Black chantilly lace dress

This garment received much acclaim from the press, prompting one newspaper to call its designer Bruce Papas "the Balenciaga of New Zealand". The dress was purchased by Robyn Harrison from 246 Shopping Centre in Auckland's Queen Street. It is labelled Staevro Boutique, one of two labels that Bruce designed under during his time at 246. Many years later Robyn wrote to him about the dress: "It is a masterpiece of design," she said. Robyn later donated the dress to Auckland Museum.

Details

Credit: Photo courtesy of Bruce Papas and Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Copyright: Photo © Bruce Papas
Designer: Bruce Papas
Garment type: Dress
Material: Chantilly lace, satin
Features: A single piece of black chantilly lace is stitched to a boned black satin underskirt. At the back, the lace dips to a semi train. There is a black satin bow at the bottom of the zip.
Colour: Black
Purchase location: Bruce Papas, 246 Queen Street, Auckland
Label: Staevro Boutique
Date: Circa 1965