Latest news with #OutfitoftheMonth
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
A Remarkable Dress Woven With New Zealand's Creative Legacy
An unconventional wedding dress with ties to two iconic New Zealand creatives takes centre stage at the Whanganui Regional Museum this August. The latest Outfit of the Month showcase features a striking floor-length silk dress hand-printed with bold, organic motifs. Worn by celebrated local artist Joanna Paul at her 2003 wedding in Whanganui, the dress is a unique creation by pioneering textile designer Fanny Buss, active from the 1950s to the 1980s. 'Fanny Buss's designs were distinctive and innovative — much like Joanna Paul's works,' says Trish Nugent-Lyne, Pou Tiaki/Collections & Curatorial Lead. 'This dress is a wonderful reminder of the strong women who have shaped New Zealand's art, fashion, and community life. We're excited to share its story with visitors.' Joanna Paul (1945–2003), a multi-disciplinary artist, settled in Whanganui in the mid-1980s. Known for her work in painting, drawing, poetry, film, and photography, she became a key figure in Whanganui's creative scene. Paul was also a passionate advocate for the environment and heritage preservation, making a lasting impact on the community she called home. The dress will be the focus of a free lunchtime talk led by Trish Nugent-Lyne on Friday, 1 August at 12:15pm. Visitors are invited to hear about the garment's unique connection to Whanganui's vibrant arts culture. This edition of Outfit of the Month is specially chosen to complement the major retrospective Joanna Margaret Paul: Imagined In The Context Of A Room currently showing at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery. The outfit will remain on display for the month of August. Entry to the talk is free, with koha welcomed to support the Museum's ongoing work in preserving our region's heritage.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Heirloom Glamour: Tracing Family Threads Through Fashion Talk
A stunning hand-made, beaded, flapper dress from the 1920s is the star of Whanganui Regional Museum's next Outfit of the Month fashion talk, taking place at 12:15pm on Friday 6 June. Presented by Pou Tiaki/Collections & Curatorial Lead, Trish Nugent-Lyne, the talk will delve into the fascinating story behind this exquisite garment – from its possible origins in the Netherlands or Indonesia to its journey to New Zealand in the 1950s. The dress was donated to the Museum in 1996 by Christiana Rietveld. Christiana'sdaughter Melanie Ellis recently visited the museum to share her memories and provide valuable context, including a photograph of Christiana wearing the dress in the early 1970s. Raised in Holland after a dramatic start to life in Indonesia, Christiana had treasured this heirloom, passed down through the family. 'This dress is a beautiful example of 1920s fashion and craftsmanship, but it's also a deeply personal piece with a story that spans continents and generations,' says Trish Nugent-Lyne. 'It's a privilege to share not only the garment itself, but the life and memory of the woman who wore and cared for it.' Following the talk, the outfit will be on display throughout June, giving visitors a chance to admire the intricate beadwork and craftsmanship up close. This event is free and open to all, with koha or donations welcomed to support the Museum's work in preserving and sharing our region's rich history. Don't miss this chance to step back into the glamour of the Jazz Age and uncover the moving story behind one woman's cherished dress. Founded in 1892, the Whanganui Regional Museum is internationally renowned for its Taonga Māori Collection. Located in Pukenamu Queen's Park, visitors can view the exceptional creations of tupuna (ancestors) of Whanganui tangata whenua (indigenous people) alongside a changing exhibition programme encompassing a world-class collection of natural and human history, with a regional emphasis. The ground level boutique museum store sells a range of local and Māori jewellery, books, cards, art, and other New Zealand-made gift items. The Whanganui Regional Museum Trust is an independent legal entity that owns the collection and governs the development of the Museum on behalf of the Whanganui community. Open to visitors daily from 10.00am to 4.30pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday), entry to Whanganui Regional Museum is free. Connect with Whanganui Regional Museum at
