One of a collection of fourteen items of protective wear and household textiles donated by Lisa Sylvan, a long-term resident of Kew, Five of the items are homemade aprons made and worn by her mother. Of the seven pinafores, three identical but differently sized pinafores were made in her parents' factory, while the other three are handmade. The handmade aprons and pinafores are representative samples of women's work, possibly from published patterns, using fabrics originally deigned for dresses. Typically, contrasting fabrics and colours were selected to provide visual interest. The donation also includes a hand embroidered linen supper cloth and a commercially produced 'birds of Australia' printed table cloth. Most of the collection derives from the 1950s.Although not uncommon, hand-made protective clothing in the form of aprons and pinafores often represents samples and styles of 'women's work' using remnant fabrics often designed for other purposes. While generally utilitarian, women found means of gracing these items by the use brightly coloured fabric or patterns, the positioning of pockets and the use of contrasting fabrics to provide visual interest.Handmade apron created out of a blue and white dress fabric that has a pattern of leaves. The apron is highlighted with red braid.aprons, protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1950s, fashion 1950s

One of a collection of fourteen items of protective wear and household textiles donated by Lisa Sylvan, a long-term resident of Kew, Five of the items are homemade aprons made and worn by her mother. Of the seven pinafores, three identical but differently sized pinafores were made in her parents' factory, while the other three are handmade. The handmade aprons and pinafores are representative samples of women's work, possibly from published patterns, using fabrics originally deigned for dresses. Typically, contrasting fabrics and colours were selected to provide visual interest. The donation also includes a hand embroidered linen supper cloth and a commercially produced 'birds of Australia' printed table cloth. Most of the collection derives from the 1950s.Although not uncommon, hand-made protective clothing in the form of aprons and pinafores often represents samples and styles of 'women's work' using remnant fabrics often designed for other purposes. While generally utilitarian, women found means of gracing these items by the use brightly coloured fabric or patterns, the positioning of pockets and the use of contrasting fabrics to provide visual interest.Pink and white cotton apron highted with blue braid.aprons, protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1950s, fashion -- 1950s

One of a collection of fourteen items of protective wear and household textiles donated by Lisa Sylvan, a long-term resident of Kew, Five of the items are homemade aprons made and worn by her mother. Of the seven pinafores, three identical but differently sized pinafores were made in her parents' factory, while the other three are handmade. The handmade aprons and pinafores are representative samples of women's work, possibly from published patterns, using fabrics originally deigned for dresses. Typically, contrasting fabrics and colours were selected to provide visual interest. The donation also includes a hand embroidered linen supper cloth and a commercially produced 'birds of Australia' printed table cloth. Most of the collection derives from the 1950s.Although not uncommon, hand-made protective clothing in the form of aprons and pinafores often represents samples and styles of 'women's work' using remnant fabrics often designed for other purposes. While generally utilitarian, women found means of gracing these items by the use brightly coloured fabric or patterns, the positioning of pockets and the use of contrasting fabrics to provide visual interest.Olive green and white pinafore decorated on the bodice with yellow braid. protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, pinafores, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1950s, fashion -- 1950s

One of a collection of fourteen items of protective wear and household textiles donated by Lisa Sylvan, a long-term resident of Kew, Five of the items are homemade aprons made and worn by her mother. Of the seven pinafores, three identical but differently sized pinafores were made in her parents' factory, while the other three are handmade. The handmade aprons and pinafores are representative samples of women's work, possibly from published patterns, using fabrics originally deigned for dresses. Typically, contrasting fabrics and colours were selected to provide visual interest. The donation also includes a hand embroidered linen supper cloth and a commercially produced 'birds of Australia' printed table cloth. Most of the collection derives from the 1950s.Although not uncommon, hand-made protective clothing in the form of aprons and pinafores often represents samples and styles of 'women's work' using remnant fabrics often designed for other purposes. While generally utilitarian, women found means of gracing these items by the use brightly coloured fabric or patterns, the positioning of pockets and the use of contrasting fabrics to provide visual interest.Pinafore using a fabric coverd with an abstract design in bue, pink and yellow. A plain pink cotton fabric is used to decorate the pocket and the shoulders.Label: "Admiration / All Cotton"protective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, pinafores, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1950s, fashion -- 1950s

