From wartime utility wear to rebellious youth styles, clothing reveals economic conditions, political climates, and social norms.
Materials, designs, and trends serve as visual records, helping us understand how people lived, resisted, and expressed identity in different historical periods.
All of this will be explored in a new exhibition opened at the Peppin Heritage Centre just in time for the Easter crowds.
The Stories of Fashion exhibition has been curated by Jane Frazer, who is a collector and herself a couturier.
It will specifically explore the social history told through fashion.
“The garments and accessories date from the 1920s to present day, and each garment is accompanied by a story which could include the history of the wearer, designer, or the fabrics used,” Ms Frazer said.
“The exhibition will include some garments from the Peppin Family collection, garments kindly shared by Deniliquin business edith elsie and from a number of private collections.
“There will be at least 20 pieces plus accessories, and more if space allows.”
About 70 per cent of the fashion items on display will be from the World War II era, and Ms Frazer said there are a number of key pieces to be showcased.
“We have a ‘Gown of the Year ‘ winner from the 1950s, items from designers like Prue Acton and John Claringfield, and even one from a designer whose dresses were worn by Princess Diana.
“The ‘Gown of the Year’ was designed by Exclusively Yours Hartnell.
“It is a silk evening gown constructed using a very soft floral silk, pleated onto a ruched silk midriff, onto a velvet bodice.
“As well as dresses, we’ll have swimwear, tennis outfits and more - a real variation of fashion.”
The Stories of Fashion exhibition opens on Thursday and can be viewed daily until June 15.
The Peppin Heritage Centre Gallery in George St, Deniliquin is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 2pm Sundays. An entry fee of $3 applies.
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