What's on in Brisbane: Dressed by the Best: Fashion, Glamour and Gwen Gillam

A new exhibition has recently opened at the Queensland Museum and this one is more than a little special. It is a small but beautiful exhibition of the work of a little-known Queensland icon: Gwen Gillam.

Gwen Gillam was the leading dress designer in Queensland in the 1950s and 60s. Born in Warwick, Gwen opened her first store in Brisbane in 1937 when she was just 20. Over an almost 50-year career she became known as 'the best' in the city, designing and making dresses of 'european' quality for her distinguished clientele.

 Gwen Gillam and some of her designs. Courtesy of the Queensland Museum.

The Queensland Museum's retrospective Dressed by the Best: Fashion, Glamour and Gwen Gillam opened on 2 August and will run until 24 February, 2013. There are accompanying events such as talks, curated tours and a special high tea.

I can't wait to head in to Southbank one day for my big hit of culture - Masterpieces of the Prado at GOMA and Gwen Gillam at Queensland Museum.