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. This outfit was made and worn by Dorothea Fush, the mother of Thea Sartori. It is one of a number of items in the Sartori Collection.
Significance
Mother and daughter, Dorothea Fush (nee Winstanley) and Thea Sartori (nee Fush) were both skilled dressmakers. One of the items donated was entered in the Royal Melbourne Show in the 1960s and won an award for home dressmaking. The donation overall dates from the 1950s and 1960s and includes dresses and hats.
Physical description
Gold figured satin dress and organza coat, the latter held by a large button at the neck.