The House of Merivale and a dress with history.

At the recent vintage fair at Williamstown I chanced upon a remarkable frock – a Merivale from the early ’70s constructed patchwork-style from a large collection of original vintage fabrics from the ’30s and ’40s.


Not especially attractive or flattering (the dress is empire style and rather like a maxi-length smock with long blouson sleeves), I could not pass it up. It’s a piece of history, from a rare time.

During the late ’60s and early ’70s, fashion went backwards as much as it went forwards. Inspired by the ’20s to the ’50s, vintage came into vogue for the first time as beautiful (and original) clothing could still be found in the op shops for a pittance. Oh, how the story of these glory days are told often at Circa! Can you imagine finding beaded flapper gowns for a dollar or two?

The House of Merivale was to Australia what Biba and Ossie Clark was to the UK: stylish and sophisticated clothing, now highly collectable.

Here’s a little history: in 1955 Merivale Hemmes started with making hats, later branching out into other aspects of ladies fashions with her business partner, husband John. The first House of Merivale shop opened in Sydney in 1959 and expanded into a six level Victorian building on Pitt Street in 1970, incorporating a Thai tea cafe. During the ’60s and ’70s, the HOM was the place to be seen and buy the latest in fashions including Prue Acton, Norma Tullo and Merivale’s own designs.

This from The Powerhouse’s site:

Established by John and Merivale Hemmes, the landmark House of Merivale and clothing designed by Merivale revolutionised the Australian fashion scene. John and Merivale Hemmes were mavericks in Australian fashion. Modelled on London’s famous concept boutiques and catering to 18-25 year olds, the House of Merivale was the first specialty fashion boutique in Australia.

The House of Merivale was not just a shop; it was a phenomenon that significantly influenced a generation of young Australian’s attitude to shopping and the fashion experience. The House of Merivale was the place to go to for the latest trends in music, fashion and make-up and was the first store in Australia to sell the mini. The popularity of the boutique was such that teenagers would be lined up outside the door.

If you find a Merivale for a good price, consider picking it up as they’re getting harder to find these days and going up in value. Meanwhile – what of my patchwork dress? It’s a mystery. It was found in a country op shop by a traveller, who brought it to Diamond Dog of Seddon, where the lovely Mellita brought it to the Fair whereupon it caught my eye.

How can I be sure that it’s made of vintage fabrics? Rayons of the sort it uses are fragile creatures when wet and do not stand up to machine washing (I recommend hand washing for most, but dry clean only for crepes) so during the 1950s a new type of rayon was invented that could withstand modern rigours. The fabrics in my dress could only be old because the versions made in the ’60s and ’70s are very different. Not surprisingly, it comes with a “dry clean only” label but all the same, I’m surprised that it has survived. Crepes shrink if washed, as vintage lovers often find out to our detriment.

Here are some more House of Merivales that I’ve found on my travels – some have now found new homes and some are from my private collection. Some are from the collections of others – if you have any HOM you’re welcome to forward images and with your permission (and credit) I will add them to this post.

Here is the earliest one: a set of culottes from Lynn Flannery. They date to 1966.
Photos courtesy Lynn Flannery.

1970 (with ’30s influence and lace up back).

Featured in my book “Love Vintage”.

Early 1970s menswear (Mr John) – 1920s cricket style, imported silk handknit.

Early 1970s (c1940 style), photo courtesy Michele Wright.

And these are all from the mid ’70s.

This one had a ’30s style matching maxi dress originally.

This wedding dress is from 1974, and shows influence from the ’30s and ’40s, Little House on the Prairie and Laura Ashley.

1970s knitted acrylic set – Photo courtesy Wendy Simpson.

Early 1970s dress with appliqued butterfly. Photo courtesy Mandy Hurst. Mandy’s dad was a HOM cutter and this dress may have been a sample.

Mid ’70s jumpsuit with shirred bodice – Photo courtesy Wendy Simpson.

