Jimmy Choo sandals, 2001 Donated by Jimmy Choo, 2001

The first donation to the costume collection in 1897 was an umbrella. Since then there has been growing interest in costume history and the evolution of fashion design. At present the collection includes some 10,000 objects, embracing men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories.

Brighton & Hove City Museums collect examples of costume of international fashion and style significance, especially those with local links. Most are offered as gifts by members of the public and designers. Occasionally we purchase pieces of exceptional interest.

The collection tries to reflect the geographic, social and cultural nature of Brighton & Hove's community. The rich diversity of the collection includes objects made and sold in Brighton & Hove, those worn by local people and the historically outstanding.

	Dress worn by Mary Eliza Catt, c.1880 Donated by Miss Northcote-Green, 1969

This is a fashionable three-piece mid-Victorian dress consisting of plastron front (collar with modesty at front), bodice and skirt.

It was made for Mary Eliza Gibbons of Lindfield, Sussex. She married George Henry Catt (nephew of Henry Willett) on 29 May 1879.

The outfit was made by Madame Hawkes who was a local dressmaker who opened premises at 2 St. James Place, Brighton in c. 1867.

This outfit would have been worn with a fitted corset and small padded bustle underneath.