The Melbourne Fair returns with stunning dresses from the wardrobes of Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn

The highly esteemed Melbourne Fair is returning to Australia’s cultural capital, featuring more than 50 of the nation’s  distinguished dealers showcasing thousands of rare pieces spanning Antique, Art Deco, Mid Century Modern, and  Contemporary eras. 

From Thursday, September 12th to Sunday, September 15th, the Victory Room at Marvel Stadium will be transformed into  an opulent trove of wonders, offering unique displays of furniture, fine and contemporary art, jewellery, antiquities, home  décor, and vintage designer pieces from around the globe. 

Whether searching for a cherished item or simply browsing, The Melbourne Fair will present an eclectic array of artistic,  historic, and cultural pieces for guests to explore. With expert presentations and access to some of the country’s most  notable dealers, enthusiasts will be immersed in the rich history and fascinating stories behind the unique pieces on display. 

This year, the Melbourne Fair will feature stunning dresses from the wardrobes of Hollywood icons Marilyn Monroe and  Audrey Hepburn, alongside rare pieces by 1930s French designer Jeanne Lanvin, available for purchase. 

Marilyn Monroe, the quintessential ‘blonde bombshell’ of the 1950s, starred in 30 films over 16 years, including the  unforgettable subway grate scene from The Seven Year Itch (1955). On display at this year’s Melbourne Fair is a dress once  owned and worn by Monroe, crafted by her personal dressmaker in ivory silk taffeta and highlighted with black lace. 

Remembered as a film and fashion icon of the twentieth century, Audrey Hepburn is best known for her roles in films such  as Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and My Fair Lady (1964). Visitors can catch a glimpse of, or even take home, a beautifully  fitted ivory wiggle dress with an abstract floral pattern, once worn by Hepburn. 

In addition to these iconic fashion pieces, the fair will showcase a range of rare and extraordinary items. Highlights include  a solid gold box gifted by the King of Spain, a magnificent 19th-century birdcage, and a collection of Egyptian antiquities,  such as an Egyptian wood sarcophagus mummy mask from 1189 BC. Works by Australian women artists will also be featured  across the galleries. Australian Painters will include Margaret Olley, Constance Stokes, Jean Sutherland, Judy Cassab, Grace  Cossington-Smith many pieces from Private Collections. 

The Melbourne Fair will also offer a range of shows, presentations, and discussions. Art historian and acclaimed author  Geoffrey Edwards will present Streams of Fire and Tongues of Flame – A Short History of the Art of Glass, exploring the  remarkable origins and traditions of glassmaking that have elevated it to an art form today. 

Delving deep into the history of shoes, Sydney-born creative Claudia Chan Shaw will be sharing a fascinating investigation  into the allure of shoes and the curious stories behind them – from flats and stilettos to trainers, crocs, and the catwalk.  

Fashion Anthropologist Tom McEvoy will discuss the life and legacy of Clarence Chai, a stylish innovator in Melbourne's  fashion scene. Emerging from the fashion upheaval of the 1970s, Chai embraced his identity and led the charge on Collins  Street during a time of social change. McEvoy, who recorded Chai's memories before his passing, will share these intimate  recollections and reveal Chai’s influence and impact. As part of the talk, McEvoy will showcase the last dress designed by  Chai, a miniature fusion of his ‘greatest hits’.

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Leigh Capel, Director of Belle Epoque Fine Art, will provide free fine art appraisals to attendees. As an accredited valuer with  the Auctioneers & Valuers Association Australia (AVAA), Capel brings extensive experience from his tenure at some of  Australia's most renowned fine art auction houses, including Sotheby’s, Menzies, and Mossgreen. 

Featuring a full program of supporting events, intriguing talks, and expert art appraisals, The Melbourne Fair promises an  exceptional experience where both collectors and art enthusiasts can step back in time. Events are included in the ticket  price and run across the three days. 

Tickets are on sale now at themelbournefair.au or can be purchased at the door. More information including a full list of  exhibitors and program of events is available on the website. 

  

The Melbourne Fair  

Location 

Marvel Stadium 

Level: 1 Gate: 8 – The Victory Room, 740 Bourke Street, Docklands VIC 3008 

Dates 

Opening Night – Thursday 12th September 5pm – 9pm 

Friday 13th September 10am – 6pm 

Saturday 14th September 10am – 6pm 

Sunday 15th September 10am – 5pm  

Tickets  

Opening Night $30 

Day Pass $15 

Concession $10  

Opening Night and Day pass holders may return as many times as they like on the one ticket. Prices range from $10.00 to  $30.00 with children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult.  

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