The Dressmaker Costume Exhibition

Overview

When a film goes by the name The Dressmaker, expecting a fashion frenzy is understandable. Of course, the Jocelyn Moorhouse-directed, Kate Winslet-starring movie delivers much more than that. It also serves up a quirky yet satisfying combination of western, comedy, drama, thriller, revenge and romantic elements, as well as a showcase of Australian acting talent; however there's no denying the pivotal role the feature's stunning costumes play.

Those celluloid-stopping haute couture creations come courtesy of award-winning designers Margot Wilson and Marion Boyce, and they're getting their moment to shine outside of the cinema. Yes, you'll need to trek to Barwon Park Mansion to gaze at these fabulous threads — but given that the film is set in a dusty town in country Victoria, venturing 90 minutes out of Melbourne via car feels rather fitting.

There'll you find the jaw-dropping costumes that graced Winslet's feisty heroine Tilly Dunnage, alongside more than 50 Parisian-inspired designs worn by the likes of Sarah Snook, Rebecca Gibney, Sacha Horler, Judy Davis and Hugo Weaving. For the sartorially savvy, learning how the intricate pieces were created and getting a first-hand glimpse of their detail and artisanship is all part of the experience. And for those keen on turning their visit into an event, we recommend timing your trip to coincide with a curator's tour, a '50s-style afternoon tea, an after-dark shindig complete with a pop-up bar, or a Sunday garden party.