Significance

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.

Physical description

Woman’s hat retailed by Beryl Richards of Melbourne which is constructed on a stiffened net and covered with pieces of white fabric cut to simulate the shape of petals.

Inscriptions & markings

Label: Beryl Richards Hats - Melbourne