Search the collections
Prue Acton, Fashion Designer (1943- )
Image: Coat - Black Wool Mini
Source: Museum Victoria
Prue Acton was born in Benalla, Victoria, in 1943. She completed a Diploma of Art (majoring in Textiles) in 1962 and in the following year started her own company (in Flinders Lane) with a loan from her parents. She was the first Australian designer to break into the American market, after a successful visit to New York in 1967. Prue received a number of awards during her career, including five Australian Wool Board Awards, three David Jones Awards for Fashion Excellence and four Fashion Industry of Australia Lyrebird Awards, as well as receiving an OBE in 1982. After closing her business in the late 1980s, she now works as a full-time painter.
Items per page: 10 50 (showing 1 - 50) 216 items
-
Dress - Prue Acton, Mini, Black Wool Crepe, 1967
This mini dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1967. It was worn by Prue Acton, and was featured in photographs and newspaper articles. It was also worn ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Halter Top & Pants - Prue Acton, Gold Lame, `Rose Story', 1981
This halter top and pants set was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1981. Made from a Spanish fabric, and designed for export to the USA. It was part of the ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Ensemble - Prue Acton, Australian National Costume, Miss Universe Competition, 1984
Four piece ensemble, consisting of a hand decorated coat, two piece body stocking and a lap-lap. It was designed by Prue Acton and her team for 1984 Miss Universe Australian entrant Do ...
Images: 4 -
Armlet - Prue Acton, Brass, 1980s
This bangle was manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1980s. It was worn by the donor. According to ex General & Marketing Manager of Prue Acton Pty Ltd all ranges were ac ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Mini, Black Wool, 1967
This mini dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1967. It and another version with different lace collar featured in photos of the donor in newspaper clip ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Evening Mini, Black Rayon, circa 1965
According to donor, this is a very early evening dress produced in Melbourne for Prue Acton P/L by dress maker Eileen Lorraine.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Armlet - Prue Acton, Brass & Bamboo, 1980s
This bangle was manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1980s. It was worn by the donor. According to ex General & Marketing Manager of Prue Acton Pty Ltd all ranges were ac ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Bangle - Prue Acton, Enamelled Flowers, 1970s
This bangle was manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1970s. It was worn by the donor. According to ex General & Marketing Manager of Prue Acton Pty Ltd all ranges were ac ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Evening Mini, Purple, circa 1965
This mini dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1965.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Ensemble - Prue Acton, Mini Dress & Coat, Cream Wool, circa 1968
This ensemble was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1968. The original retail prices were $42 for the Dress and $78 for the coat. The dress was also sold wi ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Necklace - Prue Acton, Metal Nuts & Cord, 1980s
This necklace was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1980s. It was worn by the donor. According to ex General & Marketing Manager of Prue Acton Pty Ltd all ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Bracelet - Prue Acton, Metal Domes, 1970s
This bangle was manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1970s. It was worn by the donor. According to ex General & Marketing Manager of Prue Acton Pty Ltd all ranges were ac ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Suit - Prue Acton, Mini, Burgundy, 1965
This suit was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1965. It was owned and worn by the donor. A similar suit is photographed in an article in The Sun Newspaper dat ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Pantsuit - Prue Acton, Beige Twill, 1966
This suit was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1966. According to the donor it is a very early pantsuit which co-ordinated with a skirt (not in collection). I ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Necklace - Prue Acton, Metal Leaves & Shell, 1980s
This necklace was manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1980s. It was worn by the donor. According to ex General & Marketing Manager of Prue Acton Pty Ltd all ranges were ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Bracelet - Prue Acton, Shapes, 1970s
This bangle was manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1970s. It was worn by the donor. According to ex General & Marketing Manager of Prue Acton Pty Ltd all ranges were ac ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress & Belt - Prue Acton, Mini, Floral Jersey, circa 1965
This suit was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1965
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Coat - Prue Acton, Mini, Navy Wool, 1966
This suit was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1966. The design was one of Prue Acton's first awards, in the Garment Section of the 1966 Australian Wool Fashi ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Jacket & Skirt - Prue Acton, Coloured Faux Reptile, 1986
Summary for Parent Object Made By: Prue Acton P/L and/or contractors, 1985 - 1990 Used: Melbourne ,Victoria ,Australia ,1985 ,1985 - 1990 Worn by donor. Same design as brown faux reptil ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Pair of Earrings - Prue Acton, Coils, 1980s
This pair of earrings was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1980s. They were worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Coat - Prue Acton, Mini, Ginger Wool & Fox Fur, Altered, 1968
This coat was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1968. It was originally maxi length but at an unknown date it was shortened to mini length.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Coat - Prue Acton, Mini, Black Wool, 1968
This coat was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1968. It was worn by the donor, over mini dress SH 942000. It was also worn by a model for Prue Acton's 25th An ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress & Belt - Prue Acton, Cream Self-Patterned Squares, 1965
This dress and belt set was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1965. Possibly designed by PA designer Betty Greenhatch, very architectural Self-patterned fabri ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Brooch - Prue Acton, Lightning Bolts, 1970s
