Drawing from the NGV ’s Collection of Australian Fashion and Textiles, Australian Made: 100 Years of Fashion will look at the rise fashion in Australia from the 1850s to 1950s. The exhibition will include some rare early examples of labelled garments from the mid 19th century and a range of dresses, tailored items and accessories that were made and retailed in Australia during this period. Fashion has played a vital role in Australia since first European settlement. Whether reflecting status and position in a newly formed society, or exhibiting new found wealth and flamboyance, the language of fashion was of the utmost importance for the burgeoning Australian society.

In response to the needs of this growing society, tailors and dressmakers established well patronised businesses, and extensive drapers and department stores were founded, such as Farmer and Co in Sydney and Buckley & Nunn in Melbourne. By the early 20th century, independent fashion houses, such as G H V Thomas and Lucy Secor began to make their mark on an Australian fashion scene.

Free entry

Location
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Melbourne Precinct
Victoria
Australia

Dates: 28 May 2010 – 23 Jan 2011

More details at National Gallery Of Australia