When Dreams turn to Gold

#51 Do - see the 'When Dreams turn to Gold' exhibition at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. The Benson & Hedges Awards were established in 1964 and became the Smokefree Fashion Awards in 1995 (when tobacco sponsorship was abolished) and went until 1998. The Awards were a 'launch pad for aspiring designers and transformed amateur dressmakers into fashion stars'. I loved the elegance of Margo Barton's swimsuit and hat entry from the 1992 Awards - inspired by 1940s and 50s Hollywood actress/swimmer Esther Williams. Great to see the 21st Century Origami Dress by World - made of 2 pieces of cardboard, a winning style, it was even recreated in miniature as a costume for Barbie's 45th birthday. It's also fun to sit and watch the footage in the exhibition of the televised awards in 1978 and 1986

#designer #fashion #exhibition