The inaugural Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala will take over Kiama on 26 July with a night of celebration, drinks, food - as well as a one-of-a-kind exhibition honouring one of Kiama’s most iconic exports.

Organised by Kiama Icons and Artists, the event celebrates Orry-Kelly, the legendary Hollywood costume designer who was born and raised in Kiama and went on to dress some of the biggest stars of the golden age of cinema.

Curator of the exhibition part of the day, Michelle Springett said the goal is to highlight both his extraordinary life and his artistic achievements.

“We wanted to host both a celebration and a museum-style exhibition to show off Orry's amazing work,” she said. “His legacy deserves to be seen and remembered.”

The exhibition will showcase original Hollywood costumes, replicas of Orry-Kelly’s three Academy Awards, rare sketches, and a selection of his original paintings. 

While the collection features multiple standout pieces, Springett says a few in particular are sure to draw attention.

Orry-Kelly's Les Girls design. Photo supplied.

“We’ve secured some incredible costumes, including a beautiful gown worn by Olivia de Havilland, which will really be our centrepiece. There’s also a leotard from Les Girls and a jacket worn by Errol Flynn. They’re just stunning.”

Springett said the exhibition aims to tell the full story of Orry’s life through his work, with plenty of background on his career, artistry and the man himself.

“The costumes are just stunning - even his costume sketches are beautiful works of art in their own right. The exhibition will share details about Orry the artist, the designer, and the man.

"His life had a bit of scandal and intrigue too, especially around the relationships he had, so it’s a fascinating story,” she said.

Though Orry was best known for designing for more than 300 films, he also had a strong passion for painting. Sue Eggins, President of the Kiama Historical Society and member of Kiama Icons and Artists, said he began giving paintings as gifts as a young man in Kiama.

“Orry’s father was a tailor and made wedding suits for local couples. Orry would often give the newlyweds a painting. He must’ve done quite a few because many older families in Kiama still have original Orry-Kelly artworks. We’ll have one in the exhibition that dates back to 1915.”

That painting practice followed him overseas and even played a role in his survival when he was unemployed.

“When Orry and Cary Grant - then known as Archie Leach - were living in New York, Orry would paint murals in cafés and he and Archie would sell hand-painted white ties and shawls,” Eggins said.

“Orry would paint when he was short on cash. Even in Hollywood, many of his friends owned his artwork. At one stage, he opened a studio in Sydney just to save up enough money to get back to America.”

A ticket to the gala includes admission to the exhibition and there are still tickets left here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1375343. 

For those who only wish to attend the exhibition, it will be open to the public from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, July 26, at The Sebel Kiama Assembly Hall.

Tickets are $10 at the door, and children under 15 are free.

“Orry was born in Kiama at the end of the 19th century and made it all the way to Hollywood in its golden age,” said Springett.

“He was a gay man who didn’t let anything stop him, and he left a huge mark on film history. Somehow, he’s been forgotten in his own home town.

"This is our chance to change that. Come celebrate a part of our town’s story.”