by FilmInk Staff
The Kiama Icons and Artists Association, a group dedicated to fostering art and cultural activities in the Kiama area, is thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for its headline event as part of the Orry-Kelly Celebration!
The Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala will honour the legendary costume designer’s exceptional career and achievements, celebrating his legacy right here in his hometown of Kiama.
Orry-Kelly is a Kiama born, three time Academy Award winning costume designer with credits on over 300 Hollywood films working with stars like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis and Katherine Hepburn.
Kiama Icons and Artists Founder Catherine Menzies was inspired to create the event when she realised this huge figure was so unknown in his own hometown.
“No one in Kiama knew who Orry-Kelly was, and it made me think, something needs to be done. I thought about the Elvis Presley festival in Parkes, Elvis never even came to Australia – but they celebrate him regularly to keep his legacy alive. Orry-Kelly started here; he came from an amazing Kiama family, and he deserves to be recognised,” said Menzies.
The event coincides with Orry-Kelly being awarded one of the NSW Government’s prestigious Blue Plaques, which will be unveiled on a wall of The Sebel. The gala also marks the tenth anniversary of the 2015 documentary Women He’s Undressed, which chronicles his life and career.
The film’s screenwriter, Katherine Thompson, and producer, Damien Parer, will be in attendance to share their insights and celebrate Orry-Kelly’s legacy. Australian legend and director Gillian Armstrong is also scheduled to attend, with confirmation closer to the event.
This Hollywood Glamour-themed evening will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, featuring a selection of Orry-Kelly’s original costumes and artwork, a panel of industry experts, a Hollywood-inspired live performance from a dance troupe, and much more.
“In my head, I could hear GLAMOUR,” said Menzies when she was conceiving the event. “It couldn’t just be a talk; it had to be something fabulous – something Orry would have loved.”
Event Details:
● Date: Saturday, 26th July 2025
● Venue: The Sebel, Kiama
● Exclusive Exhibition Access: 5:00 PM
● Gala Commencement: 6:00 PM
● Ticket Price: $115 per person, which includes entry to the exhibition, a welcome beverage, and canapés.
To secure your tickets, follow this link to the TryBooking platform: Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala Tickets.
In addition to the gala, the Orry-Kelly Exhibition will be open to the public on the same day, Saturday, 26th July 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door during the day.
