We were entrusted to clean this vintage nurses cap from the set of a period film. In the 1920s and 1930s Australian nurses starched caps to create a rigid, crisp head covering to represent hygiene and rank. Heavily starched and ironed until inflexible, there were often folded into complex shapes. The complexity of this process…
read moreA big thank you to Robert for flying to Melbourne from Japan to ensure our latest investment is settling in well and operating as it should. We use the latest technology to complement everything we do here by hand at Irene’s. Robert visits businesses like ours all over the Asia Pacific region. He admired our…
read moreBalenciaga curated an exclusive exhibition in its new Sydney store and called it “The Woman Behind the Dress’. Showcasing archival pieces worn by famous women in history. Legendary actress Marlene Dietrich wore this stunning rustic wild silk cream suit. Created in the summer of 1962, the self-fabric belted jacket gives hints of safari, kimono and…
read moreTo celebrate the opening of its store in Sydney, Balenciaga has curated an exclusive in-store exhibition called ‘The Woman Behind The Dress’. It features special archival pieces by Cristóbal Balenciaga like this stunning black guipure lace evening jacket which is fastened at the front with two silk bows. Underneath is a pink satin bustier gown…
read moreWe’re making the most of the Easter break to invest in some learning overseas. Irene’s will be closed from Friday 18 April until Sunday 27 April. Please plan ahead for drop offs and collections.
read moreThe Australian branch of the Ford Motor Company was established when RJ Durance moved to Port Melbourne in 1919. He initially showcased fully assembled Fords to build demand and set up a distributor (agency) sales model. The company later set up manufacturing in Geelong in 1925. The company still retains an impressive design studio housing…
read moreThere is lots to consider when presented with runway or vintage items like this Saint Laurent jacket. Before we commence treatment, we assess its age, structure, buttons, colour and then the stains. Rive Gauche was YSL’s first ready-to-wear range launched in 1966 (by all accounts, a roaring success). This cotton safari jacket has definitely stood…
read moreThe countdown has started to the 2024 AFL Brownlow Medal event on Monday, 23 September. For over a decade Irenes’s has been primping, pressing and preparing outfits for a number of the attendees. Who will win this year? The red carpet outfits, as always, of course!
read moreResearching lace in preparation for a client fabric care training session I learnt a fun fact. When banking heiress, Catherine de Medici, moved to France ahead of her marriage to King Henry II of France, she brought lace makers with her from Italy (most people just pack lace knickers). Her arrival influenced the lacemaking industry…
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