Horrockses cotton dress, c 1960. Collection of Te Papa.
On Friday 24 June a new exhibition opens in Te Papa’s Eyelight’s Gallery – New Zealand in Vogue (24 June 2011 – September 2012).
This exhibition draws its inspiration directly from the pages of Vogue New Zealand, a magazine which graced news stands from 1957 to 1968. It showcases garments from top New Zealand designers and manufacturers such as Emma Knuckey, El Jay and Siltex, and those made here under licence from the world’s leading fashion houses. As well as stylish suits and dresses reflecting the latest international trends, there are the accessories, essential to the well-dressed woman. The home sewer is here too, supported by Vogue in its pattern service, and advice on fabrics.
Each case is based on an actual headline from Vogue New Zealand, including ‘Our Choice of Dior Copies’, ‘Unbeatable All Blacks, ‘The Way to Look in Wool’ and ‘Exciting News For Dressmakers’. Design-wise each case is conceived as a fashion spread.
The exhibition is curated by Claire Regnault, Senior Curator History, who will give a short floor talk on Friday 24 June, at 12.15pm. Please meet in the gallery space.
It has given me and my family a real thrill to see Emma Knuckey and her designs featuring in your Exhibition” N Z In Vogue .” She is my Aunty Celia as we knew her . Thank you .