Last night was the launch of the Glen Eira Storytelling Festival, and it was my pleasant task to dress four lovely living “mannequins” in glamourous ’50s evening wear, to tell the story of Melbourne fashion to accompany the (free!) exhibition of ’50s couture and ready to wear.

Me and Minnie Monroe. Minnie in Raoul Couture, me in Lilli Ann and Schiaparelli. Thank you to the Distinctive Dame for hair and make up.

Eva in Ceil Chapman.

Grace King in unlabelled couture and Tamara in a St Clair Original of South Yarra.

Here are some pics – details of the exhibition are here, and I encourage you to visit. I have over a hundred pieces in it, including several from my private collection and even my own wardrobe. Plus there’s designer fashion from the collection of Diane Masters and others.

Next week I’m presenting “Era of Grace and Elegance”, a 1950s style fashion parade at Rippon Lea with afternoon tea and admission to the Dressmaker exhibition, also part of the wonderful Storytelling Festival. I hope you’ve got your tickets because it’s all booked out! Should be a great day.

If you can’t make it to that, please come to my (free!) floor talk at the exhibition on July 1st. Details here. Now: pics of the exhibition – you might recognise a few from my book “Love Vintage” or the blog!

There’s also fabulous fashion photography. Love this twinset and attitude.

Eva and Minnie enjoying the speeches.