I finally went along to this fashion collection at the Bendigo Art gallery and really enjoyed it.

The collection was started at the beginning of last century by a Quaker lady, Doris Darnell, in the United States. I believe she was allowed to keep the collection largley because she would wear the clothes, even though ornate clothing was not part of the Quaker tradition.

The clothing eventually came to Australia on the death of the original owner/collector who bequested the collection go to her Australian god daughter Charlotte Smith.

The collection has featured on the ABC Collectors show and you can see some of it at the art gallery until the 20th July 2008.

The tiny waists and the equally tiny shoes are amazing…I am so glad we don’t have to wear girdles or corsets like our ancestors had to in the 1900’s!

The clothing is in original condition, includes some wear and tear, but still beautiful.

Well worth a look. There is a small admission fee, but if you love fashion you will love this.