Dress, hat, socks and shoes
1994 {On liberty collection, autumn-winter 1994–95}
Medium
metallic thread, elastane, polyacrylic, nylon polyester (boning), cotton, viscose acetate, leather, rubber, metal (fastenings)
Measurements
(a) 86.0 cm (centre back) 26.5 cm (waist, flat) (dress)
(b) 46.0 cm (outer circumference) 27.0 cm (height) 26.5 cm (width) (hat)
(c-d) 16.0 × 30.0 cm (each) (socks)
(e-f) 21.5 × 7.0 × 20.0 cm (each) (shoes)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2023
Gallery location
Special Exhibitions Gallery
Ground Level, NGV International
About this work
This knitted and crocheted dress was one of Westwood’s most beloved designs – so much so that she owned and wore it regularly. Its delicate floral pattern and motifs were inspired by research into the archives of the House of Liberty; the London department store and fabric print house established 120 years earlier. Multiple colourways and variations appeared throughout the collection, with the nearby full-length metallic version, featuring a ruffled train, serving as the finale look on the runway.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
England
Inscription
(a) label, right shoulder, woven in gold on white polyester: Vivienne / Westwood / London © / MADE IN ENGLAND
(b) label, centre front, woven in gold on white polyester: Vivienne / Westwood / London © / MADE IN ENGLAND
(e) embossed in gold on insole: MADE IN ENGLAND / Vivienne Westwood / London
(f) embossed in gold on insole: MADE IN ENGLAND / Vivienne Westwood / London
Accession Number
2023.721.a-f
Department
International Fashion and Textiles