Calling All Vintage Fans…
- Words by Peppermint
If you love vintage frocks and you can get to Brissie from now until 19 August, we recommend you make a beeline for Old Government House, where you can see exquisite bridal gowns from costume designer Marion Boyce’s personal collection. Developed in conjunction with QUT, The Bowerbird and the Bride features 45 dresses dating from the 1880s to 1970s, collected by the award-winning designer since her childhood. Combining the pieces with characters and vignettes for each outfit, the exhibition is both history-lesson and storytelling – and we caught up with Marion to find out more…
You’ve collected vintage clothing since your childhood – what inspired this passion?
For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to beauty and timeless design. I have such happy childhood memories of listening to stories about family treasures and being able to hold them in my hands.
What do you particularly love about wedding fashion?
Throughout time there’s always been a standard for bridal fashion but no two dresses are ever the same, as the bride’s personal hopes, dreams and aspirations are all tied up her gown. I love wedding fashion because there’s always a story to tell!
In what way does the exhibition tell stories and weave together strands of history?
In this exhibition I’ve tried to broaden the parameters around the bride to include other items around the wedding – the hand-embroidered handkerchief made by a war bride, and given to the groom to keep in his uniform pocket next to his heart (the skills needed to impress ones future mother-in-law!), the bridal nightgown and other things that are stored as family treasures along with the bridal gown.
How has bridal wear changed over the decades?
It’s always influenced by social and economic forces, and it’s fascinating looking back through history and seeing the changing landscape of Australian brides – from cloth abundance to wars and depression – and also the effects of the changing structure of social etiquette.
Would would be your dream vintage find – which piece, or pieces, do you wish you owned?
My dream find would be any object I chanced upon that I found utterly mesmerising – be that even simply a button or a scrap of ribbon!
THE BOWERBIRD AND THE BRIDE TAKES PLACE FROM AT OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN BRISBANE FROM 12 JULY – 19 AUGUST, AND YOU CAN BUY TICKETS HERE.
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Disillusioned by the realities of fast fashion, design grads Emily May and Sidonie Moore ditched clothing for a business that finds fun in the everyday. Enter @TheNonsenseMaker: a collection of unique homewares, fun wall art, greeting cards and more that breathe life into Emily’s illustrations: “I love the idea of taking real-world objects and changing your perspective in a way that brings magic and whimsy into everyday life!”
In issue 64’s feature ‘It all makes sense’, we chat to the Naarm/Melbourne-based duo about their sustainability philosophy, TV re-runs and their commitment to local makers. At stockists now!
Photos: @MeAndMyGirl
#PeppermintMagazine #TheNonsenseMaker #LocalMakers #SustainableCraft
Any New Year’s resolutions on your list? We love this from @OtterBeeStitching - “be brave enough to suck at something new”.
There’s no points for perfection, but you’ll get a trophy for trying. If nothing else this year, take the leap and try something new.
#OtterBeeStitching #Embroidery #BeBrave #TrySomethingNew #EmbroideryArt
Sunday serving suggestion ☀️
Gorgeous photos from @JolieFemmeStore - who make sweet garments from vintage bedsheets.
#PeppermintMagazine #SlowSunday #SwitchOff #Unplug #ReadAMagazine
A toast to the old you 🥂
We wholeheartedly love this post from the brilliant @EmilyOnLife:
“2026: Reinvent, burn it down, let it go (whatever it is). Year of the Snake it up. Exercise your boundaries, exercise your body, take one teeny step every day towards a life that feels better to be in.
But don’t you dare shit on your old self while you do it.
Hold yourself with reverence and tenderness and respect, because you got you this far. You did your very best with the information and tools you had at the time. You scraped yourself together, you made it work, you survived what felt impossible to survive: again and again and again.
You are perpetually in the process of becoming, whether you can feel it or not, whether or not you add it to your 2026 to-do list.“
Some very wise words from @Damon.Gameau to take us into 2026 🙌🏼
⭐️ We made it!!! ⭐️
Happy New Year, friends. To those who smashed their goals and achieved their dreams, and to those who are crawling over the finish line hoping to never speak of this year again (and everyone else in between): we made it. However you got here is enough. Be proud.
It’s been a tough year for many of us in small business, so here’s to a better year in 2026. We’re forever grateful for all your support and are jumping for joy to still be here bringing you creativity, kindness and community.
We’re also excited to be leaping into the NY with our special release sewing pattern – the Waratah Wrap Dress!
How great are our fabulous models: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress and @Tricky.Pockets - and also our incredible Sewing Manager @Laura_The_Maker! 🙌🏼
Ok 2026: let’s do this. 💪🏼
#PeppermintWaratahWrapDress #PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress #WrapDressPattern
