4 Jun 2020

The Rest Is History: The Mollie Rodie MacKenzie fashion collection

From Lately, 10:41 pm on 4 June 2020

Invercargill-born designer Mollie Rodie Mackenzie developed one of the most comprehensive collections of 20th century fashion and clothing in the country. The collection was purchased by Canterbury Museum in 1984 and includes more than 2000 items of clothing and 800 accessories, as well as other fashion related items.

Mollie passed away in Queensland recently, aged 100, and to pay tribute the museum has put hundreds of items from the collection online for the public to view.

The museum's Leader Curatorial Special Projects, Dr Bronwyn Labrum, discusses the collection and its significance.

Auckland manufacturer Silknit is known for its lingerie but in 1969 they produced this bright green, synthetic fibre-knit maxi dress with a turtleneck collar and banded bell sleeves. Canterbury Museum 1984.70.384

A pair of Coca-Cola trousers from 1975 epitomises Mollie’s eye for collecting clothing that captured popular culture. Canterbury Museum 1984.70.902

A pair of 1937 gold and black women's high heel sandals made by Hollywood. Canterbury Museum 1984.70.2121

These colourful 1960s or 1970s Bendon briefs were intended for the younger male consumer. Canterbury Museum 1984.70.1793

Mollie Rodie, c1938, Wellington, by Stanley Andrew. Te Papa (O.039887)

View the collection on Canterbury Museum's online portal here.