of Melbourne Registered TMS Crimplene. Made from terylene polyester fibre. Wash by hand or machine in warm water. Rinse thoroughly. Gently squeeze out surplus water. Drip dry.costume, female daywear, coat

Sleeveless mid blue below the knee length dress of rayon fabric. Shallow scooped front neckline. Wide shoulders extend over top of arm. Front of bodice in two parts. Top yoke is attached to 12cm midriff section. Midriff section has wide section with two side sections. Front yoke section is attached to midriff section with two small pleats under bust on either side of centre. Across the centre seam of yoke and midriff is a decorative strip of light blue lace of open floral pattern. The back of the bodice is of two pieces with centre seam attached at the waist with vertical darts on either side of centre. Back opening with 50cm metal zipper beginning 9.5cm below the rounded back neckline. Skirt is made of two pieces joined at front and back centre. Front centre panel 16cm with centre seam. From side of centre panel, the skirt is box pleated (4cm). Six box pleats on either side attached to waist of bodice. Pleats continue to back centre seam. Decorative piping attached around waistline. Machine stitched. Unlined. Faced at neck and sleeves with same fabric. Part of ensemble with 11400.523.Created by ZANKO of Melbournecostume, female daywear, dress

Mid blue waist length long sleeved jacket to be worn over 11400.522 11cm fold over collar that extends to waistline with crossover front and scalloped lapels. Right over left crossover (3.5cm) fastened with one fabric covered 2.4cm button with centre circle and narrow edge. Lapels have decorative cut out lace motifs attached – match lace across midriff of dress. Ten motifs evenly spaced around collar. Front pieces have vertical darts from hem under bust. Back of bodice has two pieces with centre seam. Vertical dart on either side of the centre seam. Unlined. Machine made. Kimono sleeves. Three quarter length. Gusset under each arm 12 x 13cm. Part of ensemble with 11400.522.Created by ZANKO of Melbournecostume, female daywear, coat

Royal blue rayon and silk short sleeved knee length dress. Back is made of two pieces with centre seam. Inverted pleat at centre 18cm above hem. Two vertical darts have been used on either side of the centre back (30cm). Both darts have been unstitched. Short set in sleeves. Front has bodice crossover to form V neck.15 cm crossover Midriff piece and skirt in one piece – straight. Bodice crossover pieces joined to midriff. Dull blue lace fabric lined with royal blue rayon, joined to midriff piece – layered horizontally with 4 tucks of 3cm showing. Attached to skirt. Skirt one piece with two knife pleats on either side of centre. LHS opening with 26cm metal zipper from 8cm below sleeve. Linen look fabric. Part of ensemble with 11400.525Created by ZANKO of Melbournecostume, female daywear, dress

Royal blue rayon long sleeved coat to wear with 11400.524. Fully lined with blue rayon lining, ¾ length set in sleeves with 10cm fold back (fully lined) cuffs. Front opening with no fastening or crossover. Fold back shawl collar. Front darts running from centre shoulder – 24cm vertically Internal pocket of lining fabric. Pockets on either side at hip level. Angled 15 degrees away from side seam with a band along opening edge – 16 cm. Back made from one piece. A line shape. Slightly flared at hem. Machine stitched. Part of ensemble with 11400.524.Created by ZANKO of Melbournecostume, female daywear, coat

Purchased for the 'Little Shop on the Hill' at Burke Road CamberwellGivoni is one of Australia's largest dressing gown, sleepwear and daywear producers. Givoni was started by Stan and Malca Givoni in 1947. Don Givoni, their son, took over from them and built the company into a major clothing manufacturer with factories based in Victoria. Now owned and managed by a third generation son, the company continues to pride itself in delivering top quality merchandise. The designers at Givoni create beautiful sleepwear and daywear, encompassing classic style, quality, attention to detail and great value for money.'Givoni' Green & light grey patterned dressing gown with lace on collar, long sleeves, made of polyester and cotton.'Givoni'costume, female nightwear, female