Heirloom Glamour: Tracing Family Threads Through Fashion Talk

A stunning hand-made, beaded, flapper dress from the 1920s is the star of Whanganui Regional Museum’s next Outfit of the Month fashion talk, taking place at 12:15pm on Friday 6 June.

Presented by Pou Tiaki/Collections & Curatorial Lead, Trish Nugent-Lyne, the talk will delve into the fascinating story behind this exquisite garment – from its possible origins in the Netherlands or Indonesia to its journey to New Zealand in the 1950s.

The dress was donated to the Museum in 1996 by Christiana Rietveld. Christiana’s daughter Melanie Ellis recently visited the museum to share her memories and provide valuable context, including a photograph of Christiana wearing the dress in the early 1970s. Raised in Holland after a dramatic start to life in Indonesia, Christiana had treasured this heirloom, passed down through the family.

‘This dress is a beautiful example of 1920s fashion and craftsmanship, but it’s also a deeply personal piece with a story that spans continents and generations,’ says Trish Nugent-Lyne. ‘It’s a privilege to share not only the garment itself, but the life and memory of the woman who wore and cared for it.’

Following the talk, the outfit will be on display throughout June, giving visitors a chance to admire the intricate beadwork and craftsmanship up close.

This event is free and open to all, with koha or donations welcomed to support the Museum’s work in preserving and sharing our region’s rich history.

Don't miss this chance to step back into the glamour of the Jazz Age and uncover the moving story behind one woman’s cherished dress.

Founded in 1892, the Whanganui Regional Museum is internationally renowned for its Taonga Māori Collection. Located in Pukenamu Queen’s Park, visitors can view the exceptional creations of tupuna (ancestors) of Whanganui tangata whenua (indigenous people) alongside a changing exhibition programme encompassing a world-class collection of natural and human history, with a regional emphasis. The ground level boutique museum store sells a range of local and Māori jewellery, books, cards, art, and other New Zealand-made gift items.

The Whanganui Regional Museum Trust is an independent legal entity that owns the collection and governs the development of the Museum on behalf of the Whanganui community.

Open to visitors daily from 10.00am to 4.30pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday), entry to Whanganui Regional Museum is free. Connect with Whanganui Regional Museum at www.wrm.org.nz or on Facebook, and Instagram.

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