Throughout the 20th century, many New Zealand garment manufacturers used to manufacture international labels under licence locally. This dress is an example of a well known and much loved British label which was manufactured locally by California Productions (NZ) Ltd. The Horrockses Fashions label was founded in England in 1946 by the cotton manufacturer Horrockses, Crewdson Company Ltd. Their ready-to-wear cotton dresses became well known for their cut, and unique, colourful prints.

In 1952, the company approached Queen Elizabeth II to see if she would like to view a collection of Horrockses cotton dresses, in order to select a wardrobe for her upcoming Commonwealth tours, including her 1953-54 tour of New Zealand. The company viewed the tour as a way of promoting British merchandise abroad, and the Queen obliged. Fashion stores throughout the Commonwealth were advised that the Queen would be wearing Horrockses during her tour, so that they could order a selection of styles to cater to those women wanting to emulate their sovereign.

This printed day dress was made under licence in New Zealand and proudly reveals the company's ongoing association with the Royal family, the endorsement of which became formalised, through its label which reads 'By appointment to the H M the Queen / Dressmakers / Horrockses Fashions / Made in New Zealand'.