One of a collection of fourteen items of protective wear and household textiles donated by Lisa Sylvan, a long-term resident of Kew, Five of the items are homemade aprons made and worn by her mother. Of the seven pinafores, three identical but differently sized pinafores were made in her parents' factory, while the other three are handmade. The handmade aprons and pinafores are representative samples of women's work, possibly from published patterns, using fabrics originally deigned for dresses. Typically, contrasting fabrics and colours were selected to provide visual interest. The donation also includes a hand embroidered linen supper cloth and a commercially produced 'birds of Australia' printed table cloth. Most of the collection derives from the 1950s.Although not uncommon, hand-made protective clothing in the form of aprons and pinafores often represents samples and styles of 'women's work' using remnant fabrics often designed for other purposes. While generally utilitarian, women found means of gracing these items by the use brightly coloured fabric or patterns, the positioning of pockets and the use of contrasting fabrics to provide visual interest.Brigtly coloured pinfaore using a representative 1950s fabric with a design of kitchen items in different coloursprotective clothing, handmade clothing, costume accessories, lisa sylvan, pinafores, fashion design, women's clothing -- 1950s, fashion 1950s

The donor's aunt, Margaret E. Hollis nee Piesse (18/2/1919-2008) wore this gown to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. She was one of a total of 8,251 guests who attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London. Margaret Piesse was born in Hobart and grew up in the Piesse family home, 'Merridale', Sackville Street, Kew. She was residing at 4a Little Cloister, Westminster Abbey at the time of the Coronation and was married (on 14/2/1942) to Rev Howard Hollis, a minor Canon at the Abbey and a deputy Priest in – Ordinary to the Queen (1954-1959). Howard chanted the litany and carried the sceptre. Margaret’s daughter-in-law, Sue Hollis, Margaret’s sons, Julian who attended the Coronation with his mother, and Richard, gave the photograph to Felicity Renowden, the donor. Margaret Hollis died in Kew on 16/4/2008.Single piece, formal silk brocade gown worn to the Coronation of Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. The bodice is informally draped with horizontal folds of fabric above an antebellum waistline below which is a full skirt. An accompanying photograph of the wearer in the dress can be viewed in the final image above. coronation elizabeth ii, piesse family, merridale -- sackville street -- kew (vic.), margaret e hollis, margaret ellen piesse, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s, women's clothing -- 1950s

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.Beige coloured rabbit fur jacket comprised of contrasting bands of peltswomen's clothing, australian fashion -- 1950s, fur jackets -- coats

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)Unlined pale grey linen two-piece suit with a fabric belt attached. The suit has the label "House of Youth Model" which may indicate that it is a licensed copy of a French original.Label: "House of Youth Model"women's clothing, australian fashion - 1950s, dresses, house of youth

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 emerald green, satin evening dress, owned by Gwen Steele, was worn by her to a reception for Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 at Government House, Melbourne. [The personalised printed invitations are kept in the Subject File 'Gwen Steele'.]Emerald green, satin cocktail dress with shoe-string straps.royal visit (victoria) 1954,, gwen steele, women's clothing, australian fashion - 1950s, cocktail dresses

Depicted are three men dressed in women's clothing, including bonnets, tutus and wigs. They are part of a theatre group.The photograph provides insight into entertainment, performance and recreation in Beechworth during the 1950s. The item's interpretive capacity is enhanced by its strong relationship to other photographs in the catalogue. Collectively, these records enrich the community's understanding of how the arts have developed in Beechworth since the mid-twentieth century.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5657 / K42K242entertainment album, entertainment, dance, theatre, theatrical group, beechworth, event, party, 1950s

The photograph depicts one young man and two young women. They are all dressed in casual clothing.The photograph provides insight into entertainment, performance and recreation in Beechworth during the 1950s. The item's interpretive capacity is enhanced by its strong relationship to other photographs in the catalogue. Collectively, these records enrich the community's understanding of how the arts have developed in Beechworth since the mid-twentieth century.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: 5664 / t / O /entertainment, entertainment album, beechworth, 1950s, arts, recreation, theatrical group, theatre

