Signings of Central Otago Couture: The Eden Hore Collection, by Jane Malthus and Claire Regnault, will be held in Alexandra and Ranfurly on April 3, following the opening of a two-year exhibition of garments at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, in Dunedin, on April 1.
Published by Te Papa Press with stunning photographic images by Derek Henderson, the book weaves together fashion history and the extraordinary story of Maniototo farmer Eden Hore’s obsession with couture clothing.
Co-author and dress historian Jane Malthus said what made Eden Hore so compelling was how unexpected he was.
"He was driven by a desire to do something for his community but that something was unexpected in a rural environment."
Co-author and Te Papa curator Claire Regnault said the story of the collection had captured people’s imaginations and drawn them to Central Otago.
"I hope readers enjoy a unique chapter in Aotearoa New Zealand’s fashion history that defies tropes and stereotypes and that they are inspired to pack their glad-rags and enjoy the magic of Central Otago in-person."
Central Otago District Council owns the Eden Hore collection.
Council community and engagement manager Paula Penno said the council’s role was to protect and preserve the garments and to find innovative ways to share and celebrate the stories that surround the collection.
"This is a Central Otago story about a high-country farmer who dared to follow his fascination with fashion in a time when that was definitely against the norm and to develop a visitor destination for others to enjoy in his purpose-built museum, created out of a converted tractor shed at his Glenshee property."
- Central Otago events — book signings and author talks will be held on April 3 with photographer Derek Henderson, co-author Jane Malthus and model Allanah Kwant at Paper Plus, Alexandra, at 1pm and LoHi, Ranfurly, at 6pm.
- Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, Alexandra, is hosting a small exhibition in March and April featuring one of the high-tech pods that keep the dresses in optimum conditions.
- Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin, highlights from the collection April 2, 2025-April 21, 2027.
— APL
