The 1960s were an exciting time in fashion, a time of transition from the ladylike looks of the earlier eras into youthful vibrancy. The exhibition covered key 1960’s silhouettes from the micro mini to the ’wild hippie’ maxi styles.
A fresh new look emerged in Australian fashion during this decade of cultural and social change, with a new generation of fashion designers influencing the youth fashion and culture of this period. Garments and accessories by diverse Melbourne labels and fashion designers, including Prue Acton, Norma Tullo, Mr Simon, Sharene Creations, Miss Hartnell and Hartnell of Melbourne are featured with accessories. They provided a rich insight into the evolution of Australian fashion and the groundbreaking fashion styles such as the mini dress that symbolise the 1960s.
A suite of glamorous photographs by the celebrated Melbourne fashion photographer Bruno Benini, who supplied the invitation image, were also on display with works by Athol Shmith and Henry Talbot.