This convertible dress was designed by Laurie Foon for her label Starfish. Laurie didn’t learn to sew from her mother or at a tertiary level fashion school. Her clothing education began at sixteen, working at Wellington fashion manufacturer, Zimme's. It was a style of retailing and manufacturing from a past era; retail staff cut and patterned garments in the shop and there was an adjoining alterations workroom and small factory nearby. Every task, from the shortening of a sleeve to the way an order was written, was performed with a systematic style and efficiency. Zimme's left a deep impression on Laurie and she has tried to replicate the hum, spark and energy within her own company, Starfish.  The sewing pattern and make instructions for this dress are included in the book Home Sewn, which can be purchased from the New Zealand Fashion Museum shop.