Summary

This outfit was designed and manufactured in Melbourne by Prue Acton P/L in 1988. It consists of a short dress, over skirt and removable sleeves.

It was worn by the donor to the Australian Bicentennial Wool Collection fashion parade, held at the Sydney Opera House, on 31st January, 1988, and attended by the Princess of Wales. The removable sleeves were not worn to this event, but she did carry a metal cat handbag (SH 942019) and wore a pair of Yves Saint Laurent shoes (SH 942053.)

Prue was photographed in several articles about the event, including `Wool on Parade' (New Idea magazine, 20th February, 1988) and `And Di Steals the Show Again' (Woman's Day magazine 15th February, 1988.)

According to the donor, it was part of theme developed around her 1988 Melbourne Cup outfit, 'Scrunch and Drape' - fabric used to create form and texture.

Physical Description

This outfit consists of a gold silk dress, overskirt and removable sleeves: (1) Metallic gold rippled silk evening dress with generous off-the shoulder ruffled neckline and straps. The dress is sleeveless and has diagonal rouched pleating across the bodice and thin piping at waistline. The dress is fastened at the back with a zip from neckline to lower back. The bodice lining is black and the skirt lining is a maroon viscose acetate. (2) Overskirt to match evening dress is semi-circular and split at the front to reveal front of dress and the wearer's legs. The back is full length. The waistband is piped and ruffled rosettes disguise two metal hook fasteners at front. The lining is camel coloured stiffened organza. (3) & (4) Two fitted sleeves elaticised at top, matching dress and overskirt.

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