Western fashion in the 1890s saw women's capes become an item of fashionable choice as they fell gracefully over an expansive sleeve. Capes often had a high neck, and were frequently trimmed with jet passementerie and fur. This capelet has a fashionable dog-collar neckline which became fashionable from c.1895, lasting as a style to c.1905. The capelet was probably part of a mourning ensemble.The capelet originally belonged to Catherine Francis Ellen Gulliver (nee Wells) who was born in Ballarat in 1874. The item was passed by descent to her daughter Catherine Francis Helen Taylor (nee Gulliver) [born 1896], and then to her granddaughter, Doris Catherine Kriesfield (nee Taylor) [1922-2015]. Victorian-era capelet, designed to cover the shoulders, and ornamented with a double band of jet passementerie. The capelet has a high dog neck collar, which is lined with leather. The original lace, of which some remains, has been removed in the past, probably due to damage, leaving some traces of its original style. The front of the capelet has large hooks and eyes.fashion design, women's clothing, outerwear, capes, capelets, fashion -- 1890s -- 1900s, mourning wear

Western fashion in the 1890s saw women's capes become an item of fashionable choice as they fell gracefully over an expansive sleeve. Capes often had a high neck, and were frequently trimmed with jet passementerie and fur. This capelet has a fashionable dog-collar neckline which became fashionable from c.1895, lasting as a style to c.1905. The capelet was probably part of a mourning ensemble.The capelet originally belonged to Catherine Francis Ellen Gulliver (nee Wells) who was born in Ballarat in 1874. The item was passed by descent to her daughter Catherine Francis Helen Taylor (nee Gulliver) [born 1896], and then to her granddaughter, Doris Catherine Kriesfield (nee Taylor) [1922-2015]. Victorian-era capelet, designed to cover the shoulders, and ornamented with shamrocks outlined in jet passementerie. The capelet has a dog-collar neck, that is lined with leather. The original lace, forms a wide border edging the satin. The front of the capelet has large hooks and eyes.fashion design, women's clothing, outerwear, capes, capelets, fashion -- 1890s -- 1900s, mourning wear, catherine francis ellen gulliver, doris catherine kriesfield

Pair of women's leather boots given to the donor by Miss Denbigh of 18 Gordon Avenue, Kew in the 1950s. The Denbigh sisters were the daughters of John Denbigh, a pioneer of Kew, and the first resident of 'Wimba' in Cotham Road. The mid nineteenth century silk patchwork quilt in the collection also comes from the Denbigh family via a different donor. The style of the boots conforms to late Victorian or Edwardian.Pair of comparatively rare Edwardian women's bootsPair of women's black leather boots. Leather insoles and soles. Mid-calf length with a 2-3 inch heel. Glazed black kidskin or calf leather upper with a glossy finish on the lower foot area. Inside in biro "3286 / G. Smitt"footwear, fashion -- 1890s, fashion 1900s

This black bodice likely belonged to Ellen Dowsett (1858-1953) of Maidstone, Victoria, or her daughter Ruby May Selina Wallace (1891-1973). It was donated by an Emerald resident who received it from Ruby. Sleeved whalebone bodices of this style were fashionable in the first decade of the twentieth century. If it belonged to Ruby - the most likely owner - she likely wore it towards the end of that decade and in the early 1910s, when it was a fashionable piece for a young woman. It appears some internal handsewn repairs have been made, ensuring greater longevity for the outfit.This bodice is a very elaborate and interesting example of 1900s fashion.This black bodice is adorned with elaborate patterns sewn into the lace that decorates the front, back and sleeves of the item. Its interior is lined with a lighter fabric and supported by several whalebones, providing structure to the bodice. The outside appears unstructured with deflated sleeves and a gathered front. While modern clothes sizes do not map accurately onto those of the past, today it would be considered about a size 10 or 11.N/Aclothing, 1890s