Wedding dresses are often worn once, then carefully stored away, preserved in boxes and remembered through photos and stories. But for a group of women committed to making a difference, these dresses became part of something more.
Held in Perth, Love and Lace – A Vintage Wedding Dress Story, showcased decades of bridal fashion and personal history. Curated as a fundraising initiative, the event invited women to share their wedding gowns — giving each dress a second life and raising funds for Sepsis Australia. Visitors came to appreciate the changing styles, craftsmanship, and stories behind the gowns, while contributors had the opportunity to revisit meaningful memories and support a cause with lasting impact.
Funds raised through the exhibit were donated to Sepsis Australia, driven by a shared commitment to raising awareness of this time-critical condition. Committee member Lynda Rose’s family experience — her daughter’s survival with life-altering injuries and the loss of her unborn grandchild — deeply affected those involved. The initiative became a way for the group to support Lynda and ensure that more people understand the risks and signs of sepsis. With support from fellow committee members, the exhibit brought together personal stories, community generosity, and a clear message: sepsis awareness matters.
This initiative also gave wedding dresses a renewed purpose. Garments once chosen to symbolise love were shared again to support improved awareness and response to sepsis. In doing so, the exhibit connected memory with meaning, and fashion with fundraising, in service of a vital cause.