Abstract print dress with full sleeves

The idea of using clothes to convey status is as old as civilisation, and the 1980s was the pinnacle of power dressing. As more and more women entered traditionally male-oriented environments, they found it advantageous to dress as though they were in command. Enter the big hair and shoulder pads as the decade of Dallas, Dynasty and Gloss entered women's wardrobes. This dress was designed under Gus Fisher's Christian Dior license for El Jay before it eventually closed its doors in 1988. This dress was part of the 2013 exhibition 50 Years of Fashion at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery.

Details

Credit: Garment loan courtesy of Lorraine W
Copyright: All Rights Reserved, Image © Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery
Designer: Christian Dior by El Jay
Manufacturing location: Auckland
Garment type: Dress
Colour: Multi-coloured
Date: 1980s