Violet Rowe: A Life of Fashion

Take a step back in time and explore Violet Rowe’s remarkable collection of unique accessories and clothing, displayed on the Ground Floor gallery of the Bay Discovery Centre.

Violet started curating her collection in 1957 at the age of 17 when she began work as a junior sales assistant in the fashion department at Myer Centre Adelaide.

“I had to layby everything so I was always a season behind!” joked Violet.

1930's Hand Embroidered Jacket

1930’s Hand Embroidered Jacket

But, as they say fashion fades, style is eternal and Violet’s well-curated collection of garments have proved they aren’t just relics of the past. Many of the incredible styles in the exhibition have cycled back onto modern runways.

The striking floral jacket, hand embroidered in the 1930’s, resonates with current collections by Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and Alexander McQueen. Their 2016 Spring/Summer collections all incorporated vibrant textured florals.

1950's Perspex Heel Court Shoe

1950’s Perspex Heel Court Shoe

Similarly, the Perspex heeled court shoe. Originally designed in the 1950’s, Prada reinvented this concept in their 2014 Spring/Summer collection. Even Violet’s vast collection of structured handbags, with their strong lines and proportions are undeniably similar the to the Celine Boston Bag’s flared gussets.

The second floor of The Discovery Centre houses a permanent exhibition of items generously donated by Violet Rowe. The collection showcases the evolution of beach fashion and the iconic international and national fashion labels and designers who rose to fame during the 1930s to 1960s.

Violet is still collecting pieces today and sells many of these garments in her vintage store Dresses and Drawers on Port Road, Queenstown.

You can visit the Violet Rowe exhibition from Friday 23 of October to Sunday the 27th of November 2016, open from 10am-4pm at the Bay Discovery Centre, Glenelg.

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