Hundreds enjoy fashion and art in Skipton

Published on 22 September 2026

About 500 people from as far away as Gippsland travelled to Skipton over the weekend to enjoy the glamour of the Fashion Through the Ages exhibition and vintage ball gown parade.

The gowns were from McFarlane Dress Collection – named in honour of curator Jennifer Blomeley’s great-grandmother, Annie McFarlane, who was a dressmaker.

About 40 people attended the invitational launch dinner and parade on Friday night, 120 took in the exhibition on Saturday and almost 300 enjoyed the display, parade and afternoon tea on Sunday afternoon.

Mrs Blomeley said 15 gowns were modelled by local women Emma Gowans, Hannah Meek, Judi Oakes, Brigette Mulcahy and Prue Liddy.

“The parade was a highlight, everyone enjoyed it. The models were assisted during the parade by Randy Walton and Rodney Blomeley, both former services men stood with an impressive stance clad in their dinner suits.

“As a collector, it was a lovely opportunity to share not only my hobby with so many interested people, but also a fine display of vintage Singer Sewing machines curated by Leanne Delahunty.

“I was astounded by the number of people who attended, one lady drove for eight hours to attend.

“It was an honour to have been invited by the Shire of Corangamite to participate in such an important cause as the Streatham-Caranballac-Skipton fire recovery effort. 

“The reason the models appeared so beautifully dressed and bejewelled etc. is thanks to helpers Maree Belyea, Sylvia Walton, Gwenneth, Marina and Lisa who is visiting from Texas.

“The food provided by the 3M’s was delicious, the lighting provided by Chris Barks created a gallery feel and highlighted the shimmer in the gowns.”

Audrey Dadds was one of the patrons who enjoyed the show.

“We were amazed at this free event,” she said.

“It was well organised. Such a positive event.

“All five of us , including a couple of fellas, were very impressed.

“Thank you to everyone who helped to put this event on.”

Mayor Kate Makin said the event showcasing the McFarlane Collection was about history, memory, creativity, and craftsmanship.

"I'd sincerely like to thank Jennifer Bromeley for generously sharing the McFarlane Collection with our community.

“The care, energy and passion Jennifer has put into displaying these gowns and organizing this fashion show is evident everywhere you look.

"Thank you also to Leanne Delahunty for sharing her collection of vintage sewing machines. They're a wonderful addition and help tell a story of the skill and work that went into creating clothing across different generations.

"I've got memories of using one of those at home - but not very well.

Cr Makin also congratulated the children, families, schools and early years services who had contribute artworks inspired by the dresses.

"Seeing their work displayed as part of the exhibition makes today even more special.

"It gives out youngest community members their own place in the story."