Hi everyone,

I recently found an opportunity to do something I’ve been meaning to do for a very long time: visit the Benalla Costume and Kelly museum, and it did not disappoint.

They’re currently displaying two rooms of costumes: one of ’60s-70s fashion worn by local ladies and one of 1930s evening wear.

Here are the details:
What: Benalla Costume museum, currently showing ’30s, ’60s and ’70s ladieswear.
When: on now but not sure for how long: best to contact them if you’re thinking of making a trip. Open daily 10am to 5pm except for Christmas day.
Where: 14 Mair Street, Benalla
Cost: Adults: $5.00 Concession: $4.00 Children: $1.00
More information available at the website. Click here.

Here are some pics – please note that these photos do not do the display justice. There are some really excellent gowns, and the glass window allows you to peer quite closely at the silks and beadwork. For a local historical society run on volunteer hours and donations, they have some beautiful pieces and it’s nice of them to share them with us. I quite like the idea of the good folk of Benalla wearing gowns like this out on the town on a Saturday night.

Room 1 – late ’60s to early ’70s. I particularly enjoyed the story of the local lady who wasn’t allowed in the Dance in her hot pants and so with her friends, danced in the street.

Room 2 – Evening gowns from the 1930s. I covet some of these pretties for my collection.

The black bodice is entirely bead-encrusted, as is the rest of the black detailing. Just wonderful – and the silk metallic lame’ on the right is sensational.

Thank you Benalla, you’ll see me again for future costume exhibits.