A Sense of Occasion - Cocktails and Couture

Cocktails and Couture will feature a fashion parade from Darnell Collection and a guided tour with Charlotte Smith, Curator, Darnell Collection with food from Delizie.

The Rockhampton Art Gallery plays host to a touring exhibition drawn from the Darnell Collection, New South Wales. "A sense of occasion: Fifty years of party dresses" is an exhibition of ball gowns and cocktail dresses from the 1920s to the 1960s.

The collection of gowns will explore the social history of fashion, legendary designers, style influences and inspirations. The exhibition encompasses different eras and themes including: The Roaring 20s, Hollywood glamour, Dior's 'New Look', Debutantes dress for Society and 'Mad Men' cocktail hour.

Considered the largest private vintage clothing collection in Australia, it has over 5,500 pieces representing 23 different countries with many internationally recognised 20th century designers.