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.
The dress was purchased from Coles department store by Sister O'Regan's stepmother. Sister O'Regan, the donor, got the dress when her step mother died in 1992.

Dress, womens, cotton, Smart Wear, Australia, 1956-1962.
The semi-fitted bodice features a v-neck line with a wide collar and short sleeves. The dress has centre front fastening with 3 brown plastic buttons to the waist line and a zipper on the left hand side seam. The straight skirt has hip pockets, a self fabric belt and a short pleat at centre back hemline. The floral printed fabric features blue flowers on a brown splattered background. Stapled to centre back neckline is a white carboard label: Item 193/Price 39/11/COLES. White fabric label: Smart Wear/ALL COTTON/XW.

Designed: Smart Wear; Australia

Made: Smart Wear; Australia; 1956 - 1962


Owned: Coles; Sydney

: O'Regan, Sister Marie; Sydney

Cardboard label staped to centre back neckline: Item:193/Price 39/11/COLES. White fabric label: Smart Wear/ALL COTTON/XW.

94/271/3

540 mm