A Capital Collection: Our History is Back in Fashion

A Capital Collection takes you on a journey through time, recreating fashion to tell the story of the development of the National Capital.

Liza Emanuele, renowned Adelaide fashion designer will officially open an exhibition on Thursday at The State Library of South Australia showcasing the fashions worn to four of the nation’s most significant events.

‘The exhibition provides South Australians with an opportunity to explore the social history of some Australia’s momentous occasion through fashion. What we wore, or remember people wearing is a trigger to recalling times past, and becomes an identifier of people, place and events,’ said Director of the State Library Mr Alan Smith.

The exhibition includes outfits and accessories that could have been worn by an invitee to the event, one of the crowd, children if possible and either the military or service groups that provided the ceremonial support.

Each exhibition has included original invitations and other memorabilia together with community photographs of the event, media articles of the major event or an associated function.

The four major events depicted are:

• 1913, the laying of the commemoration stone;
• 1927, the opening of the Provisional Parliament House;
• 1964, the Inauguration of Lake Burley Griffin; and
• 1988, the opening of Parliament House.

'A Capital Collection' is on display at the Institute Room, State Library of South Australia from Friday 31 October until Sunday 1^st February. The exhibition is open 10am to 5pm daily except public holidays. Entry is free.