HERITAGE TALKS: Couture in the Country – Eden Hore – Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery

Wednesday 12 November, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at Central Stories

Join Jane Malthus, dress historian, curator of Eden in Dunedin and long-time, self-confessed textiles nerd, to learn about how the book came to fruition, and some of the complex stories of Eden Hore and his collection.

📅 Wednesday 12 November, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
📍 Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, Alexandra
💰 Entry by koha/donation (proceeds go to Central Stories)
🎟️ Book online: www.heritagecentralotago.org.nz/event/heritage-talks-couture-in-the-country-eden-hore

About the Talk

Eden Hore (1919-1997), a Māniatoto high-country farmer, created an extraordinary collection of 1970s and 80s New Zealand designer fashion. The fascinating story of how and why he did that is told in detail in Central Otago Couture: The Eden Hore Collection, by Jane Malthus, Claire Regnault with photographs by Derek Henderson.

“It’s Country Calendar meets Project Runway – an ‘only in New Zealand’ story of a successful farmer amassing one of the country’s most significant collections of Kiwi fashion of the 1970s and 80s.” – NZ Listener

His off-farm experiences in the 1960s of driving John Hore Grenell to gigs, including touring with Miss New Zealand shows, exposed him to some of New Zealand’s best fashion designers of the time. He realised that fashion could draw people to his region, so started buying eye-catching clothes and turned a tractor shed into a showroom.

While his lavish fashion collection of over 270 items is perhaps the most intriguing paradox of Eden Hore’s remarkable life, it certainly didn’t exist in isolation. Based at his Naseby high country station, Glenshee, Eden Hore was a true impresario who was transfixed by imagining ‘what if?’ – and then making it happen!

The combination of biography and narratives by Jane Malthus and Claire Regnault, and spectacular images of the garments in the wide-open spaces of Central Otago by Derek Henderson, has clearly fascinated many New Zealanders. The sumptuous 1970s-80s textiles, gorgeous design elements, outrageous leather creations and wonderful hand-crafted wool dresses are hopefully inspiring more designers.

What to Expect

Come behind the scenes at the photoshoots and get a sneak preview of some wonderful clothes not in the book! Dr. Malthus will bring four garments on dress forms to display during the talk, including some special pieces with their own stories to tell.

There will be a book signing afterwards, so you will be able to purchase a book on the night, or bring in your ‘already purchased’ book to get signed by Jane.

Image caption: Wapiti Handcrafts deer suede waistcoat and skirt on Little Valley Road. Photograph by Derek Henderson.