She and fellow members of group Images of the Past — Dunedin were among those celebrating the Ōtepoti Dunedin Heritage Festival at the Dunedin Botanic Garden yesterday.
The group often attended events with a historic theme, and were all keen costumers, she said.
They made the dresses they wore to the garden party, which took a long time.
Unlike the crinolines that predated them in 19th-century fashion, bustles were easy to move about in — she had driven to the garden wearing hers, Ms Clark said.
The dresses could also keep their wearers at a comfortable temperature.
"They were warm — they always had flannel petticoats on underneath."
Demelza Clinch also came in costume with daughter Kali Clinch and aunt Jannette Ward.
They loved celebrating Dunedin and took "any excuse" to dress up.
Co-ordinator Alison Breese said this year the festival, held by the Southern Heritage Trust every two years, had the theme "Growing Heritage" and had several events involving young people.
The location of yesterday’s event was significant because this year marked the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
The day included a dress-up vintage family picnic and live music performances, as well as other activities ranging from face painting to a talk at the information centre.
"It’s all about celebrating Dunedin’s unique heritage," she said.
In a city where people were surrounded by old buildings, it was easy to understand why the past held such an interest.
The festival continues this week with more activities.
