Nylon became widely available in the 1950s, competing with the natural fibres. In response to the easy wash and care qualities of this new fibre the textile manufacturers produced a range of natural fibre fabrics with easy care finishes.

This dress belonged to the donor's, Sister Marie O'Regan, step mother b. 1915 d. 1992, (name not supplied). She didn't wear any of the dresses as she developed a degenerative disease and became a recluse rarely leaving her home.

Dress, womens, cotton, Lady Elizabeth, Australia, 1956-1962.
Semi-fitted bodice with a v-neck line and collar, three quarter length sleeves with buttoned cuffs, and a centre front fastening with eight white plastic buttons. The dress has a full skirt that falls just below the knee with flat pleats from the waist-line, and includes a self-fabric buckled belt connected by belt loops at the waist-line. The dress is printed with vertical floral bands of purple and blue flowers and green foliage on a mustard brush stroke motif printed on a white ground. Attached to the collar by way of white cord is a swing tag printed on white cardboard, on the front: 'by Caltona/"STAIN PRUFE"/A/Stain Repellent/Drip-Dry/MINIMUM-IRON/COTTON. On the reverse is product information and washing instructions. There are two fabric labels at centre back neckline: the first has 'Lady/Elizabeth', the other 'ALL COTTON/XW'.

Designed: Lady Elizabeth; Australia

Made: Lady Elizabeth; Australia; 1956 - 1962


Owned: O'Regan, Sister Marie; Strathfield, New South Wales

Cardboard swing tag attached to belt loop: by Caltona/"STAIN-PRUFE"/A/Stain Repellant/Drip-Dry/MINIMUM-IRON/COTTON. White fabric label: Lady/Elizabeth. White fabric label: ALL COTTON/XW.

94/271/2

530 mm