APPLIED ART : COSTUME

Object Name: Dress, Thea Porter
Maker: Porter, Thea (Primary maker)
Porter, Thea (designer)
Date Made: 1972
1972
Place Made: England
England
Description: full length, unlined silk chiffon evening kaftan, with open cape - like sleeves; central front panel is flanked by a patchwork of old brocade at bottom of skirt. At back, central panel is gathered to back yoke. All seams piped with plaited dull gold braid. C/F opening with ribbon tie. Label woven black on white "thea porter / couture" 5 x 2 cms "Made in England" label. From exhibition label for 'The Fashion Show' exhibition Ulster Museum 2002 Silk chiffon evening caftan with antique brocade pieces, 1972 Thea Porter (1927-) Thea Porter originally sold Arabian and Turkish goods, but her career developed into clothes design, often including antique silks and fabrics, as here. Her interests in the Middle East conincided with the general fashion for the caftan shape in the 1970s and she successfuully produuced beautiful, rich garments for a wide range of royal and show business clients.
Catalogue Number: BELUM.T3775
Copyright: National Museums NI

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