Fashion Through the Ages

Late 1800s David Jones imports an extensive and superior assortment of Norwich and Tibet shawls which quickly sell out as news travels that the Colonys new Queen is wearing them. Women all over Sydney are seen in Paisley and Cashmere shawls from David Jones & Co. 1900s David Jones sources goods from England, Europe, America and the Eastern Countries. David Jones Mail Order department becomes the department stores economic engine as it delivers fashionable pieces all around the country. 1920s David Jones Elizabeth Street opens its doors for the first time and Sydney women are spoilt for choice with the second floors French Evening Room. Customers can enjoy fashion stock including gowns, millinery, furs, wraps and embroidered shawls. 1930s David Jones forms an exclusive arrangement with American footwear manufacturer Selby Shoes allowing the store to offer Australian women multiple fittings of different styles of shoes for the first time ever. 1940s Christian Diors new look collection is launched and after much negotiation David Jones buyer Mrs Mary Alice Shiell secures 50 original Dior garments to be shown at David Jones. The first time a complete Dior collection has been shown outside Paris. 1950s David Jones in association with The Australian Womans Weekly brings a parade of Christian Dior Couture originals to Australia. David Jones decides to go ahead and show The House of Dior Couture Collection with 83 outfits on 7 Dior House models despite the designers sudden and untimely death just a few weeks before the show. 1960s David Jones highlights global fashion from designers from all corners of the globe including Scandinavia, United States, France, Greece, Portugal, Israel. In store appearances by top designers such as Emilio Pucci and Fausto Sarli confirm that David Jones is still the number one fashion destination for Australian women. 1970s Peter and Adele Weisss self titled label Weiss wins the prestigious David Jones Award for Sportswear and a new era in easy wearable Australian style is born. 1980s David Jones creates stores within stores with the help of Australian designers such as Trent Nathan, Weiss, Carla Zampatti and successful buyer Maria Finlay who is invited by David Jones to sell her range of imports exclusively within the store. 1990s David Jones buyers commence their House of Brands initiative securing exclusive partnerships with some coveted international designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and Valentino. 2000s David Jones cements its position as the leading destination for Australian designers with a campaign that highlights its Fashion Family including Collette Dinnigan, Zimmermann, Akira Isogowa, Easton Pearson and Alannah Hill. Present David Jones Elizabeth Street Bridal launches to resounding success offering both ready to wear and made to measure gowns from Australian and international bridal designers. Customers from near and far purchase gowns from the exclusive salon style rooms On Seven flying in from New Zealand, Perth, Queensland and Singapore to place orders. Ambassadors Through the Years David Jones is unique in its ambassador program and is one of the first department stores to enlist ambassadors to represent the David Jones brand. Maureen Duval was the David Jones ambassador for 16 years and American model Lauren Hutton from 1997 to 2001. In 2001 David Jones appointed Megan Gale as the face of David Jones featuring her in David Jones shoots, catalogues and fashion shows. When Megan retired from the role in 2008 Australian supermodel, Miranda Kerr was signed in as fashion ambassador working along side fellow ambassadors Jason Dundas, Samantha Harris, Jessica Gomes, Montana Cox, Gai Waterhouse and Emma Freedman.