1970s strapless rose print dress with matching self-covered belt. Gail bought from the Melbourne shop for a special occasion, along with a pink fabric rose ornament for the waist, and pink strappy shoes. “It was an unforgettable experience” Gail writes: “fantastic shop!”.

c1974, photo courtesy Colette Cattell, who wore it to the Surfers Ball at the Round House in Sydney – and her granddaughter, who wore it to her high school formal last year!

c1974 suit: single breasted jacket, flared skirt and flared trousers (not seen) plus floral blouse. Photo courtesy Kerryn Goding.

1974 wedding dress, with ruffled neckline and platform shoes. Photo courtesy Kerryn Goding.

Mid 1970s tweed jacket, photo courtesy Janet Flowers who purchased from the Melbourne store.

c1976 Ladies suit and blouse. Deborah writes: ‘This was my favourite outfit: I think it cost me around two months wages!’ Photo courtesy Deborah Johnson.

Late 1970s mens style tuxedo jacket of silk jacquard. Photo courtesy Brooke Davis.

Late 1970s chocolate brown duster coat with similar notched shawl collar and padded shoulders, with matching sash-style belt.


1977 wedding dress with medieval-inspired open and frilled wide sleeves. Photo courtesy Vicki Doherty.

1977 wedding dress with floral chiffon, plunging neckline and smocked waistline. Photo courtesy Joan Garvan, who was married on the ‘Radar’ ferry on Sydney Harbour.

Late 1970s to early 1980s – Photo courtesy Kathryn Maxwell.

1983, photo courtesy Sylvia Dickson.

1983/4 skirt suit with piped dagger hem, photo courtesy Lee Wizzie Scott.

1970s leather JAM handbag. Note branded tag and lining. Photo courtesy Judy.

From the Powerhouse Museum’s site: “The House of Merivale promoted fashion that was inspired by London’s boutique culture featuring a fusion of fashion, pop music and art in an atmosphere that was dynamic and fun. The House of Merivale was committed to designing ‘modern clothes for people with a zest for life.’ The House of Merivale revolutionised young people’s fashion and shopping experience.”

At their height, the House of Merivale had three shops in Sydney’s Pitt Street including the White Shop, that specialised in bridal wear, two in Melbourne and one in Canberra.

Over time, the focus of the business moved to hospitality, with a restaurant opening in Potts Point in the early ’90s. The last HOM fashion shop closed in 1996. A large number of establishments currently make up the Merivale stable, run by Justin Hemmes, the son of John and Merivale.

Readers are encouraged to submit photos of HOM garments – all rights remain with the original photographer. Please email for inclusion. Thank you to all the contributors and models Becky Lou, St Clare, Kelly Ann Doll, Lux and Nicole.

Sources: Merivale and the Powerhouse Museum.

220 comments

  1. I remember the Mr Christian shoe shop in Brisbane…where mum wouldn’t let me buy pair of very high heels in about 1979… I did buy myself a wonderful pair of boots there in probably 1982 or 1983. I think I wore them to death.
    My mother was one of those who picked up the beaded flapper dresses in the op shops…I still have some of her finds

  2. Faye, I know this is a late reply, but the Inn Shoppe was in Bourke Street opposite Myer in the vicinity of Royal Arcade. It was quite a large store and I THINK went right through to Little Collins, I have vague memories of two entrances. The decor was very trendy but not as classy as HOM and the shop was very dark, hip and cool as hell! It started in the late 60’s I think as I remember first discovering it as a young teenage schoolgirl on a Saturday shopping expedition to the city… I was in awe and totally seduced by the wicked decadence of the place… VERY different shopping experience to the shops my Mum took me to for my clothes! I shopped there right through the 70’s, lots of satin shirts, flares, jackets and I still have a black velvet dress hanging in my closet, very early goth/bondage look, but quite classic and I could still wear it today. I think it may have closed down in the late 70’s but I’m guessing… what I wouldn’t give to live through thoses days again 🙂

  3. Thank you Glenda! I cannot picture the shop(pe) but recall signage in pschydelic writing (???) around that time. Sasha shoes – wow I had forgotten about those. I had bright green flat ones which my mum bought me from Pinky’s Capitol Arcade, Swanston St. My dad threatened to give one to the dog so I couldn’t wear them! And satin flares I had in cream. My daughters 22 & 17 are wearing cork platforms these days, I don’t know how I ever did when I try them on now but I had forgotten about Sasha. I still have a classic sterling silver watch that I am wearing this very instant. I bought it from Gallery Sterling Myer Arcade in 1978. I still love it even though it is now quartz operative.
    It is so great to be reminded of these times of past. Here we are now in 2012 with the worries of the world upon us – menopause & superannuation! Thanks again for your reply – I enjoyed reading your previous post too. Happy Days to you!