Depicted is an unidentified male performer dressed in women's clothing. He is positioned on a stage and in front of a microphone. The photograph appears to have been taken by a reporter from the Ovens and Murray Advertiser; a weekly newspaper published in Beechworth.The photograph provides insight into entertainment, performance and recreation in Beechworth during the 1950s. The item's interpretive capacity is enhanced by its strong relationship to other photographs in the catalogue. Collectively, these records enrich the community's understanding of how the arts have developed in Beechworth since the mid-twentieth century.Black and white rectangular photograph printed on matte photographic paper.Reverse: THE OVENS AND MURRAY ADVERTISER /entertainment album, entertainment, 1950s, performance, theatre, theatrical group, arts, the ovens and murray advertiser, newspaper, beechworth, actor

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsPin head consists of one eight petaled flower, two seed pods half open and one long leaf connecting leaf with seed pods. pin head and shaft are gold coloured. see KVHS 0352 for same pin except details are highlighted with darkened outlines(may be dirt)clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsThis hat pin has a yellow/amber glass ball head. It in is the same style to KVHS 0357 and KVHS 0359clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Historically this item represents women's fashion in the 1920s to 1950s. As the material used in the construction is not of a high monetary value it can be assumed it was a day to day working woman apparel to keep the hat firmly fastened into the hair. It does indicate that fashion of the time was important within the regionThis item is a reflection of both the fashion mode of the 1920s to 1950s when long hair needed to be controlled by hair pins rather than later manufactured hair sprays. It is also an example of society's mores of tidiness and quasi religious beliefs of covering the hair and head when outdoorsA long hat pin with a royal blue glass head. It is in the same style to items KVHS 0357 and KVHS 0358clothing, millinery, costume, women hat accessory

Garters were attached to the end of suspender belts - they were used to attach the suspender belt to stockings. Separate stockings were worn with suspender belts until modern nylon panty hose or step-in tights were developed in the 1960s. There are no donation details for these garters, but they were in the same package as Ric Rac trims and an embroidery thread wheel which seem to date from the 1950s-1960s.Garters were an everyday feature of women's clothing until the invention of panty hose in the 1960s.Five identical garters aka suspenders. White metal frames and cream cotton tape with a white metal button at the end.clothing, 1960s, stockings

This bonnet would have been worn when the wearer was out doors and has been, perhaps, remodelled from a previous bonnet. All women wore a head covering out of doors in the past up to about the 1950s.This bonnet has no known provenance but is retained for display purposes as an example of a lady's bonnet from a previous era.This lady's bonnet is made of cream straw with dark brown cloth pleated trimming and cream felt flowers and leaves. The centre of some of the flowers have gold small buttons attached by fine wire covered in straw. Long faded light brown ribbons are attached to the sides of the bonnet to enable it to be tied to the lady's head.vintage women's clothing., bonnets, straw hats

This bed jacket was crocheted for Carmela Materia (1931-2018) by her mother, Giuseppa Auditore, around the time they emigrated from Italy to Melbourne. Both women were longtime Brighton locals, residing in the area from the 1950s until their deaths. Carmela Auditore was the first woman from her home village of Scaletta, Italy to emigrate to Australia. Setting sail alone in 1950 at the age of 19, she joined her brother John and uncle Frank in McCallum St, Brighton. Frank had arrived some years earlier and had spent the duration of the First World War in an internment camp. John worked at the Brighton Case Company, a box manufacturer on Nepean Highway, and paid for her passage. Carmela found a job sewing children's clothing at Drummonds, a small factory in Church St. Working eight hours a day, five days per week, netted her a weekly wage of three pounds. To earn a little extra, she washed dishes at a St Kilda Road restaurant for ten shillings a shift. Her parents, Salvatore and Giuseppa Auditore, joined her in Brighton in 1952. They rented a house behind an antique shop in Bay Street. Salvatore had been a fisherman in Scaletta, but quickly adapted to the job he found helping around the Garage at Brighton Motors in Male Street. On 14 February 1953, Carmela married her sweetheart, Salvatore Materia, at St James Catholic Church in Gardenvale. Salvatore had been living with his aunt in Well Street and worked on the wharves. Both Carmela and Salvatore were hard workers. They owned a fruit shop in Church Street where Woolworths now stands, and years later Carmela recalled the familiar 6am tap on her window each morning when her husband returned from the market. On dark winter mornings, she felt as if her hands would freeze as she helped Salvatore unload cold cabbages and cauliflowers from his truck. They later owned a shop in Ludstone Street in Hampton. After Salvatore died suddenly at the age of 48, Carmela returned to sewing, working at the Willow Fashions knitting mill in Gardenvale. She later went into partnership with her sister and brother-in-law, this time in the delicatessen business. Her parents, Giuseppa and Salvatore, spent the rest of their days with Brighton. Carmela recalled her father cheerfully walking the streets, greeting people by name. He knew everybody. He loved being in Australia and enjoyed life to the last, insisting on having bread and wine on the table at every meal.Cream crocheted wool bed jacket. Loose around bust with wide sleeves and open sides. Fastens at collar with thin braided ties, and at waist with two pearlescent plastic buttons.bed jacket, migration, 1950s, carmela auditore, carmela materia, giuseppa auditore

