Looks from Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, and a Parisian parade of designers are showcasing in Melbourne

Take a look inside the world's classiest looks at Melbourne Fair.

Timeless sophistication is the aim of Melbourne Fair’s current showcase at Caulfield Racecourse. A capsule of classic pieces has been on display across this past month as Melbourne Fair celebrates 100 years since the birth of Art Deco.

Running until Sunday 3 August, the world-renowned event features history-making dresses that represent the 1925 Paris Exposition, Art Deco.

Melbourne Fair

When: Thursday 3 July until Sunday 3 August

Where: Caulfield Racecourse

Keep up to date with all things arts, exhibitions and stage here.

 

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Art Deco is one of the biggest global design phenomenon’s, known for its sleek elegance, streamlined forms, and symbolism of modern sophistication and progress. The style has been showcased by designers throughout history, from Dior to Chanel, and has been defined by the celebrity wearers of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.

This year’s Melbourne Fair is captures that legacy, bringing together 59 of Australia’s leading antique and design dealers under one roof. Visitors can expect a dazzling and diverse range of furniture, fine art, decorative arts, jewellery from all eras, vintage fashion, couture, designer pieces, rare books, prints, posters, antiquities and objets d’art, spanning from BC to the modern day.

The Fair boasts an outstanding collection of designer labels and dresses with the Parisian collection taking you into two generations of design. See the evolution of French Couture across the 20th and 21st century through iconic pieces from fashion houses Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Lanvin, and more. Get up close with dresses worn by celebrities including Marilyn Monroe’s Crème silk Taffeta highlighted with Black Lace. was made by Marilyn’s friend and seamstress Lena Pepitone. The dress appears in the Pepitone penned book Marilyn Monroe Confidential. Fall in love with Audrey Hepburn’s white and gold print silk sleeveless day dress. Owned and worn by the Hollywood star, it was originally a gift from hair stylist and close friend of Hepburn’s, Sydney Guilaroff – the man behind the Breakfast At Tiffany’s updo. See the rich chocolate brown silk gowns worn by Raquel Welch – a Norma Kemali and a Richard Tyler duo.

Another highlight is the Jean Patou dress. The stunning 1960’s sequinned shift dress embodied glamour and is a rare example of haute couture by one of the most influential French fashion houses.

In addition, the Melbourne Fair collection includes Art Deco treasures such as flapper dresses, headdresses, rare jewellery and Egyptian Revival pieces.

This week is your final chance to see the collection in person. For tickets and more information head here.