Daffodil yellow Miss Universe gown
Shared by
New Zealand Fashion Museum
In 1970 Linda Ritchie was 20 and had just finished studying at Waikato University. The following year she won a string of pageants that included the Miss New Zealand title. Although confident and self-assured, Linda was somewhat unprepared for the challenges of international pageant life. With the rise of the women’s liberation movement beauty contests had become a symbol of objectification, a hangover of feminine ideals from the 1950s and 60s. Burning bras and abandoning the fashion rules went against the pageant image of swimsuits, gowns and big hair. Under pressure from feminists and a demanding schedule that included trips to America and the United Kingdom for the Miss Universe and Miss World contests, Linda was determined to represent New Zealand and its fashion to the best of her abilities. As Miss New Zealand, Linda was given an entire wardrobe sponsored by the New Zealand Wool Board. With the assistance of Jean Lodge she commissioned or purchased daywear, gowns, swimsuits and accessories by some of New Zealand’s most prominent designers. This fine yellow wool crepe gown by Tarantella has a gently flaring A-line skirt and a dramatic cut-out design motif. A deep triangle plunges from the bust line to the waist, echoed in a similar panel at the back. Cut-away shoulders accentuate the graceful silhouette of the outfit. The dress was described as: "Daffodil yellow pure wool crepe with pearls, bugles and beads sets off Miss New Zealand's blond beauty in this formal gown."
Ngā whakamārama
Details
-
Title
Daffodil yellow Miss Universe gown
-
Maker
Joan Talbot
-
Contributor
Images courtesy of Linda Ritchie Collection, Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa(L2010.34.10)
-
Date made
1971
-
Subject
Evening gown
-
Rights
Images courtesy of Linda Ritchie Collection, Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa(L2010.34.10) ; Image © Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa
-
View source record for this item
https://www.nzfashionmuseum.org.nz/d/daffodil-yellow-miss-universe-gown/
Kei hea tēnei taonga?
Where is this item held?
-
Additional information including high resolution images may be available.
-
Location
www.nzfashionmuseum.org.nz
Whare taonga | Organisation
New Zealand Fashion Museum
Ngā here ki runga i ngā whakaahua o tēnei taonga?
What can you do with images of this item?
-
You must check with New Zealand Fashion Museum to confirm terms of use and any attribution requirements, but this is our understanding:
-
Use for private study, research, criticism, review, or education
NZ Copyright law allows for the use of copyrighted works in specific circumstances. Consider what you can do under copyright law.
-
No sharing
You can't share this image without futher permission.
-
No modifying
You can't modify, remix or add to this image without further permission.
-
No commercial use
You can't use this image to make money.
-
Text adapted with permission from Te Papa and Digital NZ
Tāpirihia he kōrero anō
Improve this record
-
Can you help us? Share names, details and stories to help enrich the collection.