Towelling wrap dress in geometric print

Frank Carpay began experimenting with screenprinting on white towelling in the early 1960s. He worked with his wife Carla to make and sell beach towels printed with modern motifs and geometric patterns. The success of the prints prompted the Carpays to invite their friend, Robert Leek, to design a range of beach clothing using their printed towelling.

This wrap dress was typical of Robert's designs, which he fitted in around his full-time position as designer at Riley's. Read more about beach fashion at At the Beach: 100 years of summer fashion in New Zealand

Details

Credit: Courtesy of MTG Hawke's Bay
Copyright: Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 Licence
Designer: Frank Carpay (print), Robert Leek (garment)
Manufacturing location: Titirangi, Auckland
Garment type: Wrap dress
Material: Cotton towelling
Features: White with green geometric print
Colour: White, green
Label: Carpay
Date: Circa 1964