The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition at Rippon Lea House & Gardens

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post bought to you By Nuffnang. All opinions expressed are the author’s own.

 

If you also fell in love with the magical gowns that transformed the uncouth residents of Dungatar into alluring femme fatales in the movie The Dressmaker, you too can be like Tilly Dunnage and make your own fashionable return visit to Dungatar for The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition where a lavish collection of exquisite costumes from The Dressmaker feature film are now on display at the Rippon Lea House and Gardens.

 

The Dressmaker Expo 1

 

The Dressmaker movie shows the quirky and bittersweet tale of beautiful couture and sweet revenge, based on the best-selling novel penned by fellow Melbourne local, author Rosalie Ham. The collection of remarkable haute couture costumes is an ode to the glamorous decade in which the story was set, in the 1950s. But just as the fabulous couture pieces stand out from amongst the dusty barren backdrop of the fictional small Australian country town of Dungatar, the striking costumes make just as much of a magnificent impression standing or rotating in their fixtures throughout the exhibition, housed in the ornate rooms scattered side the Rippon Lea Estate. The fitting setting makes for an excitable, voyeuristic treat with the charmingly vintage interior design and artwork lacing the walls amongst the exhibition.

 

Take a peek into Tilly’s workroom, learn how the costumes were developed and see the outfits worn by the cast of the movie including Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving (including a complete room dedicated to the costumes of Sergeant Farrat – check out the size of his ballet slippers) and Judy Davis. The unforgettable figure-flattering gowns, the elegant outfits, the large collection of headwear pieces and props, all beautifully on display as you walk through the estate like a beautiful maze, turning corners to discovering another little room containing the next beautiful collection of outfits from the next scene.

The Dressmaker Expo 2

 

The costumes initially left quite an impression on me when I viewed the film, however seeing the remarkable detail, fabric, textures and shapes up close gave me a new level of appreciation. Therefore I would recommend the exhibition to fans of the movie as well as anyone with a love for costume design, haute couture, vintage fashion or anyone who has a penchant for the charm of the 1950s will definitely enjoy a trip to The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition.

For visitors who also are also up for an even more unique experience of the exhibition, keep an eye out for the special events running during the exhibition which includes a ‘Meet the Makers’ Q&A session, a pop up bar and a night to recreate the Footballers dance as seen in the movie.

 

The Dressmaker Expo 3

 

The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition

Address: Rippon Lea House & Garden: 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick VIC 3185

Dates: 10am – 4pm, Friday April 22nd until Sunday 31st July.

Tickets: Can be purchased online or at the door.

Adult $20

Concession $18

Child (5-15 yrs) $10

Family (2 adults, 2 children) $50

 

For more information, visit the Dressmaker Exhibition website.

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