This is an item of vintage interest as it dates from the1950s. Binoculars were and still are used for bird watching, travel, some sporting events and other activities requiring some magnification.This item is retained for display purposes.A pair of black binoculars made of metal composite material and glass. The cover is brown leather with a metal clip and a shoulder strap which is broken.Carl Zeiss Jenavintage personal item

This pencil was a quality item that would have been carried on the person in times past.This item has no known provenance and is retained for display purposes.The pencil is made of brown composite material set in silver coloured metal. The top section has a propelling mechanism with a writing tip. The end part screws open for refilling the writing tube.warrnambool history, vintage personal item

Personal fan of Asian origin used by early immigrant family living in Kiewa Valley and indicative of the mixed heritages within the Valley. Personal Fan of vintage circa 1920s suggests middle to upper socio-economic levelHistorically this item places certain ethnic group in the Kiewa Valley circa 1920's - 1950's. This personal fan indicates that it may have belonged to a middle class person with greater leisure time than that of a working class. The multicultural fabric of the region is also highlighted.Personal hand fan (slide out sideways open). Cardboard screen on wooden spine frame. Main side bright coloured green trees on golden red and royal blue background. Wispy silver lined clouds, black branches and brown earth with moss. Flip side gold speckled on white background Bamboo like sliversfan, personal fan, cooling, oriental, hand fan

This item(razor) was used by men, only before fashion dictated that women should shave their legs and underarms. There is information that this razor was first used circa 1922 and it lasted up until circa 1958. It permitted the user to have a compact shaving apparatus at hand in any environment. It provided a safe and easy way of sharpening the more permanent blade. This type of razor replaced the straight, open, or cut-throat razors. The mobility of this item was further enhanced by Gillette with their double bladed disposable razor. Time taken(shaving) and costs involved where crucial factors in the ever growing pace of domestic lifestyle in the post 1920s.This historical item presents that, even though the Kiewa Region was an inland rural settlement which in the 1920's was not as close to "modern" fashions and "gadgets", the basic living conditions where still maintained at city levels. This particular razor was in its heyday a sophisticated safety razor and brought down the demand for the services of the "professional" barber(shaver). One of the problems of the superseded straight razor was the high levels of cuts and nicks to the face. As this particular razor was fairly expensive it would have been used by men who were in the middle to upper socio-economical position in Kiewa Valley before the late 1950'sThis item is a Sheffield steel(stamped inside) metal box(Viscount model) containing a red leather fine shaving strap and in its lid a grey honing stone. Both bottom and top lids are removable to allow for replacements of strap and stone. On the bottom lid appears "The Whetter" trade mark, registered in the U.S.A. in 1950.Three bands of a Greek key pattern has been pressed on the lid. A circled identification inscription. " ROLLS RAZOR Ltd, MADE IN ENGLAND" and patented information appears within this inscription. "Patented in England and Abroad. English patents numbers 467383. 284428. 242718. 242717" On the outside of the base lid within a circle are "ROLLS RAZOR" and the sketch of a long haired naked man (side view), crouched, with both hands stretched forward operating the razor. On a slab underneath are the words "The Whetter"safety razor, non disposable, men's shaving implement

Treen is defined as small, utilitarian wooden ware, often handmade by local turners or carpenters. A "treen wooden case" refers to a small, handmade container, box, or vessel crafted from wood, typically designed for functional household use rather than as furniture. These cases were historically used to store small, personal, or valuable items. Examples include snuff boxes, needle cases, sewing containers, spice pots, pill boxes, or even cases for spectacles.A vintage wooden turned two piece treen needle case with six rusted steel knitting needles inside the holder. knitting accessories, knitting equipment, knitting needles, craft, handicrafts

