Culture

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only…fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening” - Coco Channel. 

On Sat 14^th October, the Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest invites you to glimpse into the lives of these 1950s modern housewives and the teenagers. Delight in the glamour and style of the career woman of this era.

The presentation will give you a chance to view closely clothes and and accessories worn by real women during the fifties and hear some of their fascinating stories as you listen to snippets of our social history as told through the lives of the original wearers of these gowns.

The 1950s were vibrant years heralding an era of great change. Modernists were helping to re-shape life in Australia and influencing most aspects of our lives from art, design and architecture, literature, advertising and fashion. The conservatism and formality of the earlier decades was moving to a freer, more informal life style.

In this time of luxury and style, several new groups emerged, the modern housewife, the career woman and the new teenage culture. Australian women started wanting the same fashion as the celebrities they saw in Vogue magazines. They were influenced by fashions seen in movies or for teenagers, what their rock & roll idols were wearing. New synthetic materials, like nylon and polyester, revolutionised the fashion industry as new styles and silhouettes could be created, clothing became easier to care for and cheaper.

If you love fashion, the fifties and history or feel like reminiscing about the good old days, then make sure you book a seat for the Fabulous Fifties Fashion presentation and afternoon tea provided by Café at Lewers.

Join Penrith Regional Gallery & The Lewers Bequest for the Cavalcade of Fashion Fabulous Fifties presentation hosted by the Friends of the Gallery on 14 October 2pm, $25 per person (paid on the day) - includes afternoon tea.

Bookings are essential as seating is limited. Please contact Fiona Knoke phone: 4732 8702 email: Fiona.knoke@penrith.city.

This is a fund-raising event and all proceeds go toward The Friends of the Gallery restoration projects.