The Port Macquarie Museum is pleased to announce the opening of a new fashion exhibition. Mono Couture explores fashion and design through custom-made historic and contemporary clothing within a black and white theme. Examples of couture dating from 1845 to 2004 are included in the exhibition.
“All the items exhibited are from our amazing costume collection”, says Debbie Sommers, Port Macquarie Museum Curator. “It is a tribute to dressmakers, tailors, needleworkers, patternmakers, boot makers and milliners”, says Ms Sommers.
“Many of the items are quite stunning. A wedding dress from 1913 is a standout, with its very simple design and beautiful embroidery, as is James Butler’s wedding shirt from 1853. There are dresses designed and made by local dressmakers including one made by our legendary Maureen Cooke in 1981. Tailored menswear is also featured, such as the wedding suit by Lowes Ltd, Sydney made in 1935.”
“The garments in the exhibition are complemented by hats, millinery, footwear and accessories. Several are designed and made by well-known designers of their time, such as a cocktail hat by Eileen Millane, who produced model millinery from her exclusive salon in Sydney.”
Mono Couture is supported by Arts Mid North Coast through the NSW Government’s Country Arts Support Program. The funding enabled the museum to work with local digital artist and graphic designer Mic Rees, who designed branding, associated with the exhibition. “Mic’s graphic design has really captured the essence of couture and what is means to design and produce fashion and clothing in only black or white”, says Ms Sommers.
Mono Couture can be viewed at the Port Macquarie Museum, 22 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie. Museum entry fees apply.
The Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm throughout the holiday period, except for Christmas Day. The exhibition runs until the end of June 2024.