Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles

Australian Museum of Clothing and Textiles We collect, conserve, document & display the history of clothing & textiles from Australia’s past. Textiles are historically associated with the Hunter Region.

The museum aims to collect, conserve, document and display items of clothing, textiles and related items both domestic and commercial, from the nineteenth century to the present day. The museum aims to display and interpret the articles in their historical context. Items in the collection cover men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, both special and everyday garments; articles and accessories ass

ociated with clothing, such as handbags; items from other countries, brought home and worn by Australians. Domestic textiles are also represented such as the signature supper cloth. The Agincourt and the Fairlie arrived at Morpeth docks in late 1848 with the Lacemakers of Calais. Maitland was during the 19th and 20th centuries a centre of textile manufacturing for such labels as King Gee and Courtaulds. The museum collection includes unusual and exquisite items of clothing and handwork, everyday clothing reflecting fashion and world events, right through to “mend and make do items” illustrating the frugality, ingenuity and imagination of folk during times of deprivation, such as the Great Depression, World War I and World War II. Visitors are invited to explore our collection, exhibitions and local social history.

30/05/2026

💙 Going Away Ensemble 1950s 💙
This royal blue tailored two-piece suit is a Brooke Leigh Classic and comprises of a fitted jacket and A-line skirt.The jacket features a strongly tailored silhouette with structured padded shoulders, carefully placed front and back darts creating a sharply tailored, nipped-waist silhouette and fastens at the centre front with buttons. Decorative black braid trim adorns the broad lapels and pocket flaps, adding a touch of sophistication and formal refinement. The long sleeves and mid calf length skirt create a polished, modest appearance associated with special occasion dressing.
It was worn by Barbara as a going away outfit after her marriage to Warren in May 1954 at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Stockton NSW.
“Going away” outfits were once an important part of wedding tradition. After the ceremony, brides would change from their wedding gown into a stylish tailored suit or dress for travelling to their honeymoon. This elegant royal blue ensemble, reflects the polished sophistication expected of post-war fashion, combining smart tailoring with decorative detailing for a refined departure into married life.
Unfortunately very little is known about the Brooke Leigh Classic Label.

22/05/2026

Bold, vibrant and instantly recognisable Coogi knitwear became one of the most iconic fashion statements of the 1980s and 1990s.
Using complex knitting techniques, the garments featured elaborate abstract patterns, sculptural surfaces and striking colour combinations that made every piece unique.
Originally founded in Melbourne in 1969 by Jacky Taranto under the name “CUGGI,” inspired by a fountain on the island of Alacoueli, where Taranto’s father was born. In 1987 the name evolved to COOGI, chosen so that it more closely resembled an indigenous Australian name.
Initially marketed towards visiting American and European tourists as a vibrant reminder of time spent in “the land down under,” COOGI quickly developed an international following. Interestingly the centre garment featured was donated by Nancy from Melbourne in 2014 and was purchased by her mother as an Australian souvenir whilst visiting from America. Unfortunately, the provenance of the other two garments remains unknown.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Coogi jumpers had become highly sought after around the world, embraced by musicians, athletes and celebrities, most famously worn by rapper The Notorious B.I.G. Their bold aesthetic captured the exuberance of the era and transformed knitwear into wearable art.
By the early 2000s the brand’s popularity had declined, and in 2002 Taranto sold COOGI to American investors and the label expanded internationally.
After a period out of the limelight, Coogi relaunched in 2014 to focus once again on its authentic, heavyweight knits. It has experienced a renaissance within contemporary streetwear, leading to highly sought-after collaborations with prominent fashion and skate brands.
Today, vintage editions of these richly textured sweaters remain iconic, and the company continues to operate from the United States with global distribution.
These examples from our collection highlight the remarkable creativity and technical skill that established COOGI as a significant chapter in Australian fashion history.

VintageKnitwear

Come along to our Vintage Clothing Sale and browse through a wonderful assortment of treasures at very reasonable prices...
21/05/2026

Come along to our Vintage Clothing Sale and browse through a wonderful assortment of treasures at very reasonable prices, you never know what hidden gem you might discover!
There will be a fantastic range of:
👗 Women’s and men’s clothing
🧒 Children’s and baby wear
👜 Handbags
👒 Hats
🦊 Furs
…and so much more!
Whether you’re a vintage lover, collector, bargain hunter, or simply curious, there will be something for everyone.
When: Saturday 27th June
Where: St John’s Hall
1 Cathedral Street
Maitland NSW
Time: 8.30am until sold
Eftpos available!
​Every purchase will help support the important work of the Australian Museum of Clothing & Textiles in preserving and sharing the rich history of clothing, fashion, and the textile industry for future generations.

Today we had the pleasure of speaking to a group at Cessnock City Library for Echoes of Elegance — a fascinating talk an...
21/05/2026

Today we had the pleasure of speaking to a group at Cessnock City Library for Echoes of Elegance — a fascinating talk and display of vintage clothing and accessories.
The presentation explored the evolution of underwear for both men and women from the early 1900s through to the 1960s, featuring bras, girdles, and the changing silhouettes and fashions of each decade. Guests also enjoyed viewing a range of vintage footwear and men’s hats, including top hats, bowlers, and boater styles.
We were also delighted to include a special presentation on the fascinating world of fans, featuring examples from our collection. The talk was presented by Maddie a student from The University of Newcastle who is currently undertaking a placement with us, and it was wonderful to see so much interest in these beautiful and functional accessories of the past.
It was a wonderful day, with lots of interest in fashion history and the work we do in preserving these pieces of the past.
A sincere thank you to Kimberly and the staff at Cessnock City Library for hosting us and making us feel so welcome.

