It all started with an intriguing form submission via my website http://www.pearlbutton.com.au asking me if I’d be interested in doing some work on a vintage dress. Following a few email conversations, we arranged to talk. The voice on the other end of the phone was excited and full of enthusiasm, I liked this person instantly. After hearing a bit about the story I couldn’t wait to meet her and see the dress.

The young woman belonging to the voice is a midwife at a hospital in my favourite regional city, Orange. My partner and I go once a year to unwind at Orange Wine Week and we have come to love this place.

My favourite event, the public tasting night, taste all the amazing wines and meet the makers!

I arranged to meet her next time I was there.

We met in a lovely café with her future mother in-law.  She had the dress with her, I couldn’t wait to see it and was oblivious to the stares of the other customers as we excitedly chatted.  When she pulled it unceremoniously out of a plastic bag the silk organza shushed, almost a sigh of relief. As soon as I saw it I knew it was something special! The dress is exquisitely made and the design is beautiful. The label reads – Madeline Newport.

Hand stitched label inside back bodice of dress.

The dress was worn by her partner’s Grandmother at her wedding in 1957 in Sydney. I want to find out all I can about the story of this dress.