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 purchased this 1930s dress in 1983 to wear to her sister's Registry Office wedding in William Street, Melbourne. It was the first vintage clothing item she ever purchased and was the starting point of a lifelong love of collecting, preserving and promoting historical clothing. She subsequently wore the dress to a great number of events and considered it an important piece in her wardrobe. c1930s black cotton filet net dress with white cotton embroidered flowers. The dress fastens centre front with three hook and eyes, eleven black silk covered buttons and finished with black acetate ribbon band pussy bow at the neck , is slim fitting and finishes at approximately knee length. The head of the sleeve is gathered with a small shoulder band and finishes above the elbow with a black silk band. filet net, 1930s, 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 purchased these 1890s shoes around 1990 and recalled wearing them to approximately three events before she donated them to BHS in 2019. Di enjoyed the novelty and conversation they would inspire due to their unusual appearance by modern standards. The shoes are indicative of Di's playful approach to clothing and life. The decorative preserved mink pelt with head featured on the vamps of these shoes is typical of Victorian era interest in and prevalent use of preserved animals for decorative purposes in clothing, millinery and household adornment. This fashion reflected social positioning of oneself as being affluent, educated and worldly. Following the death of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert in 1861, the Queen's approach to mourning his death influenced social conventions for the public, with the wearing of black becoming a significant aspect of Victorian fashions. The shoes were made by Kendal Milne & Co, a large department store on Deansgate, Manchester. It has traded under various names and owners since it opened in 1832; it traded as Kendal Milne & Co from 1862-1919, and continued to be known by this name for many years after. The store is currently owned by the House of Fraser department store chain and is known as House of Fraser Manchester.Black silk linear quilted uppers of single piece construction with feature centre front vamp seam. Horsehair wadding can be seen along the side of the forefoot where the upper is coming away from the leather soles. Approx 4.5 cm plain black silk covered heel with leather top piece missing from right shoe. Both shoes feature the head of a small preserved mink with glass eyes. The toppling of the vamp features a decorative strip of mink fur. Inside of both shoes is a gold printed manufacturers label on the black silk insole.Manufacturers label - Made expressly for Kendall Milne and Co, Manchester.victoriana, mink pelt, taxidermy, 1890s, fur, 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. Of all the items Di donated to the Society, this four-piece Easton Pearson outfit was her favourite. When she bought it around 1997-98, it was the first time she had spent a large amount of money on clothing, and she thought it only fitting to throw a suitably elegant party at which to wear it. James Cameron's hit movie 'Titanic' had just been released, and upon discovering the recipe book 'Last Dinner On the Titanic: Menus and Recipes from the Great Liner', Di was inspired to host a Titanic-themed party for her friends. Held at her home in Brighton in 1998, the event included a string quartet, an eleven-course meal prepared entirely by Di, and a life boat in the backyard swimming pool.A four piece outfit consisting of a blouse/cardigan, camisole, skirt and wrap. Double-layered silk wrap with an outer layer of silk chiffon. Both ends feature and embroidered band of brown and black cotton, copper wire, and copper glass beads. Camisole of black and copper shot polyester rayon with wide shoulder straps and small shoulder pads. Blouse of brown silk chiffon, with a v-neck and eleven silk-covered buttons and loops at centre front. Patch pockets over front hip and full length sleeves. The neckline and sleeve edges are trimmed with copper-coloured glass beads. Full-length double-layered straight skirt with black and copper shot polyester rayon lining and silk chiffon overskirt. The skirt secures centre back with a nylon zip and botton closure. The skirt features a centre front embroidered panel of brown and black cotton leaf and flower motifs, with copper wire and copper glass beads. manufacturer's label: "Oh! Easton Pearson", "Pure Silk", "Polyester Rayon", Care label, "M"costume party, titanic, easton pearson, pamela easton, lydia pearson, australian fashion, di reidie, 1990s

