The Krystyna Campbell-Pretty Fashion Gift is a microcosm of the world of haute couture and Parisian fashion from the late nineteenth century to the twenty-first century and has introduced designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Boué Soeurs, Christian Lacroix, as well as Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s ‘little black dress’ in a number of styles to the NGV Collection.

How did Krystyna Campbell-Pretty build her collection and what are the stories behind her favourite pieces? What does her collection tell us about the history of fashion design and the world of haute couture?