A Very Fashionable Talk

If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up, dig out your finest and head over to the Central City Library for a very fashionable talk exploring the history of serving looks in New Zealand, and why dead people’s clothing should be your new wardrobe staple!

Historically, New Zealanders have loved dressing up. From patriotic fundraisers and Sunday school picnics to fancy dress balls and the Rugby Sevens, Kiwis seem to find any excuse to get glammed up. On this topic, Marguerite Hill (heritage researcher for Auckland Council, long-time curator and textile expert) will deliver an illustrated presentation featuring fancy-dress makers of nineteenth and twentieth century New Zealand, as well as some absolutely fabulous examples of ingenious Kiwi costuming.

Following Marguerite, city planner Wayne Siu wants you to know why he wears dead people’s clothes, and why you should too. A sustainability expert and vintage fashion enthusiast with a particular interest in menswear from the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s, Wayne will educate you on the current resurgence of slow fashion. Drawn to the complexity, detailing and quality found in clothing of the past, Wayne is also concerned with style meeting substance—not just an aesthetic preference for dedicated dandies, vintage clothing is a fashion choice which is ethical, just, and protects our planet.