A FASHION walk down memory lane brought the past alive in style at this year’s Ballarat Heritage Weekend.
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Ballarat locals modelled lovingly restored vintage clothes at the 20th century fashion show held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Saturday nad Sunday.
About 50 dresses from as early as 1910 were on display at the nearly hour-long show.
It featured a range of clothing from a 1915 off-white wool asymmetrical long coat worn with vintage lace skirt and genuine lace umbrella to a black velvet dress and jacket with fur collar.
Yet, what made the event unique were the stories attached to the historical pieces about the lives and the celebrations of special occasions by their owners.
However, the event was not just about frocks and frills but an attempt to raise crucial funds for the conservation of the gallery’s collection of costumes.
Art Gallery of Ballarat Foundation chairman Jane Cowles said all sorts of donations would be welcomed.
“People could adopt a frock or just donate what we need for the conservation of the clothes,” Ms Cowles said.
Ms Cowles wore a green and taupe wool dress dating back to the 1940s for the show.
“It is a Toni Troll original,” Ms Cowles said.
“Everybody tells me it looks like I have stepped out from the 1940s.”
Ballarat resident Beth Dixon said the show was wonderful.
“The dresses were beautiful, great colours, very stylish,” Ms Dixon said.
“It brought back memories.
“I wish I had saved all my clothes.”
City of Ballarat councillor for destination and connections Samantha McIntosh, who also took part in the fashion parade, said the show was complemented by the stunning surrounds of the Oddie Gallery.
“Many of the dresses have a special story attached to them, so the parade took the audience on a journey right through the 20th century,” Cr McIntosh said.
