Australian Dress Register

Prue Acton Ski Suit for Australian ...

“Australia’s ‘golden girl of fashion’ Prue Acton became famous because her bold designs reflected the moods of her times, the 1960s to 1980s.  Amongst Ms Acton’s many achievements was the design of uniforms for every ...

1975

Ella Porter, Bridesmaid's dress

Weddings are usually important and joyful events, marking a milestone in lives. In the 1930s, the vast majority of young women married, and if they could, they marked it with the traditional rituals of the ...

1938

Girl's "Fairy" Fancy Dress Costume

This garment is a fine example of a homemade child's fancy dress costume from the early 20th century. The costume was designed and handmade by Louisa Honora Wane (nee Killeen) for her daughter, Marjorie Lydia Wane. ...

1913

Cocktail dress made by Barbara Cottee

This dress was made by Barbara Cottee (born 29 September 1931) in Sydney in 1951. It was made to complete the requirements of a 3-year dressmaking course at East Sydney Technical College.  Barbara Cottee wore ...

1951

Myra Mogg's knitwear

This collection of Myra Mogg’s knitwear, consisting of three jumpers, gloves, court shoes overlaid with knitting and a hat, is a superb example of fine hand knitting with Australian provenance, in excellent, near-mint condition. Ms ...

1932 - 1938

Full dress tail coat and cocked ...

This Royal Navy officer’s full dress coat and cocked hat was worn by Jeremiah Linde Jones (c.1796-1866), a ships Purser who settled in the Braidwood area between 1838 and 1845.  The design of the uniform ...

1832 - 1853

Dawn Waterhouse's Ball Gown

This ballgown, sewn from red satin and tulle and trimmed in white silk, was worn by Dawn Waterhouse to the State Ball in honour of Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. The gown forms part of ...

1954

Wedding outfit of skirt, chemisette and ...

This wedding dress was worn by a bride from a modest but respected middle-class family in 1908, the period between Federation and World War 1. It provides insight into aspects of the newly Federated Australia, ...

1908

1860s Purple Grey Silk Women's Possible ...

This purple grey day dress is estimated to originate from approximately 1863-65. It is the only possible half mourning dress in the NIDA Costume Research Collection and it was purchased from the Banana Room in ...

1863 - 1865

Florence Austral red & black blouse

"The Waters of the Rhine seem to mount high, and over all rides the triumphant voice of Florence Austral as Brunnhilde. Her singing can justly be called queenly. Even after hearing the glorious singing of ...

1920 - 1930

Jimmy Sharman's Dressing Gown

“Who’ll take a glove? Who’ll take a glove? You’re a pretty hefty-looking customer.  What about coming inside? Bowl my man over in three pounds and I’ll give you a “fiver”.  If my man cannot stop ...