The ART of COUTURE exhibition pays homage to Melbourne fashion icon Shirley Keon.

Keon’s luxurious couture practice has spanned a golden age of fashion in Melbourne and has been marked with characteristic style and panache. The Art of Couture traces the history of Keon Couture from its earliest days to the present. It is both a celebration and recognition of the contribution Shirley Keon and her studio has made to the Australian fashion industry.

Keon Couture has been in business in Collins Street consistently for 24 years, in itself a significant feat, and has proudly dealt in glamorous bespoke designs. In fact, Keon was located at the tree lined ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street known for its association with smart boutiques, outdoor ‘French styled’ cafes and artists’ studios. Appropriately the personalised fittings took place under her watchful eye and the finishing touches were proudly carried out in her workroom by her skilful dressmakers.

The exhibition included original couture fashion items from the Shirley Keon studio and specially commissioned photographic works by Heidi Victoria featuring Shirley Keon and her team at work in her Collins Street studio.