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 1980s cocktail dress second hand around 2000 to wear as part of a Dame Edna Everage costume to a hen's party. A blue mid calf length polyester dress with prominent gathered and padded shoulders, horizontally ruched bodice, high scoop neckline, full length sleeves and dropped waist. The skirt is of plain blue polyester mock wrap style with ruched blue spiral detail on left leg seam of bodice to skirt. The dress secures at the centre back with a nylon zip and self covered button. The sleeve is lined with mauve / pink polyesterManufacturers label "Teena Varigos" "Size 14, To Fit Bust 90cm, Waist 70cm, Hip 95cm" "Do not iron pleating" "100% Polyester, Warm Iron, Dry Clean Only"teena varigos, costume party, cocktail dress, 1980s, dame edna everage, 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. This jacket originally belonged to Australian singer, actress and philanthropist Olivia Newton-John, who autographed it and donated it to be auctioned at a Leather and Lace Ball for the Austin Health Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Appeal on 15 May 2004. Newton-John has long been an advocate for cancer research and awareness, having undergone multiple treatments for cancer, a disease Di also battled for many years. Di's husband David purchased the jacket at the auction for around $1,000, and it has since been much worn by Di and her daughter Kathryn. The nature of the jacket - which is faux-leather, with glued-on diamantés, suggests that it was likely part of a stage costume rather than an item from Olivia Newton-John's personal wardrobe.Black polyester leather look jacket with black polyester lining. The jacket features a centre front opening secured by six black press studs, two bust height flap pockets with press studs, and collar. Full length sleeves with band and black press stud closure. The jacket features diamanté decorative finish along the collar and shoulder placket. "IMMAGINE, Made in Italy" "40" "Made in Italy, Fabrique en Italie, 100% Polyiestere, Polyestere, Polyester, Polyester" Personal signature of Olivia Newton John in fine silver pen, "Love Olivia Newton John, 04".olivia newton john, stage costume, olivia newton john cancer centre, austin health, di reidie, immagine, 1990s

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. In 2006, as Di prepared for a trip to New York City, fellow BHS volunteer Liz Gay gifted her a copy of the book “Alligators, Old Mink and New Money” by vintage clothing dealer and former fashion model Alison Houtte. Between 1995 and 2015, ran the vintage and second hand clothing store Hooti Couture at 321 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, and after reading the book Di was inspired to seek out the shop. During her visit she met Alison, who autographed her book, and purchased this kimono jacket from the store.Pure silk black kimono with red silk lining. The kimono features floral and leaf motif machine embroidery in pale pink and green."Made in Japan"hooti couture, alligators, old mink and new money, kimono, alison houtte, vintage clothing, di reidie, 1960s

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 in 2012 at an auction of vintage clothing from the private collection of prominent Sydney fashion designer Lisa Ho, part of a wider sale of assets after Ho's business fell into deep debt. Ho began collecting vintage clothing and fabrics at the age of fifteen and her collection featured significant clothing items collected from around the world. For many years she drew on it as a source of design inspiration, particularly for print, in her highly successful fashion business. Di later wished she had purchased more at the auction!A full length slim fitting gown of gold metal thread and black thread self wave design fabric. The dress features a shawl collar, vertical pleat bodice, three panel, peaked front skirt. The dress secures with press studs at the centre front for modesty with a full left side opening secured by press studs. The sleeve features a front and back seam creating a squared shoulder head with fullness that is pleated in centre on the arm. the sleeve length is above the elbow. lisa ho, lisa ho collection, di reidie, vintage clothing, 1930s

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 was gifted this dress by a former manager of the Bayside Gallery, who herself had worn it to a fancy dress event after finding it in a local opportunity shop. Di subsequently wore it to a party with friends at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne to celebrate and watch the televised royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018.Purple silk full length dress with cream neckline and arm hole band trim and white decorative beading over waist. The bodice joins front and back at the shoulder with a decorative purple ring. The lining is made of magenta coloured silk."Exclusively Yours Hartnell REGD Melbourne", "Exclusive Finest Imported Fabric"costume party, fancy dress, royal wedding, hartnell of melbourne, ralph samuel, melbourne designers, flinders lane, di reidie, 1960s

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 and wore it during the years 2010-18, before donating it to BHS. The Mooney sisters, Nell and Ida, were situated beside the Regent Theatre in Collins Street, Melbourne and were well respected milliners and dressmakers.Short sleeved peach silk dress (.1) featuring beige lace appliqué on neckline, along with original rectangular brown cardboard box (.2).Label: "MF 2900 / Misses Mooney / of Collins Street" Printed on lid of box: "Misses Mooney / 189 Collins Street, Melbourne"di reidie, vintage clothing, misses mooney, melbourne designers

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.Light brown floor-length silk evening dress featuring a band of black and bronze beading around neckling. Circular beaded buckles at either side of waist. Zip at back.Label, pale blue on cream "Exclusively Yours / Hartnell REGD / MELBOURNE" Label, black on pale grey: "Exclusive Finest / IMPORTED FABRIC".di reidie, vintage clothing, melbourne designers, hartnell of melbourne, ralph samuel

