If you are driving through Albury in the coming months why not go via Paris and get a taste of haute couture of the past? From Paris to Albury: Regional Australia and High Fashion from the 1960s, is now showing in the LibraryMuseum foyer. 

The display showcases a collection recently donated by Vie Hawkins, who grew up on a cattle station near Jerilderie and went on to manage a property near Finley with her husband. Vie was a regular visitor to Sydney which gave her access to the latest fashions trends. These stunning outfits were worn at the society events and functions attended by Vie both locally and in Sydney. Who would have thought of 1960s Albury as a centre of high fashion?

The gowns on display include couture pieces from significant Australia fashion houses Beril Jents and Germaine Rocher, as well as outfits by Hardy Amies and Jean Patou and accessories by Oroton, just to name a few. Sadly, no photographs were taken of Vie wearing her gowns, but their timeless style is evident in the stunning display put together by Vicky Cooper, who curated the exhibition.

It’s a delightful little exhibit, well worth a look in as you enjoy the warm afternoon sun in the LibraryMuseum foyer. There’s a colouring-in and fashion doll activity for your budding young fashion designers in tow.

From Paris to Albury is on show in the Albury LibraryMuseum foyer until the end of 2015. The LibraryMuseum is open every day.

You might also like:

• From Paris to Albury on Flipstack
• Beril Jents on Pinterest
• Beril Jents on ABC Radio National
• Germaine Rocher in The Australian Women’s Weekly on Trove