Summary
Short cape of long black fur, part of an ensemble made by Renee and probably worn by Irredenta Itala Serini.
Madame Serini (Irredenta Itala Serini) was a post-war Italian immigrant who arrived in Australia with her family in 1950. She had trained in Italy as a designer and dressmaker, and worked as a high-end fashion designer in Hobart and Melbourne before setting up her own label in Melbourne in 1959. Madame Serini became a leading prestige women's clothing designer across Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, finally closing in 1981.
Physical Description
Short cape of long black fur (possibly primate). Fur conceals construction of cape. Shoulder caps inside cape would hold the cape in place - there are no other visible means of fastening. Lined with black silk taffeta with wool facings.
More Information
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Collection Names
Museums Victoria/Italian Historical Society Co.As.It Collection
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Collecting Areas
Clothing & Textiles, Migration & Cultural Diversity, Working Life & Trades
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Italian Historical Society (Co.As.It), 29 Jun 2007
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User (Probable)
Madam Irredenta Itala Serini, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1954 or later
Madame Serini moved to Melbourne in late 1953. -
Manufacturer
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Inscriptions
INSCRIPTIONS: Black leather label printed in gold 'renee / melbourne'.
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
520 mm (Height)
Measured from neckline to hem including fur overhang.
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References
Astrid Haban-Beer, 'Recalling the Memories of an Haute Couturiere: Madame Serini - A Journey from Fiume to Melbourne'. Italian Historical Society Journal, vol.12, no.1, Jan-June 2004, pp. 25-30. Astrid Haban-Beer, oral history interview of Madame Serini, November 2003, Italian Historical Society Oral History Collection
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Keywords
Clothing, Commerce, Fashion, Fashion Design, Fashion Industry, Furs, Italian Communities, Italian Immigration
