The Loel Thomson Costume Collection

The Loel Thomson Costume Collection Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Loel Thomson Costume Collection, History Museum, 7723 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla.

Take a journey through more than 200 years of Australian Social History with this collection of clothing, jewellery, accessories, lace, furniture, homewares and more.

This strapless deep yellow evening gown from the Loel Thomson Costume Collection, is from 1950. Made from taffeta, the ...
25/05/2026

This strapless deep yellow evening gown from the Loel Thomson Costume Collection, is from 1950. Made from taffeta, the b***d bodice and short length harem skirt are topped with layers of gathered net. The net is decorated with groups of ribbon carnations and randomly sewn sequins. A matching net stole completes the look. It’s just like a burst of sunshine!

“I'll stop wearing blue when they make a more beautiful colour." — Unknown.Loel Thomson Costume Collection contains many...
18/05/2026

“I'll stop wearing blue when they make a more beautiful colour." — Unknown.

Loel Thomson Costume Collection contains many beautiful blue garments. Here are just a few, demonstrating the broad range of styles and eras.

“Here Comes the Bride” is now on display at the Loel Thomson Costume Collection, featuring a wedding party from the 1960...
11/05/2026

“Here Comes the Bride” is now on display at the Loel Thomson Costume Collection, featuring a wedding party from the 1960’s.

Wedding dresses are always special, but this dress is even more so, as it was worn by Loel Thomson on her own wedding day in 1964. Made from slub silk, it was paired with a net veil, a guipure lace cape which extended into a small train, a handmade guipure lace bag, and satin shoes with guipure lace.

As the photo shows, Loel looked absolutely beautiful and ever so stylish!

Saturday was a fabulous day at the Loel Thomson Costume Collection when the Museum of Vehicle Evolution - MOVE hosted th...
04/05/2026

Saturday was a fabulous day at the Loel Thomson Costume Collection when the Museum of Vehicle Evolution - MOVE hosted the Florence Thomson Tour’s visit to Shepparton.

We loved the beautiful classic cars all driven by women wearing clothing of the same era as their vehicles. The participants enjoyed our Costume Collection and in particular our tribute to Florence Thomson. A great day was had by all!

01/05/2026

Loel Thomson
Costume Collection
welcomes the participants of the 2026
Florence Thomson Tour

Florence Thomson was a pioneer in Australian motoring. She was the first woman in Australia to drive, having taught her...
27/04/2026

Florence Thomson was a pioneer in Australian motoring. She was the first woman in Australia to drive, having taught herself. In 1904 she drove from her home in Adelaide to Melbourne, then in 1905 she was the only female to compete in the Dunlop Reliability Rally, driving from Sydney to Melbourne in five days, entirely on dirt roads. Upon arriving in Melbourne, spectators rushed to congratulate her, her car was laden with flowers and she was awarded a medal for her achievement.

The RACV now has an annual event in her honour, titled “The Florence Thomson Tour” for female drivers of classic cars, with the drivers dressing in the era of their vehicles. On 2nd May 2026 the tour will be at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution - MOVE, with cars on display from 11.00 am - 2.00 pm in the main carpark.

To celebrate the arrival of the tour, Loel Thomson Costume Collection has recreated Florence’s crossing of the finishing line, with all clothing and accessories in the display dating from the early 1900’s.

“Decades of Denim” is now on display at Loel Thomson Costume Collection, showing a variety of denim garments, together w...
20/04/2026

“Decades of Denim” is now on display at Loel Thomson Costume Collection, showing a variety of denim garments, together with coordinating accessories.

Denim originated in the late 1800’s as workwear, but over time became a symbol of youth culture and self expression. Now a mainstream fashion trend, it continues to evolve through modern designs, colours and stitching.

We love the jeans with the hand painted lady, made in 2000.

“Accessories 1840 to 1970” is now on show at Loel Thomson Costume Collection, featuring bonnets, hats, boots, shoes, han...
13/04/2026

“Accessories 1840 to 1970” is now on show at Loel Thomson Costume Collection, featuring bonnets, hats, boots, shoes, handbags and jewellery, coordinated to depict specific eras. Each section of the display cabinet recreates a particular time, progressing from oldest to most recent, demonstrating the changes which have occurred in women’s fashion.

The Loel Thomson Costume Collection contains several items made from assuit. Assuit named after the region of Asyut in ...
06/04/2026

The Loel Thomson Costume Collection contains several items made from assuit. Assuit named after the region of Asyut in Egypt where it originated in the late 1800’s, is a textile combining cotton or linen mesh with small hand embroidered strips of metal.

This assuit coat from the 1920’s is one of the Collection’s most spectacular garments.

Loel Thomson Costume Collection will be closed on Good Friday and will reopen on Easter Saturday at 10.00am. Visit over...
01/04/2026

Loel Thomson Costume Collection will be closed on Good Friday and will reopen on Easter Saturday at 10.00am.

Visit over Easter to immerse yourself in Australia’s cultural heritage depicted via clothing and accessories from the late 1700’s to present time.

Address

7723 Goulburn Valley Highway
Kialla, VIC
3631

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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