Ella’s Edit: My (Current) Top 5 Vintage Finds at This Year’s Sale

Spending time with each piece inevitably changes how I see it. Sometimes it’s the story shared by a donor that elevates a garment. Other times it’s conversations with my fellow volunteers — their knowledge of fashion, fabric, history and conservation, along with their own nostalgia — that continually reshape my perspective on what makes something truly special.

Here’s where I’m at this week:

1. A tapestry and champagne silk double-breasted coat by Lilli Ann, San Francisco, circa 1960s

In lolly-esque shades of red, pink and orange on cream, punctuated with little green leaves, the imported fabric used for the main body of this coat is still luscious — the absolute pinnacle of mod tapestry fun. It’s eye-catching in a way that commands attention; volunteers have been orbiting it since it was first plucked from its garment bag.

Lilli Ann is a label renowned for their fabulous fabrics and tailoring made in the USA and it’s wild to see one in person, and so clearly well loved, but well cared for. The brand has a romantic origin story: Lilli Ann was founded by Adolf Schuman, and he named the brand for his wife. Much to ponder after Valentine’s Day….

2. A pale blue satin double faced wedding dress with illusion neckline

Along with hand applied bead and faux pearl flowers, claw set diamantes, with a home made Juliet cap adorned and beaded to match (dated to the 1940’s-1950’s), the appeal of this garment is the stitching to the interior. Part of my passion for vintage clothing stems from the traces of other peoples care, artistry and sometimes fun that lives on in home made/hand made clothes. The addition of tulle to change the neckline, visible through the stitching, the tiny interior knots securing each embellishment, the precision of the bead placement… It’s intimate.

The interior of this dress and hat is so detailed and well preserved, there’s a sensation that the maker has just set it down to go get a cup of tea, after hours of squinting, adjusting and perfecting.

Sadly this dress is absolutely a fantasy piece for me, firstly due to it’s wee size but secondly because pale colours and myself are not compatible. Clumsiness, a black coffee addiction and light colours make no one happy but my dry cleaner.

3. A nineties era Christian Dior ‘Monsieur’ grey wool suit jacket and waistcoat

Potentially cashmere (currently packed away in preparation for the sale), this subtle set is cut in the softest wool with beautifully clean lines. The soft marl grey pairs with almost everything and appears hardly worn.

Its neutral cut suits just about anybody, a relic from an era of preppy understatement rather than today’s “quiet luxury.” This little darling Dior duo achieves everything contemporary tailoring labels such as Monphell aspire to, and it would keep you snug through a Melbourne winter and possibly smug.

4. A geometric patterned knit playsuit by Priscilla, Australian circa 1960s

As wild as it sounds in rust orange, cream, green and black with a matching belt, this garment sounds alarming but in person elicits delight. Three quarter sleeved with a deep V-neck, the continuous intricate woven pattern is closer to that of a vintage Persian rug. The tag at the neck is another great detail, a psychedelic nod to the sixties moment it was born into. I can’t recall if it has pockets because I was hypnotised by the pattern.

5. A beaded burnout silk satin gown by Lisa Ho from the early 2000s

It’s an accident there’s two blue-ish, beaded, over the top gowns on this list but Lisa Ho’s clothing is a personal passion. More recognisable now for their bold, patterned formal dresses and exuberant silks in the Y2K era, the label also produced beautifully tailored womenswear, with finishes and lining construction that still hold up today.

This particular gown in oceanic grey-blue tones reminiscent of fish scales is bias cut, with smatterings of bugle beads drifting across the body and a dramatic V-neckline. Floor-length and fluid, it’s a gem of contemporary Australian fashion. No doubt someone else will fall as deeply for it and Lisa Ho as I have because this sweeping dress deserves yet another night out.

Ready to find your own vintage pieces?

Don’t miss the 2026 National Trust Vintage Clothing & Collectables Sale, happening on 21 & 22 March at Abbotsford Convent. With racks of unique garments, accessories, and upcycled gems, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe sustainably. Entry to the sale is by Gold Coin, plus every purchase supports the National Trust’s work in conserving Australia’s heritage.

Ella is one of the dedicated team working behind the scenes year-round on the Vintage Clothing and Collectable Sale