About 24 wedding gowns will grace the retrospective, each generously loaned by families some of whose grandchildren and great grandchildren will take to the runway — a few even stepping into the very dresses once worn by their grandmothers on their wedding day. Photo: Rob Lacey Photography.
As Burrumbuttock marks its 150th anniversary, one dazzling event promises to stitch together generations of memory, craftsmanship and community pride — a fashion retrospective like no other.
Organised by Elizabeth Newton and Nicola Lawrence, the retrospective will feature more than 100 items of clothing generously donated or loaned by community members, some no longer living locally but still deeply connected to Burrumbuttock’s spirit.
And the ‘models’? There’ll be 24 of them set to grace the stage in garments that span more than a century, many of them a granddaughter, or great-granddaughter of the region who will wear family heirlooms, including gowns passed down through generations.
From Edwardian wedding dresses with cobweb-fine silks to bold 1980s power suits, the parade will be a living timeline of fashion’s evolution and the stories woven into every seam.
“I was initially concerned that we wouldn’t have enough to showcase but now we are spoiled with the abundance,” said Elizabeth.
“When people started hearing about our retrospective they came forth with the most exquisite outfits.
“We have an incredible mixture. We’ve got haute couture from decades ago, beautiful things that were imported from overseas and some gorgeous outfits that have come from Georges in Melbourne or the iconic Miss Spence in Albury.
“It’s actually quite a responsibility to have all of these things here in the house! I’m glad every day when I come home the house hasn’t burnt down and I say a little prayer of thanks because they are so special.”
As part of its national tour, the Lexus Melbourne Cup will make a special stop in Burrumbuttock — bringing with it a touch of racing glamour that will be reflected on the runway. The coveted trophy is set to make a guest appearance at Friday night’s fashion show, adding sparkle to an already dazzling celebration. Photo: Rob Lacey Photography.
The parade will be staged at the Burrumbuttock Public Hall, complete with catwalk, on Friday 3 October at 6:30 pm and Saturday 4 October at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $35.
The showcase will unfold decade by decade, with each era brought vividly to life through a curated slideshow of period photographs and a soundtrack that echoes the style and spirit of the time — inviting the audience to step fully into the fashion and feeling of each moment.
With the Lexus Melbourne Cup visiting Burrumbuttock as part of its national tour, and indeed in-house at the Friday night event, race-day fashion will also take centre stage. Expect elegant millinery, tailored suits and glamorous frocks that turned many a head at the time.
“One of the best photographs I’ve ever seen is Jean Shrimpton arriving at the Melbourne Cup as an invitation model from England,” said Elizabeth.
“She arrived into the members stand without stockings, a hat or gloves and the mini which was four inches above the knee.
“What’s interesting about the photograph is the look of horror and perhaps jealousy on the women’s faces around her. It was said at the time that not a light went out in Toorak that night because all the matrons were there with their ladies taking up their hems for the next day’s races!”
The retrospective also carries a deeper sentiment.
“There have been some dressmakers in our local area who, quite frankly, in another life, another time, could have been working in the atelier shops in Paris.
“We have a lot of pieces that have been made at the kitchen table, with the Singer sewing machine or hand stitched through the ages and these things are gorgeous; they are copies of the most beautiful fashion items of the time.
“The workmanship is absolutely exquisite. The sophistication of the design, the choice of the materials and passementerie is of the highest order.
“Unfortunately, we’ve moved from heirlooms to fast fashion,” said Elizabeth.
Organisers Elizabeth Newton (left) and Nicola Lawrence don vintage furs that will feature in the upcoming parade, reflecting the elegance of eras past. They shared that curating the event had rekindled a deep appreciation for the artistry and enduring quality of garments from bygone generations. Photo: Rob Lacey Photography.
At the heart of the parade lies the theme that clothing was once made to endure — crafted with care, worn with pride and passed lovingly through generations.
Generous seam allowances, elevated hems and adaptable tailoring meant garments could be easily adjusted — passed from mother to daughter and eventually repurposed into doll’s clothing or keepsakes. Every thread had a second life; nothing was ever wasted.
“The retrospective finishes in the 1980s because about that time the local manufacturers were starting to send their things offshore to be made in India, Thailand or China.
“Everything became disposable, and it was the first period in history where just about every woman had a wardrobe made up of all new things.
“We’ve now got this mindset where it’s easier to send things to landfill and I think it’s to our detriment.
“I think that’s what makes this fashion retrospective so important, because we are celebrating individuality, craftsmanship, a devotion to something that is special and worth keeping.
“I think that’s what has been awakened in us.”
Young models have also discovered the beauty of lined, pin-tucked, hand-embroidered garments — pieces that are hard to get in and out of, but rich with meaning.
“At the end of the day we’re all amateurs when it comes to putting on a show like this,” Elizabeth said, “but the joy of what Nicola and I and the young women and men are doing will shine on the night.
“That’s what I’m hoping will come through. We are all having a good time. The whole 150th, we are having a good time.”
The Burrumbuttock Fashion Retrospective will be held at 6.30pm Friday 3 October and 2.30pm Saturday 4 October. The remaining 150th celebrations will be held all day Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday morning. More information and tickets to events can be found on the Burrumbuttock 150th Celebrations website.