This pair of brooches was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1970s. They were worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Coat - Prue Acton, Mini, Green Corduroy,1967
This coat was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1967. It was worn by the donor when pregnant with first daughter.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Mini, Blue Wool Check, circa 1968
This coat was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1968. Dress was worn by donor. The fabric, Heather Tweed, was produced by Fred Moylan Fabrics, There is a ca ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Pair of Earrings - Prue Acton, White Wire, 1974
This pair of earrings was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1974. They were worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Brooch - Prue Acton, Apple, 1960s
This brooch was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1960s. It was worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Coat - Prue Acton, Maxi, Lime Linen, 1969
This coat was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1969. Worn by donor at the launch of her cosmetics company launch 1969 and Derby Day (date unknown.) In 1988 ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Pinafore, Lime Linen, 1969
This dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1969. It was worn by the donor with a polo neck jumper (possibly in the Museum's collection SH 942291) and whi ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Pair of Earrings - Prue Acton, Red Hoops, 1970
This pair of earrings was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1970. They were worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Pair of Earrings - Prue Acton, Shield, 1974
This pair of earrings was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1974. They were worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Lime Linen & Cream Knit, 1969
This dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1969. In 2005, it was used in a fashion parade at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre to lauch the Australia Post ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Jumpsuit - Prue Acton, Black & Cream Knit, circa 1969
This dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1969. According to the donor it was on of the first bonded knit designs made in Australia. It was also worn ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Pair of Earrings - Prue Acton, Rods, 1970
This pair of earrings was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1970. They were worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Pair of Earrings - Prue Acton, Elephants, 1980s
This pair of earrings was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in the 1980s. They were worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Hotpants - Prue Acton, Aqua & Cream Knit, circa 1969
This pair of hotpants were designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1969. According to the donor it was on of the first bonded knit designs made in Australia. It o ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Brown Arnel Jersey Patch, circa 1972
This dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1972. It originally retailed for $38. This example was worn by the donor.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Raincoat & Mittens - Prue Acton, Fox Fur, 1980
This raincoat and mittens set was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1980. A similar garment was part of the costumes worn by American actress Barbara Parkin ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Skirt & Petticoat - Prue Acton, Bronze Flecked, 1980
This skirt was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1980. Made from a Spanish fabric. A similar garment was part of the costumes worn by American actress Barbara ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Dark Green Jersey, circa 1972
This dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1972. It was part of 'jersey' knit range produced by Prue Acton in the early 1970's. According to the donor ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress & Belt - Prue Acton, Navy Crepe, circa 1972
This dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1972. According to the donor it is an example of the range of midi dresses which followed the mini look.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Jumpsuit & Jacket - Prue Acton, Cream Daisy Pattern, 1969
This jumpsuit and jacket were designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1969 for Joseph Aschlapfer fabric. Space Age look used daisy logo motif (also on vinyl outfit 9 ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Dress & Sash - Prue Acton, Beige Georgette Rose, 1980
This dress and sash set was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1980. A similar garment was part of the costumes worn by American actress Barbara Parkins in t ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Skirt & Top - Prue Acton, Pink Jersey, circa 1972
This outfit was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L circa 1972. It was part of 'jersey' knit range produced by Prue Acton in the early 1970's.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Dress - Prue Acton, Evening, Hand Painted Crepe, 1972
This dress was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1972. As it has no label in it, it may be a sample or a one-off garment.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Cardigan & Vest - Prue Acton, Dark Grey Knit, 1965
This cardigan and vest set was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1965. It was originally worn by donor. The two pieces could be worn separately or together. ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Cardigan & Vest - Prue Acton, Dark Grey Knit, 1965
This cardigan and vest set was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1965. It was originally worn by donor. The two pieces could be worn separately or together. ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Ensemble - Prue Acton, `Coastal Waters', Handpainted Silk, 1975
This outfit was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1975, from fabric handpainted by Rae Ganim. It is a one-off garment, and was exhibited at the National Galler ...
From: Richmond, Australia Images: 4 -
Ensemble - Prue Acton, `Outback Deserts', Handpainted Cotton, 1975
This outfit was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1975, from fabric handpainted by Rae Ganim. It is a one-off garment, and was exhibited at the National Galler ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1
