DRESS, Evening

This dress was worn by Dame Alexandra Hasluck (b 1908) in the 1970s most notably on the occasion of a function attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1970 at Government House, Canberra. Dame Alexandra and her husband, Sir Paul Hasluck, Governor General 1969-1974, have been photographed with the Queen and Prince Philip on this occasion. The dress may well have been worn on other official occasions but careful note was taken of when and where a particular dress was worn so that it would not be seen in the same place by the same people. This information was recorded by Dame Alexandra's Lady-in-Waiting who was Mrs Pidgeon now at 87 Philip Road Dalkeith. The dress is sleeveless with a square neckline, a pleat on the left front and a zipper in the centre back. It is made from gold silk which has a floral pattern all over. The garment pieces have been mounted on silk organza of a similar gold colour. The dress has a raised waistline from which the bodice is lightly gathered under bust. Where the pleat on the left front of the skirt enters the bodice is a decorative bow of white and clear beads. These beads are repeated in two rows around the armholes. On donation this dress was hung on a covered coat hanger H90/389.

Department: 

Collection

History Collection

Collection Item Data