Clothing. Infant's cream coloured silk cape with collar and two layers. Semi-circular 180 degrees lined yoke section with round neckline with casing and fold over collar (18 cm). Collar has 9 cm frilled embroidered lace trim with scalloped edges. The cape has two layers both lined with linen fabric. The under layer (110 cm) is edged with 9cm frilled embroidered lace and three horizontal pleats above the hemline. The top layer (52 cm) is edged with 9 cm frilled embroidered lace with a 14 cm panel of embroidered lace across the centre of the cape. The layers create the effect of a long cape with a collar and a shoulder cape. The cape is fastened at the throat with silk fabric ties (8 cm X 50 cm) with fabric frills at the hem.costume, children's, infants cream coloured silk cape

THE HOUSE OF YOUTH label was founded c.1935) by Mr. Samuel Stein. By 1955 Mrs. Stein, his son, Philip, and his daughter, Elizabeth, all played an active part in the business. The connection with Dior came to them without seeking. Dior, that man of fashion genius, had come to the conclusion that the Australian market offered a scope he could not afford to ignore. He questioned many visitors to Paris and decided that the House of Youth was the obvious channel through which his designs should flow to the Australian woman. Completely versatile, this firm is capable of covering every phase of fashion production, from impeccably tailored suits and coats to softly draped, intricately cut dresses and evening gowns. Mr. Philip Stein was modest when asked what Dior thought of their copies, but confessed that Dior, had been "very flattering". Dior had-been greatly impressed with the standard of Australian craftsmanship, and, as a result of the success of this joint Parisian-Australian fashion venture, it is whispered that the great man himself is seriously contemplating a visit to Australia. (Source: The Argus 22 Feb 1955)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.Three quarter length flared cream coloured silk cape caught at the neck and waist with two large buttons covered with the same coloured fabric.Label: House of Youthwomen's clothing, house of youth, evening coats, australian fashion - 1960s