Minidress made by Norma Tullo worn by Irene Combe
Object No. 2007/211/1
Irene Combe, born 1951, Sydney, was a fashion model from 1967-1986. At the urging of her husband-to-be, radio announcer, Ward 'Pally' Austin, Irene began her modelling career at 16 ½ years of age, joining Sydney's premier modelling agency, June Dally-Watkins Modelling Agency, late 1967. The collection is a modelling archive of clothing worn by Irene Combe, 1965-1970, and illustrates a period of immense change in Australia's fashion landscape. Fashion in the 1960s was moving away from the unnaturally contrived silhouette of the cinched waist and voluminous petticoats synonymous with 1950s fashion. Dress shapes in the 1960s were simple with clean lines. The clothing featured in the collection embodies the essence of what was considered in the 1960s to be modern, youthful, daring and with the advent of the mini skirt, somewhat shocking. The garments are feminine in design, less structured and reflect the aesthetics and values of a blossoming youth culture. The youth of the 1960s wanted to be recognised as a 'class' separate to their elders and used fashion as a tool of rebellion. With money to spend and easy access to the contraceptive pill, this younger generation enjoyed an unprecedented level of freedom. The fashion market responded accordingly to this growing youth consciousness. Inspired by London fashion, the mini symbolised the defiant attitudes of 1960s youth. Irene comments that she "secretly loved the shock element of our tiny mini skirts". In a social and cultural context, the collection articulates the mood and identities of the 1960s generation. This collection is significant as it is representative of the progressive modernist aesthetic that the youth culture adopted in the 1960s.
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Summary
Object Statement
Mini dress with belt, womens, wool / cotton / metal / plastic, designed and made by Norma Tullo, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, worn by Irene Combe, Australia, 1965 - 1970
Physical Description
A woollen red and cream striped mini dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt gathered in at the waist. A separate woollen belt is worn at waist and the dress also has a centre back zipper, high collar, long sleeves and five buttons down the centre front. Makers label attached.
PRODUCTION
Notes
This wool mini dress was designed by Norma Tullo, an innovative Australian designer who was instrumental in raising the profile of the Australian wool industry by choosing to design with woollen fabrics. Despite having no professional training, Norma Tullo began her fashion career in 1956, while employed as a legal secretary. In response to a gap in the youth market and unable to find the type of clothes she wanted to wear, Tullo produced her own designs to great commercial success. Tullo offered more youthful options that lacked artifice yet were stylish in design, manufactured locally and specifically catered for the Australian lifestyle. She is credited with having 'cracked the youth market right open' by fostering an environment that encouraged a new generation of Australian designers. (Reference: Joel, Alexandra, 'Parade: the story of fashion in Australia, Harper Collins, 1998, p. 82)
HISTORY
Notes
This mini dress is part of a collection of clothing worn by Irene Combe during her career as a model, late 1967-1970. Several garments in the collection were featured in various print media and commercial advertising campaigns. Reminiscences of Irene's early modelling days, provides a colourful contrast to the experience of today's well paid models. Irene recalls that modelling was not a lucrative career in the 1960s. Generally it was up to the model to create 'the look' from a brief outline of requirements supplied by the agency. Models were expected to create several different looks using their own clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as do their own hair and make-up. Irene recalls travelling to photographic shoots on public transport carrying a large vinyl tote bag with clothing draped over her arms and her hair in 'Carmen' rollers.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Irene Combe, 2007
Acquisition Date
11 December 2007
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