200 YEARS OF WEDDING FASHION IN AUSTRALIA

EXHIBITION

This major exhibition during the 2025 Australia Heritage Festival will begin as you walk in the front door of the historic Villa Alba Museum and enteri its richly ornamented 1880s rooms. This historic fashion expo with a difference will allow you to become immersed in the history of Australian wedding fashion through a curated collection of nineteenth and twentieth century wedding gowns and accessories, arranged by era in the main rooms of the house. Exhibits are drawn from the nationally significant fashion and design collection of the Kew Historical Society, as well as from private collections.
Villa Alba Museum, 44 Walmer Street, Kew, 3101
26 April to 11  May / Tickets $20
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LECTURE PROGRAM

Bridal Floristry Demonstration
Discover the art of bridal floristry with Mel from Violet and the Fox.  Watch as she demonstrates how to craft stunning bridal bouquets, blending modern flowers with traditional techniques. Whether you’re a floral enthusiast or a bride-to-be, this demonstration offers beauty, inspiration and a chance to explore a modern interpretation of a classic style. Attendees will also have time to view the exhibition.
Wednesday 30 April, 10.30 – 12.00
Tickets $30. Capacity limited to 15 tickets
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Conservator’s talk
Robert Baker, the archivist of Kew Historical Society, is responsible for managing the large fashion and design collection, from which most of the dresses in the exhibition are drawn. Join him as he presents an overview of the exhibition, describing evolving styles of Australian wedding fashion, the history of notable garments, and what the gowns exhibited tell us about the periods in which the dresses were made and worn. Attendees will also have time to view the exhibition.
Wednesday 30 April, 1.00 – 2.30
Tickets $30. Capacity limited to 15 tickets
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Conservation and storage of wedding dresses
Join fashion historian Nicole Jenkins, and members of the Kew Historical Society, in a lecture on the challenges of preserving wedding fashion and accessories. This practical lecture and demonstration will cover common risks to old textiles, decisions about cleaning, and appropriate and affordable storage options. Attendees will also have time to view the exhibition.
Wednesday 7 May 1.00 – 3.30
Tickets $30. Capacity limited to 15 tickets
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Download and read the Wedding Fashion Flyer