A gown stitched with love, patience, and post-war determination.❤️This exquisite English lace and satin wedding dress wa...
14/05/2026

A gown stitched with love, patience, and post-war determination.❤️
This exquisite English lace and satin wedding dress was handmade in 1947 for Nell, taking six months to complete from designing and sourcing precious materials to the final bridal fittings. The total cost to create this elegant gown was just £12.

The gown is a beautiful example of late 1940s bridal fashion, featuring a fitted bodice with a romantic heart-shaped neckline, dramatic shoulders, and finely gathered ivory satin ruffles sweeping over the shoulders and around the dropped waist. Delicate lace sleeves finish in elegant wedding points at the wrists, while 26 satin-covered buttons trail down the back. A circular lace peplum flows into a graceful V-shaped train, creating a beautifully refined silhouette.

The original satin petticoat survives with the gown, revealing meticulous dressmaking details including French seams, plaited satin straps, and a beautifully rolled hem.

Nell, born in 1923, wore the dress when she married Albert on 22 March 1947 at St Jude’s, Randwick.
Now aged 102, Nell was invited to attend our major parade in August where her gown will once again take centre stage but she declined due to her age. Her son Neil generously delivered the dress to us on his mothers behalf, along with the original wedding photographs much to Nell’s surprise! The treasured photographs were carefully copied and returned to her.
A beautiful reminder that every garment carries not only stitches and fabric, but also family stories, memories, and moments in time.

This remarkable dress will feature in our major parade “Just Married” this August, so get in quick and grab your tickets now!

🗓️ Saturday 29 August 2026�📍 St Johns Hall, 1 Cathedral St Maitland NSW�🕐 1–3pm
🎟️ $40 each
🎟️ Tickets are now available via Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/just-married-tickets-1985686484729?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
There is also a link to purchasetickets on our website museumofclothing.org

11/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and enjoyed our Vintage Fashion Parade at Tocal Field Days. We loved sharing the elegance, style, and stories of fashion through the decades with you all. Your support helps keep clothing history alive. ✨👗

Step into the bold and glamorous world of Australian designer Leon Cutler ✨This beautifully tailored suit captures the r...
11/05/2026

Step into the bold and glamorous world of Australian designer Leon Cutler ✨
This beautifully tailored suit captures the refined sophistication of mid-century fashion. Featuring a finely textured ribbed, rayon cotton striped fabric, fitted silhouette and distinctive oversized shawl collar, the ensemble reflects the sharp tailoring and feminine glamour of the 1960s. The centre front closes with 5 decorative buttons. Delicate rouleau looped bows detailing on the waist pockets adds a sculptural touch, while the slim pencil skirt with a kick pleat creates the classic hourglass shape so admired during the era. Styled with gloves, hat and handbag, this striking outfit evokes the polished elegance of a fashionable city woman stepping out decades ago. Worn here by Lilly at our Vintage Vault Parade at Tocal Field Days.
The label proudly reads New York – Sydney, highlighting Leon Cutler’s international influence and connection to Australian fashion history. 🖤
A Melbourne designer Leon Cutler was a prominent name in Australian fashion from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Based in the iconic Flinders Lane fashion district, his label became known for beautifully tailored coats, stylish raincoats, and elegant dresses sold through major department stores including Myer.
With labels such as Leon Cutler, London Mist by Leon Cutler, and Elcee by Leon Cutler, his garments reflected quality craftsmanship, structured silhouettes, and timeless style. His work reflected a time when fashion embraced sophistication, individuality and statement style.

🧁CAKE STALL FUNDRAISER 🍰Saturday 10th MayFrom 9:00am – until sold outSpotlight Rutherford🍰 Delicious homemade treats🍪 So...
06/05/2026

🧁CAKE STALL FUNDRAISER 🍰
Saturday 10th May
From 9:00am – until sold out
Spotlight Rutherford
🍰 Delicious homemade treats
🍪 Something for everyone
💲 Just $3 each
Get in early and pick up something special for Mum this Mother’s Day!
All proceeds support our not-for-profit museum, helping us continue to care for and preserve our extensive historic clothing and textile collection.
Support local. Support history. Treat yourself!

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful models and dedicated volunteers who so generously gave their time and energy to m...
04/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful models and dedicated volunteers who so generously gave their time and energy to make our parade at Tocal Field Days such a success. Your passion and support brought history to life, we couldn’t have done it without you. ❤️❤️❤️

Join us at Tocal Field Days on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May at 12md on the Nash Stage for a vintage parade featuring ...
29/04/2026

Join us at Tocal Field Days on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May at 12md on the Nash Stage for a vintage parade featuring Australian Designers and Iconic Styles. Australian fashion labels tell the story of changing tastes, local craftsmanship, and the growth of our textile industry. From elegant couture houses in Melbourne and Sydney to ready-to-wear brands found in wardrobes across the nation, these names reflect decades of creativity and innovation.
Designers such as Norma Tullo, Lucy Secor, Jonathan Elliot, Van Roth, Hartnell and others helped shape the look of Australian fashion in the mid to late 20th century. Their labels reveal a time when garments were often locally made, beautifully tailored, and proudly marked Made in Australia.
Today, surviving labels stitched inside dresses, coats and suits are more than just names they are small pieces of history, connecting us to the makers, stores, and stories behind each garment.

For tickets into the Field Days click on the link below, our parade is FREE!
https://tocalfielddays.com/events/tocal-field-days-2026/

For more information about Tocal Field Days and to pre purchase tickets go to www.tocalfielddays.com

Address

PO Box 621
Maitland, NSW
2320

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Website

https://library.lakemac.com.au/Events/Out-of-the-blue-Vintage-Fashion-Parade

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