Historical information

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. Most of the hats in the collection were created by milliners for women. There are however 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

Women's wide-brimmed picture / saucer hat of shallow crown and broad, slightly downturned brim. Crown and brim in natural / pale wheat straw. Brim trimmed with a draped band of pale pink chiffon / organza wrapped from the side across the front and around to one side. On one side, a cluster of two large pale peach / cream fabric roses with dark green fabric leaves attached at the chiffon knot.

The base straw hat is of 1940s to early 1950s form. The chiffon and fabric rose trim is likely a later addition, probably 1950s.

Inscriptions & markings

Nil