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 gown is one of a number of items donated to the Collection by Rosemary-Vaughan Smith.Full length ivory satin evening gown, possibly used previously as a wedding dress. Inset figured brocade panel on front of skirt and bodice, with flared plain satin panels at sides. Bodice has a wide rounded neck decorated with bands of pleated satin, and broad satin shoulder straps. evening dresses, women's clothing, vaughan-smith collection, evening wear, australian fashion - 1950s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne. Hand-embroidered apron. Possibly a Semco pattern. The apron is edged in yellow fabric and has multi-coloured sprays of embroidered flowers.clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion -- 1950s, fashion design

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne. While cotton apron, edged with lace. There is a central panel of insertion lace.clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne. Apricot-coloured cotton apron, hand embroidered with a design of a woman in a garden. The apron has two symmetrically placed embroidered pockets. The apron may be a Semco pattern.clothing - women's, aprons, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Black hostess apron embroidered with sprays of leaves using orange and yellow silk thread. The apron is bordered by commercial guipure lace. The apron is backed by the same black fabric. While the leaves are embroidered on the upper layer only, the pocket is embroidered on/through both layers.clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Cotton apron comprised of scalloped panels of plain green and white floral patterned fabric.clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Green cotton apron, hand embroidered with a basket of flowers in coloured threads. clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Coffee-coloured decorative lace apron.clothing - women's, aprons, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

The Fashion & Design collection of Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants' clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. While the collection includes some examples of international fashion, most items were handmade or purchased in Melbourne.Home made cream flannel apron featuring wide box pleats.clothing - women's, aprons, protective wear, fashion design, fashion -- 1950s

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 polonaise is part of the Netta Fuller Collection.Netta Fuller and her husband Alec were long-term residents of Kew. As a boy, Alec had attended East Kew Primary School and was later highly involved in the Kew Presbyterian Church during the 1950s and 60s. Netta's passion was for historic clothing and its exhibition. In 1985, Netta Fuller and Elizabeth Pace launched a parade of garments sponsored by Kew Historical Society at Holy Trinity Church, Kew. The parade was called 'Downunder Dressmakers' and included a collection of over fifty items of clothing dating from 1800 to 1984. The collection included dresses, hats, scarfs, capes, sporting costumes etc. The core of the parade consisted of a collection of 19th century costumes worn by the ancestors of a Miss Gertrude Murray, a resident of Blackburn. In sourcing items for her collections, Netta Fuller collected costumes stored in old trunks and wardrobes, or even purchased from opportunity shops. (During the period in which she collected and exhibited costumes, the latter could often be a reliable source for the purchase of historic and aesthetically significant costumes.) Not satisfied with purchasing authentic costumes of the period, Netta also used these as models for artistic recreations. Following her retirement from both collecting and exhibiting, Netta Fuller donated a number of 19th Century garments to the Kew Historical Society's costume collection. A number of garments were parts of costumes such as bodices, while others were complete outfits. Some of the latter exhibit signs of old damage, however very few of the costumes had been modified to enable them to be worn in exhibitions. Provenance, apart from that the costumes were donated by Netta Fuller after 1985 is limited to donor information, although some of her donations may have originally been part of the collection owned by the Murray family. While the costumes are old and therefore historic, provenance is less important than the representativeness and/or rarity of the costumes. Similarly, the costumes need to be evaluated as a group and separately, considering their aesthetic and artistic significance as well a their age.Long train of cream, watered silk taffeta lined with silk net. The shattered silk train is believed to date to the 1880s. wedding dresses, trains, polonaises, netta fuller