In January 1950, Irredenta Itala Serini, originally from Fiume, migrated to Australia with her husband and two children.
Upon their arrival, the family stayed in Bonegilla for three months.
Within a few years, Irredenta had established herself as one of the most respected fashion designers in Australia.
In 1959, she opened her own salon in Toorak, called Madame Serini Haute Couture.
During her early years in Australia, she lived in Hobart, working for Claudio Alcorso, the owner of a textile factory, until she moved to Melbourne to work at the Le Louvre boutique on Collins Street, still one of the city’s most renowned high-end fashion stores.
Madame Serini excelled in the field of fashion thanks to her talent, elegance and pride in her Italianness.
These images depict her essence and art, still celebrated today on the occasion of Melbourne Design Week.
Do you recognise yourself in one of the photos in the slideshow above, or do you know the story behind any of the moments captured?
Send the IHS an email or write to them at: CO.AS.IT. Italian Historical Society, 189 Faraday Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053.
For more information, visit the IHS website.
