Lithgow is set to celebrate Australia’s rich fashion heritage in a weekend event that weaves together design, storytelling, and style at Gang Gang Gallery on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May.
Dressing New South Wales is more than a fashion show — it’s a deep dive into the overlooked threads that shaped our state’s social and economic fabric.
Too often, the fashion and appearance industries are dismissed as lightweight, yet they once played a central role in the national economy. Fashion was not just style — it was work, identity, and innovation. In fact, one-third of the first NSW convicts came from the clothing trades. Lithgow, with its history of making and industry, is the perfect place to revisit this story.
Design historian and renowned cultural commentator Professor Peter McNeil will headline the weekend. His presentation will explore the evolution of New South Wales fashion from the late 19th century to the post-WWII golden era, through to the peak of creativity in the 1960s and 80s. Peter brings a global lens to our local story, and his work reminds us how deeply intertwined fashion is with migration, labour, and identity.
Joining him will be Eric Hagan, retired head of fashion at UTS Sydney and a mentor to generations of emerging designers, and Lithgow’s own Sandy Fullerton — a textile and embroidery expert who has worked with some of the biggest names in Australian and international fashion. Sandy will be showcasing pieces from her personal collection, many of which have never been on public display.
The weekend kicks off on Saturday at 1pm with a fashion show celebrating the changing styles from the 1960s to today. It’s a visual reminder of how fashion reflects — and shapes — the times we live in. Peter McNeil will follow with his keynote talk on the fashion trades’ role in NSW’s development and Lithgow’s place in that story.
Sunday offers another chance to see designs from the 80s, 90s and today, followed by a live drawing session and fashion illustration demonstration with Eric Hagan — a rare opportunity to see a master at work. Sandy Fullerton will also lead a Q&A session, sharing personal insights into her decades-long career in the industry. Light refreshments will be served, and bookings are essential for catering and seating purposes.
Whether you’re a lover of fashion, history, or simply great storytelling, this weekend at Gang Gang Gallery promises something special. It’s a chance to honour the designers, makers, and innovators whose work — often invisible — helped shape how we see ourselves.
Book your place now and join us for a celebration of fashion, history, and community.
Visit gangganggallery.com.au for more information and bookings.
Pictured: Ngaire Howard modelling an outfit