  4. Ladies, thank you for your patience – if you’d like to email me images, I can add them: pics of you wearing them or just by themselves, labels, packaging etc – the more the merrier. All rights to the images will remain with the original photographer.

    I have lots more HOM and I’ll add it as I get photos of it – and my collection will grow too. I’m also going to add galleries of other Aussie designers like Prue Acton and Norma Tullo.

    I hope you enjoy it and thank you to everyone for their contributions.

  5. I have a little gold jumper from the HOM bought in 1968 from the Burke Street Store. I wore it with a pair of olive green baggy leg velvet pants with a high waist. The jumper didnt quite meet the pants but I thought it was great. I had the curly perm, black eye liner and pale makeup. We all went to the Thumping Tum Disco till 3 a.m. most Saturday nights.
    HOM was a hip experience just like its clothes.

  6. I still have my Gasworks velvet tapestry coat (1969) and Prue Acton halterneck. The Gasworks coat is now on ebay
    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320896275871?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
    at what may seem to be a high price, but to be honest, it is such a beautiful coat with the quality of another time, that I am ambivalent about selling. But I will still have the Prue Acton, my last hurrah!? I’d love to live it all again, but reality really really bites:(

  7. I still have a pair of leather shorts with lace up front and a leopard print coat . I have had them for 35years . They are both back in fashion now . I did have other Merivale items but i gave them to Vinnies a long time ago. I have chamois items that I used to wear also that I havent been able to dispose of. If anyone would like to purchase these , please e mail me.

  8. I have been following this post since I found it back in 2009. I was searching for a red dress for my sister-in-laws 40th – needed a cocktail style dress. Low and behold I found a size 12 red Merivale calf length crepe dress as new at the Salvos’ yesterday!! Only needs a slight adjustment at the neck to be a perfect fit 🙂 I figure it is from the 70’s so it is an absolutely perfect gown for the occasion. I am now trying to think of what to wear around my shoulders to keep a bit warmer as this is a halter style …and I do feel a bit exposed at 53…. any suggestions of what would work well – I think back in the 70’s I didn’t feel the cold so that’s why I can’t remember!
    Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated…I have 2 weeks to sort it out.

  9. Wow Cheryl-Leigh what a find! I used to wear a waist length rabbit fur stole in the 70’s which was inherited from an aunt… definitely before I became anti-animal fur! I would suggest just wearing a nice pashmina over the dress to keep your shoulders covered, and keep warm. Other than that show that Merivale off to its full advantage – lucky girl!

  10. I was married in 1975. I wore a Merivale dress and my husband wore a white pin stripped suit from Mr John. In the pocket of his suit was a photo of a wedding with the groom wearing the same suit. We found the photo after the wedding. Still wearing vintage.

  11. Just found this by accident when my daughter asked about the shop I worked in in the late 60’s and 70’s.
    I worked at the Inn Shoppe and shopped at Merivale.
    I remember bus loads of people arriving from the country who peered in through the front doors too intimidated to enter. I was on the front counter, in command of the stereo and the albums.
    The two guys who started te business modelled the decor on the House of Biba in London and they were really strict about our behavior.
    All the bands of the time shopped in both stores and most of us, who worked there had a boyfriend in a band. Molly Meldrum wrote for Go Set, and we often had a mention in his column.
    It was a sensational time and I am still in touch with girls who worked there and friends I made through that store.

  12. Hi, I have a “designed by merivale” burgundy leather jacket with stitching and zips. it is size 12 and it is in excellent condition.

  13. Does anybody know what happened to Mr. Christain shoe shops? I used to work in their Centrepoint shop in 1976. The owners were Barbara and David Addams. They seemed to become very successful over the years and opened shops in Brisbane and Melbourne I remember. I no longer live in Australia but was surprised to find that Mr. Christain has “disappeared” and there is nothing on any internet site that I can find to explain why they closed down or what became of Barbara and David.