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. Brian Samuel, son of Hartnell owner Ralph Samuel, viewed this dress at BHS in 2019 and suggested that it may potentially have originally belonged to his mother Shirley Samuel (nee Slonim, 1922-2006).Sleeveless gold lurex evening dress. Zip at back, partially covered by three small cream bows.Label, pale blue on cream "Exclusively Yours / Hartnell / REGD / MELBOURNE"di reidie, vintage clothing, melbourne designers, hartnell of melbourne, ralph samuel, shirley samuel

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 silver mirror is part of a collection donated by Mrs. Jean Raper of Wodonga. It was owned by her aunt, Mrs. Mary Burrowes nee Dinsmore.This item is from Raper Collection donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Mrs. Jean Raper. A round silver hand mirror decorated with raised ribbon and floral designs repeated on the back and handle. The initial "M" is also embossed on the centre back.Engraved on back "M"vintage mirror, personal accessories

Portable shaving stands became increasing popular from the Victorian Era. The double-sided mirror on the swivel base features a magnifying mirror on one side. The stand includes a bracket to hold a shaving brush and two ceramic bowls nested in the metal bowl holders. The ceramic bowls were produced by Royal Doulton and bear its mark underneath each bowl. The mark featured was introduced about 1930 until 2000.This item is significant as it records changes in men's personal grooming practices in the 1930s.A shaving mirror mounted on a metal frame and stand. The stand includes a holder for a shaving brushUnder Bowl - ROYAL DOLTON MADE IN ENGLANDvintage mirror, men's shaving items, toiletries 1930s

The 'flat' hat dominated millinery design in the 1950s. Most women sourced their hats from numerous Melbourne or suburban milliners while others purchased the products of French designers. A number of Australian companies were licensed to reproduce French designs. In very rare cases, Australian women purchased directly from a French couturier's collection. This inverted flat 'saucer' hat is an example of the latter.The Kew Historical Society’s fashion and design collection is comprised of costumes, hats, shoes and personal accessories. Many of these items were purchased or handmade in Victoria; some locally in Kew. The extensive hat collection comprises items dating from the 1860s to the 1970s. While most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women, there are a number of early and important men’s hats in the collection. The headwear collection is particularly significant in that it includes the work of notable Australian and international milliners. This feather hat was donated by Marion Blatchley, a resident of 7 John Street, Kew, a member of the Society, and a collector of vintage fashion items. In terms of fine workmanship, it is the highest quality hat in the collection.A fashionably flat woman’s hat with an inverted rim. The whole is covered in tiny iridescent dark feathers. A numbered label stitched to the interior of the hat identifies that the hat was made in Paris, France. The label includes a stamped number 9102 and a handwritten ‘Col 10’.Label: Stamped number 9102 and a handwritten ‘Col 10’.hats, women's clothing, costume accessories, french fashion - 1950s

Hand-painted hand mirrors featuring portraits gained significant popularity during the Victorian era. They were originally a feature of an upper class lady's boudoir. As production techniques were streamlined and allowed for mass production, they became a common feature in most households.This item is significant because it is representative of personal items used in the home from the Victorian era onwards.A small hand mirror featuring a painting of a young woman on the back of the mirror and a man on the handle.personal toiletry items, vintage mirror

Manicure items date back to Egyptian times, but manicure sets were almost completely reserved for the upper class until the early 19th century. A doctor of King Louis XV created what was recognised as the first manicure set. In the 1920s popularity of the manicure set increased. This was due to the changing role and perception of women as a result of World War I and also the wider availability of items such as coloured nail polish. It was influenced by the “flapper” era. The trends set by actresses such as Greta Garbo and Rita Hayworth in the latest technicolour movies inspired the popularity of the manicure amongst the woman of the “Roaring Twenties” This manicure is an example of the home and travel manicures sets which gained prominence at the time. They have continued to be a popular person item until the present day. This item is significant because it is an excellent example of a popular personal item from the 1920s until the present day.A manicure set in a semi-circular wooden box. It is lined with velvet and silk. It has a mirror attached to the inside of the lid. Items are held in place with elasticised loops. Implements include scissors, nail files, tweezers, and alligator clip and two small square metal containers for cosmetics or skin cream. Handles of some items are made of faux tortoiseshell. vintage manicure set, manicure implements