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 'dance frock' by Park Avenue Gowns is one of a number of garments in the collection by this designer.Metallic thread silk cocktail dress and wrap by Park Avenue Gowns, 1960. Virtually identical dresses by the designer were featured in the Australian Women's Weekly in 1960, described as 'dance frocks', to which the wide flairing skirt would be well suited.Label : "Park Avenue Gowns"women's clothing, cocktail dresses, dance frocks, australian fashion - 1960s, fashion designers - melbourne (vic) - park avenue gowns

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.Cream crepe empire line evening dress. The bodice has a halter beck and is heavily beaded. The dress was purchased from Park Avenue Gowns of MelbourneLabel: Park Avenue Gowns, Melbourneevening dresses, fashion - melbourne -1960s, park avenue gowns, desley reid, fashion design, fashion -- 1960s

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 evening dress, by a Melbourne designer, is one of a number of items donated to the Fashion Collection by Rosemary-Vaughan Smith.Short sleeved and high waisted dusty pink silk dress with silk organza lining. The bodice is encrusted with pearls and beads.Label: Park Avenue Gowns, Melbournepark avenue gowns, costumes, women's clothing, evening dresses, rosemary vaughan-smith

The dress was worn by Dorothy Hirst (nee Cust) who was married to Cedric Hirst of the Godfrey Hirst Woollen Mills. Dorothy was born in 1908 and passed away in 2010 aged 102. Sleeveless teal and blue gown with sash at the waist and tie at back. Clear, silver and blue beaded detail is featured on the front and bodice. There are pleats when centre lower back of skirt is parted, the back also features a zip and two hook and eyes.dorothy hirst, godfrey hirst & co. pty. ltd., gown, dress, melbourne, design, fashion, park avenue, style