  14. This morning I found a Merivale and Hemmes wedding dress with a hoop skirt in white lace at my local op shop. I’m using it for a photo shoot. It’s soooo dreamy! And in pretty good condition. I’ll send a picture!

  15. I have a pair of Mr Christian shoes I brought them in1978,they are leather and tapestry upper with a wood platform bottom.they are still in good condition ,they were so comfortable,i never got rid of them because they were so expensive,I have the matching bag to go with them.

  16. This is a fab site.Sasha shoes were made in Melbourne,and were very well made stunning shoes that were sold through Suchi shoes Shoe Bizz and possibly Mollini, back in the 80’S. The house of Merivale is where we went for gorgeous clothing that was special, not run of the mill in every shop in town.Not even Chaple street is great any more for a stunning figure flattering dress anymore ,buy it in Chaple street find it in Target half price.Where do we go to look amazing? What happened to fashion?

  17. Thanks girls for bringing back so many wonderfull memories. The eighties were the best when fashion and music complimented each other.When we had shops to buy clothes (merivalle, Digbys, Prue Acton, Shoe Bizz)Todays girls do not how to dress. We had imagination inspiration from the music. I am so blessed and lucky I lived through a wonderfull decade. Long live the eighties

  18. Hello, can you please tell me the Melbourne address of The House of Merivale & Mr John back in the 70s? Thanks.

  19. Regarding the Melbourne location, In the same building as Merivale was John Morrey Hairdressers. I think he was upstairs after you entered the main entrance of Merivale.
    I got a bob hairstyle there and the cut lasted for months. I am told by my current hairdresser that the stylists there were Vidal Sassoon trained in precision cutting, like my hairdressers was as well.

  20. The original Merivale was at the top end of Bourke St, on the opposite side to the Inn Shoppe, I can’t recall the exact location. I don’t remember when it moved to Collins St, but that store was much larger than the original.

  21. Interesting documentary on the Hemmes family on Foxtel
    25th November 2013.
    Bio 117 Family confidential.
    Will likely be repeated over the next few days.

  22. I volunteer at a country Salvos and have just come across a pair of leather pants with red stitching with House of Merivale label. Well had to buy them without even trying them on, fabulous piece of history. Loved the shop in Pitt Street always went in and dreamed then went to the op shop and still do 30 yrs later and finally have a piece of history.

  23. I was just prompted by my lady about memories of our gear from the 70’s and turned my memory inside out to recall my adored burgundy Merivale & Mr John suit from Sydney City. I still remember and LOVE that suit to this day, even though it has obviously long gone. I am 62yo now, but thankfully have retained my sense of style and size.

  24. My mom once told me about Merivale where there’s a vintage fabric and clothing collection. My mom is a huge fan vintage looking dresses fabric.

  25. wow. i bought my white lace, tea length wedding dress at HOM in 1981 while in melbourne on business. gorgeous shop, lots of dark wood, red velvet draping and a staircase maybe? it was the first and last dress i tried on for a spring wedding in yosemite. will post an image. too bad it was stolen a year later. staying hitched!

  26. I still have my year 10 Formal Merivale dress in the wardrobe (1980) bought in the Sydney store, I just can’t bare to part with it even though it doesn’t fit me any more. It is just gorgeous

  27. During the 70s and 80s I worked for John and Merivale as well as Mr Christian. (Karen Stuart Facebook me)
    It was a unique and exciting time for the Australian fashion industry. The decor, music and smells, all played a part. People would queue to get into the shops or stand outside gazing in awe. I still have items from both that I just can’t part with. Wonderful memories.

  28. The Inn shop was the coolest – apart from HOM of course. I walked into Forever. New today in Bourke St pop Myer and had the strangest déjà vu. Was suddenly transported back to the wonderful days of the early70’s.

  29. Hi all,
    I have a merivale hemmes sequin boob tube that was my grandmothers. I have had it for years and never worn it. It fits but litterally only covers your breast area. I have thought about getting a Taylor to turn it into a long dress. Would this be sacralidge? Would live to wear it and enjoy it but also see it’s beauty and history!
    I would love your advice. I have a formal function for a work conference and could be the perfect outfit.

