Tickets are now available for the upcoming Orry-Kelly Dressing Hollywood Gala, set to take place at The Sebel Kiama on Saturday, 26 July.

Hosted by the Kiama Icons and Artists Association, the gala will celebrate the life and legacy of Kiama-born costume designer Orry-Kelly, who won three Academy Awards and worked on more than 300 Hollywood films, including collaborations with stars like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Carry Grant and Katharine Hepburn.

The event is part of the wider Orry-Kelly Celebration and coincides with the unveiling of a NSW Government Blue Plaque in his honour. The plaque will be installed at The Sebel, acknowledging Orry-Kelly’s international success and local roots.

Kiama Icons and Artists Association founder Catherine Menzies says she was inspired to create the event after realising that many locals were unaware of Orry-Kelly’s achievements.

“No one in Kiama knew who Orry-Kelly was, and it made me think, something needs to be done,” she says.

“Orry-Kelly started here. He came from an amazing Kiama family, and he deserves to be recognised.”

Cate Menzies (Middle) at the Sunday Sippers for Orry-Kelly in December 2024. Source: Kiama Icons and Artists

The gala also marks the tenth anniversary of Women He’s Undressed, a 2015 documentary chronicling Orry-Kelly’s life and career.

 The film’s screenwriter, Katherine Thompson, and producer, Damien Parer, will attend the gala and take part in a discussion panel.

Acclaimed Australian director Gillian Armstrong is also expected to attend, with confirmation to be announced closer to the event.

The evening will include a Hollywood-themed performance by a professional dance troupe, a panel of industry speakers, and a display of Orry-Kelly’s original costumes and artwork.

“In my head, I could hear glamour,” says Menzies.

“It couldn’t just be a talk - it had to be fabulous. Something Orry would have loved.”

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025
• Venue: The Sebel Kiama
• Exhibition Access: From 5:00 PM
• Gala Start Time: 6:00 PM
• Tickets: $115 per person (includes exhibition access, a welcome drink and canapés)
• Booking: Available now via TryBooking

Earlier that day, the public will also be able to view the Orry-Kelly Exhibition between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with tickets available at the door.