What is a Presentation?
A presentation is a themed talk which includes numerous examples from the Cavalcade collection with commentary and anecdotes. The garments will be shown up close for the audience to see the details of original, museum items, many of which have a known provenance. Presentations are suitable for an audience of 50 to 100 guests and last approximately 1 hour. For enquiries about booking a presentation please contact Cavalcade on info@thecavalcade.org
And So To Bed:1900-1960
Follow the fashion trends through the lace and frills of the early 1900s, the shapeless 1920s, the bias cut 1930s, pyjamas of the 1940s, the synthetic revolution of the 1950s and the psychedelic 1960s.
Pioneers & Petticoats: 1840 - 1940
See how “unmentionables”, including corsets, panniers, collapsible bustles and crinoline frames, were used to change the look, shape and design of fashion from the 1840s to the 1940s.
A Journey Through Childhood 1840-1940
Children once dressed as miniature adults come to life in this presentation, showcasing their clothing, toys, and personal stories to reveal the realities of childhood.
Bustle to Bias Brides: 1880 - 1940
View 60 years of bridal fashions from the bustle to the Edwardian, the 1920s and 1930s. Look at the enormous changes in the fashions of the time which is reflected in the wedding gowns of their day.
An Edwardian House Party: 1900 - 1914
A snapshot of how women of means spent their time, what they did, what the events of the time were and how these events combined to influence fashion.
The Allure of Lace 1869-1960
Marvel at the variety of ways handmade lace has been used to enhance clothing. Hear stories about treasured items including a Chantilly lace fan c1870 and Maltese lace crinoline skirt of c1850.
The Art of Fashion: 1920s Evening Gowns
See how beaded and embellished 1920s evening dresses illustrate the influences of post-WWI Art Deco design and the Paris avant-garde designers and artists.
Lace in the Edwardian Era: 1905 - 1919
Lace was used to display refinement, distinction and wealth, at a time when wealth, birth and manners were the prime qualifications for commanding respect.
1920s Capes, Coats and Cloaks
Come to an elegant 1920s affair in that golden dance era. Hear about the bohemianism, the evils of the dancing clubs, and the lives of ‘modern girls’ in their wonderful 1920s capes, coats and cloaks.
The Fine Art of The Cut 1930s Evening Wear
The glamorous decade of the 1930s of elegant evening wear with classical draping, the bias cut and soft lustrous fabrics which accented the body contours and silhouette.
Between the Wars: 1919 - 1939
See the changes in fashion that occurred between WWI and WWII, including the beaded and daring flapper gowns and the bias cut, along with the rising and lowering of waists and hemlines.
1940s: A Decade of Change
From rationing to a new freedom in how life was lived and what was worn. No matter what the circumstance fashion is everything. You can ration clothes but you can’t ration fashion.
Fabulous Fifties
See the era of luxury and style for the modern housewife, the career woman and the new teenage culture featuring new synthetic materials and a new look which revolutionised the fashion industry.
Swinging 60s
See the dramatic change in fashion of the 60s for the young with miniskirts, cocktail frocks, the little black dress, paper dresses, beachwear, underwear and nightwear.
The Little Black Dress 1890 to 1980
What was the origin of the LBD? How did we go from a colour only worn when mourning? See the change in the silhouette over the decades.
Living in the 70s
Enjoy a walk down memory lane and ask yourself “What were we thinking!” We look at this colourful and vibrant decade and present original items from the Cavalcade’s vast collection with their stories.
A Day at the Races 1860 to 1980
This presentation traces racing‑day fashion from the 1860s to the 1980s, showcasing the outfits worn at the track—along with a few memorable styles that should have made an appearance.
A Dip into Swimwear 1900-2000
Take a refreshing journey through our swimwear collection, where each piece tells a story about the evolution of style, function and cultural identity in Australia. We explore the changing shapes and looks of swimwear.
1950s Cocktail Dresses
This is a captivating presentation featuring gowns from the glamorous 1950s era, when cocktail parties were a big trend thanks to post-war prosperity and changing social norms.
Baby, It's Cold Outside - Capes, Cloaks and Coats 1860-1970
Coats, capes and cloaks have a rich history from the practical to the opulent. They protect us from the elements and make bold statements about status, style, identity.
Smocking 1500-present day
Explore the fascinating history of smocking through time, celebrating its craftsmanship and enduring appeal, its practical use for peasant workers and elegance in more recent years.
Stepping Out
This presentation charts the evolution of style from the flapper glamour of the 1920s and the classic lines of mid‑century fashion to the vibrant 1960s, bold 1980s, and the elegant, daring flair of the 1990s.