  30. Hi Lilly, congrats on your lovely piece, although the news that it was your grandmothers makes me feel old!

    Converting it into a dress by adding a skirt is one thing you could do with it, but you’re reducing its value and perhaps preventing someone from restoring it in future, so my recommendation would be to make a matching skirt (or get a seamstress/tailor to do one for you) that you could wear with it. If it’s too small to wear with a skirt, you could construct a garment that goes underneath, like a slip dress.

    Personally, I think it would look great under a man’s style tux jacket and skinny cigarette pants with high heels.

  31. I bought my gorgeous cream wedding dress from HOM Collins St. Melbourne next door the CBC Bank where I used to work the year was 1977. After watching Family Confidential last night prompted me to get my dress out and to look up more about HOM. Helen Papas.

  32. The House of Merivale!!, That certainly brings back memories! I use to work in the Pittt Strreet shop and when I think back, Merivale and John Hemmes were geniuses in the fashion world in Sydney! Eventhough I bought clothes nearly every week , I do not have any outfits left today. Never thought they would become sought after ” antiques”. Love to read read your website site Nicole! I still love fashion and now live in Berlin / Germany where it is now snowing!
    If any of you ever visit Berlin , look up my website.
    P.S some photos of the old sales staff at Merivale or Press Articles would be great!!
    Niicole Martin

  33. From a Mans Perspective – we remember the Mr Christian dynasty, actually we were part of that madness in the factory in Campbell Street Sydney making those platform delights. We remember Barbara & David with great admiration. We spilled many boxes of shoe stock in the middle of Castlereagh Street during peak hour & clearway zones whilst parked illegally just to deliver the latest fashions to the georgeous staff at Centre Point (Chris Deans , Helena, Chrissy Glitter etc) & Castlereagh St….. From the FootFactory FashionFellas

  34. I used to work at Bank of NSW on the corner of Pitt, Hunter and O’Connell St and bought several pairs of Mr Christian shoes. When I moved north in 1983 I would travel up to the Surfers Paradise shop! I loved those shoes😍

  35. I too work at the Bank of NSW in the overseas Trade Dept – Exports.. This was after leaving Mr Christian. Worked there for about one year and always kept contact with Barbara Adams who offered me the opportunity to do Paddy’s Market (then Fridays at Haymarket where the Entertainment Centre now stands.), to sell Mr Christian shoes – their seconds and end of range shoes. This offer I took up leaving Bk NSW. Work the markets for quite a few years also selling their shoes at the newly opened Flemington Markets (retail). Mr Christian shoes by this time had moved from Campbell St Surry Hills to a factory in Bondi Junction just off Birrell St – Contour Shoes.. And this was the beginning of Mr Christian Shoes producing a more quality styled shoe because of the factory setup and equipment and skilled staff they inherited with the takeover. Barbara had a great ability in design and shop management. The shops looked great with the stained glass, timber shelves, church pews for seats, music and always fresh flowers everyday. Like Merrivale the shops rocked for that era in Sydney town – great times..

  36. I have a beautiful red two piece long fish tail skirt with a matching waist jacket purchased at
    The Pitt street Sydney merivale store in 1973! I was told the outfit had been worn to the opening of the Sydney opera house by a model!

  37. I have a beautiful merivale red formal two piece long fish tail skirts with a waisted fitted jacket! All the buttons are crystals! I bought it 1973 -74 Pitt street Sydney store!

  38. I actually worked for the House of Merivale in the Collins Street, Melbourne store and ran the layby department. I still have a couple of pieces, one which has never been worn, it was too long for me. it is beautiful, beige satin modelled on 1940’s gown, wraparound, of the type worn to relax or entertain at home. I would love to sell it but now live in Perth.

  39. The House of Merrivale and Mr John were the trendiest shops in Sydney, and seemingly too cool for this northern suburbs teenager in the early 70s. However, I did venture into the outlets on many occasions. I was particularly attracted to their leather bags, and the iconic leather coats. I still have a summer ‘midi’ dress in excellent condition. It is green, yellow and red with a white background, and delicate little flowers which have tiny writing ‘Merrivale’ .

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