The Darnell Collection's Flora & Fauna: The Nature of Fashion exhibition opens at Blue Mountains City Art Gallery

'Flora & Fauna: The Nature of Fashion' opened in pure style on the 11th September. The exhibition runs until 1st November. Six different aspects of flora and fauna in fashion history is explored with categories such as Lace, Printed Textiles, Embellishment, Embroidery, Flora and Fauna as Material, Woven fabric. Many items from the collection have never been seen before including a rare peacock feather muff and matching collar and a dyed fox fur by Melbourne furrier Nettlebergs from the 1890s. 

For more information: www.bluemountainsculturalcentre.com.au

11th September - 1st November 2015

(the exhibition will be travelling to Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery in April 2016)

The Lace section

The history of printed textiles

A couture gown by Minh Hanh sets the scene with a spectacular Shinto wedding robe in the background

An unlabelled gown with cock feathers

Mary Katrantzou and Tina Leser greet visitors to the exhibition

Betty Lynn ballgown from the 1950s

Over fifty accessories are on display

My wonderful work experience and design students at the opening

Wearing Giles and a pair of Hermes kid opera length gloves and posing with Ian Clark, the special guest at the opening 

The Roaring Twenties brings the Blue Mountains alive

Fashion Parade at the Roaring Twenties festival at the Hydro Majestic HotelThe Fifth annual Roaring Twenties/Charleston Challenge event took place high in the mountains 

The Fifth annual Roaring Twenties/Charleston Challenge event took place high in the mountains of NSW on (another) foggy day. We didn't beat the world record for the number of dancers, dressed in vintage, dancing the Charleston, but we certainly had a fabulous time trying.

Following the Challenge, 250 people adjourned to the Hydro Majestic marquee to spend the afternoon wining and dining on a locally produced five course meal. 

The Darnell Collection was featured in a mini catwalk parade of rare and stunning 1920s garments and accessories, co-hosted by the fabulous Damien Beaumont, presenter at ABC Classic FM radio.

What a great day. I'm still recovering! 

Congratulations to everyone who organised and brought this festival to fruition. Bring on 2018!

A misty moment dancing the Charleston

With my great friend and Patron of the Festival, Claudia Chan Shaw

Winners of the Best Dressed competitions

Posing!

At the Long Lunch 20s fashion parade. Olivia wears an original 20s 'step-in' chemise (or 'onesie' as we call it today!)

Olivia wears a 20s silk 'teddy'

Eleni wears a silk tricot knit sweater, palazzo pants and hand printed silk chiffon blouse

Eleni's second outfit is a beautiful silk and glass bead embellished dress with an Egyptian motif

Kate wears a stunning silk 20s wedding dress

Anetta wears a delicate lace and silk crepe evening dress and a silk with silk moire shawl 

Posing on the terrace at the historic Hydro Majestic Hotel, Mellow Bath, Blue Mountains

Parade's over. Time to relax!