FLAIR – From Salon to Boutique, Australian Fashion Labels Through the ’60s
(The Ian Potter Centre, National Gallery of Victoria Australia, 2013)
This exhibition rekindled some of the magic of the psychedelic ’60s era. Named after the fashion magazine Flair, the exhibition featured international designers including Mary Quant and Andre Courreges along with local Australian designers such as Prue Acton, Zara Holt and Norma Tullo all of whom were household names of the era.
- Amongst these items were designer Eva Ogilvie’s “Evening jumpsuit and tabard”, from 1967 and manufactured by Lucas, of Melbourne. The heavily adorned sleeves and collar contain fluorescent plastic and glass beads. The polyester and lurex-knit outfit was reported at the time as being “a touch of Hollywood glamour that could be dunked in the same tub as your stockings”.
Lucas manufacturers (1934-1968) was both a Melbourne and Ballarat-based manufacturer that produced its own cloth, dyes and garments. Its representatives regularly travelled abroad to research development in textiles to advance their own techniques.
- This wide-leg jumpsuit is reminiscent of the Palazzo Pajama worn by the glamorous international jet-set for their leisurely beach and poolside lifestyles. The tunic is a showcase for the bold lurex and its stylized medieval motifs and hides the trousers below.
- During he 1960s countless fashion-conscious women were discouraged from wearing trousers at nightclubs and restaurants which preferred more conservative fashion etiquette.
Therefore, one must ‘dress to impress’!
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