Historical information

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.

Physical description

Three quarter length black silk dress with a pleated bodice above which is inset a panel of contrasting fabric covered with black rosettes. Given the length of the dress it may have been shortened in the years following its creation due to changing tastes.