Author: Tara Oldfield
Senior Communications Advisor
"Fashions fade, style is eternal," Yves Saint Laurent.
With Melbourne Spring Fashion Week right around the corner it's an opportune time to explore the style and fashion of Melbourne's past.
The photographers of these images worked for the Public Transport Corporation and Melbourne Harbour Trust and through their lenses they've captured fashions of Melbourne ranging from the 1800s to the 1980s and 90s. From 19th Century gowns to floral 50's swimwear and 70's flares, take a look back at Melbourne style through the ages...
Ladies dress of period, date unknown, Public Transport Photographic Collection. VPRS: 12800/P1/11-370 
Safety First: How not to stand in a carriage doorway. Tait carriage circa 1934. Public Transport Photographic Collection vprs: 12903/P1/298-0601
Beach model in casual clothes, 1940s. Public Transport Photographic Collection. vprs 12903/P1/559-60 
Women stepping onto a vintage train at Spencer Street, 1972. Public Transport Photographic Collection. vprs 12800/P1/159-160 
Women waiting for the train, Melbourne, 1970s/80s. Public Transport Photographic Collection (Railways Negatives). vprs 12907/P4/10 -428-4639034
Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.
PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples