my favourite frock and the story behind it

Do you have a most treasured dress? One that holds a memory, tells a story, or just makes you feel like yourself? This October, those stories take on new meaning thanks to Frocktober – the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation’s (OCRF) fashionable fundraiser that encourages people to wear their favourite outfits to raise funds (and awareness) for medical ovarian cancer research. Despite how serious and common it is, ovarian cancer still has no early detection test (nope! A cervical screening won’t detect it) and not enough targeted and effective treatments. Unfortunately, the five-year survival rate is just 49 per cent. It can affect anyone with ovaries, at any age, and we reckon it deserves far more attention than it gets.

In 2025, the OCRF is celebrating 25 years of progress and hope, so we asked a handful of stylish folks to share the story behind a dress they really love. Whether it’s a vintage gem, something they made themselves, or a memento from a memorable trip, each frock holds meaning. We hope their stories inspire you to get involved, frock up, and start some important conversations this October.Kristy Dickinson
Haus of Dizzy founder and director
This is one of my all-time favourite dresses; a re-purposed football jersey transformed into something truly unique. I picked it up a few years ago from Shag on Smith Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne. It’s one of those iconic local stores where you can find incredible one-off pieces. The dress is embellished with sequins and features layers of playful, sparkly tulle, giving it this amazing contrast between sporty and glam. I love that it’s bold, a little bit street, and a little bit fancy. It perfectly matches my vibe.

I wear it on special occasions when I want to feel powerful, playful and fully myself. It’s what I call my “fancy dress”, but in a way that still feels fun and authentic to me. Fashion is storytelling and this piece really speaks to how I like to mix styles and break rules. It’s more than a dress – it's a conversation starter and it always makes me feel like I’m ready to take on anything.Lisa Crocker
Frocktober ambassador and sewist
Sewing has always been a part of my life as my mum was a talented sewist and she taught me from an early age. Sadly, she passed away from ovarian cancer in 2019, which makes my involvement in Frocktober all the more meaningful. During the pandemic, my passion for sewing grew. I’ve kept it up, and for Frocktober 2023, I decided to wear a different ‘me-made’ frock every day to raise awareness of ovarian cancer research.

This dress is a patchwork reflection of love, legacy and creativity and is my way of honouring Mum and contributing to a cause that’s so close to my heart. It all started with my brilliant daughter-in-law, Zahra (@suzzincolour), who produces surface design patterns that are very much in the “dopamine design” style. Each design she comes up with marries gorgeous colours with bold patterns – I love them all. So, I took samples of her designs, stitched them together and crafted this dress, as a tribute to her artistry and the bond we share.Lady Petrova
Sustainable designer and creative mentor
I’ve decided it’s time to fully embrace too-muchness! This means honouring the parts of yourself that the world might have once asked you to shrink. This dress began its life as an op-shopped 1980s bridal gown, which I transformed into a Marie Antoinette-inspired costume for Halloween. But I’ve never believed in saving dresses for special occasions – being alive is the special occasion! So I gave it a second upcycle, shortening the skirt and reworking the silhouette to make it feel more wearable, but no less magical. Now it’s one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe. It makes me feel whimsical and regal – like I could dance through the day and float into a fairytale. This dress is more than just fabric – it’s a reminder to take up space, play dress ups, be bold and to wear the thing that makes your heart flutter. It is a celebration of transformation, creativity and wearing what brings you joy… no matter how far down the “too much” scale it may seem.Carly Findlay OAM
Writer, appearance activist and Frocktober ambassador
Just before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, my mum and I went to South Africa so I could meet her side of the family. We had a brilliant time meeting them – I learnt about how the apartheid impacted my parents. We went to many museums and spoke to historians, as well as family members.

I bought this dress on my trip. It was designed and made by June Omondi and tailored to fit me in her store in Maboneng, an arty part of Johannesburg. I love the vibrant colours and the full skirt – it has a lovely swish to it. Mum bought a dress by June too.

Wearing this dress is a lovely reminder of my trip. I learnt so much about world history, human rights and protest while also getting to know the woman my mum was before she became a parent. It's a memento of the beautiful time I had before cancer, and gives me hope we’ll return to South Africa now I am cancer-free.Maggie Zhou, fashion editor and Culture Club co-host
For someone who wears a lot of colour, it was a surprise to realise my favourite dress is black and relatively simple. When I put it on, I feel like I’m a cast member in The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, the comedy series set in 1950s New York. It’s a hand-me-down, like most of the best garments are. My partner’s mum kindly entrusted me with this Australian-made gem. It was love at first sight.

There’s something so alluring about its simplicity. There’s subtle darting through the bodice, which leads to gentle pleating through the below-the-knee skirt. I marvel at garments that can speak softly but confidently. There are no frills; every stitch is considered. Nice dresses don’t have to be fussy, uncomfortable or pinching. It’s true what they say, you look your best when you feel your best. This timeless number makes me feel like a million bucks, but more importantly, it makes me feel like me.

These lovely tales were told in partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Australia’s leading independent funder of medical ovarian cancer research. This year, the OCRF is encouraging everyone to ‘frock their way’ because frocking up is all about self-expression. Find out more and register on the Frocktober website.