dress, full length in chiffon with psychedelic printed pattern in bright pinks, yellows and reds, pink [synthetic silk] lining, long puffed sleeves are unlined with elasticised gathered wrists, scarf style tie collar with angle pointed ends, darts to bodice front and back, skirt gathered into bodice at back with inverted pleat to centre front, cotton belt loops to side seams, belt is self covered including buckle, zipper to centre back; donor chose style and fabric made to measure, purchased to wear to a legal conference in Japan with Judge Patrick Browne

The impact of synthetic fabrics became significant in the 1970s as it greatly increased the range of patterns and colours available to designers.

This is evident in this 1970s gown by Auckland designer Sybil Churton, who was commissioned to create this garment for a social function in Japan.

An attention gathering dress with its bright psychedelic fabric and full-length skirt and sleeves, this dress is a good example of how much the formal constraints of eveningwear had relaxed by the 1970s.

Applied Arts and Design