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Outfit

Outfit
 1956

Medium
silk (taffeta), cotton (organza), metal
Measurements
(a) 146.5 cm (centre back) 46.0 cm (sleeve length) (coat)
(b) 112.0 cm (centre back) 32.0 cm (waist, flat) (dress)
(c) 120.5 cm (centre back) 28.0 cm (waist, flat) (underdress)
Place/s of Execution
Melbourne, Victoria
Accession Number
2008.234.a-c
Department
Australian Fashion and Textiles
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Janet Dawson in memory of her mother Olga Dawson
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest
Gallery location
Not on display
Physical description
Outfit comprising coat, ball dress and underdress. Cream taffeta ball dress with organza underdress and coppery bronze coloured coat. (a) The taffeta A-line coat is gathered into the back neckline with a small collar and features wide elbow length sleeves. (b) The cream strapless princess-line ball dress is fitted through the waist and flares out into a full skirt. The front bodice is cut away in a V-shape to reveal the contrasting bronze taffeta panel of the underdress. The bodice features a bias cut band and bow at centre front and is cut low at the back, fastening with a centre back metal zip. A decorative bow sits below the zip and the centre back seam is cut away in a dramatic curve to reveal the bronze taffeta panel of the underdress. The hem is finished with a small piped edge. There are two press studs on the inside of the bodice side seams to anchor the bodice to corresponding studs on the underdress. (c) The princess-line underdress is made of a fine cream cotton organza with bronze taffeta panels around the bust and in the centre back of the skirt. The bodice is boned in the side seams and the garment is fastened centre back with a metal zip. The taffeta hem is finished with a finely piped edge.