Australian Made: 100 Years of Fashion

From first European settlement the supply of clothing and the way Australian men and women presented themselves in the new colonies was of vital importance. Whether reflecting status and position in a newly formed society, or exhibiting new found wealth and flamboyance, the nuanced language of fashion was of particular concern for the burgeoning and diverse society.

Drawing on the collection of Australian Fashion and Textiles, this exhibition scopes the rise of fashion in Australia from the 1850s to 1950s, while speculating on the fashionable trends and demands of a 100 year development of an Australian style of fashion.

The exhibition includes 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 from the 1850s to 1950s. It also includes a selection of paintings and photographs from the NGV collection showing how the garments were worn.

Open: Tuesday - Sunday, 10.00am - 5.00pm