Historical information


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.

Physical description

Rectangular silk organza chemisette, with inset embroidered net at the front and at the neck. The free-form, multicoloured silk embroidery includes abstract flowers, fruit and leaves, and may be of Chinese origin. The chemisette has five decorative mother-of-pearl buttons at the front and silk organza ties at the waist.