The Eden Hore Central Otago collection provides a golden opportunity to explore designers and textiles of the 1970s and 1980s.
Kevin Berkahn, Vinka Lucas, Colin and Cole were high profile, sought after fashion designers of evening, day and wedding dresses. Their evening wear especially appealed to Eden Hore when he was actively amassing his collection. They worked at a time when the supply of textiles in New Zealand was regulated by a wholesale system and tariffs on imports, but they obtained and were inspired by some stunning European fabrics.
Beverley Horne, Pauline Kingston and June Mercer were inspired by wool and crafted their own fabrics and award winning garments. Collected by Eden to show off the versatility of sheep’s wool (one of his farm’s products) and the sophisticated elegance handcrafted designs could attain, these designs are significant in New Zealand’s fashion design history.
Jo and David Dunlap, Eleanor and Miranda Joel, Marjory and Maritza Tschepp and Susan Holmes also chased awards entering Australian Gown of the Year, and Benson and Hedges Fashion Design Awards among others.
Pat Hewitt and Rosalie Gwilliam are well represented, Pat for her mid-1970s very wearable designs, and Rosalie for mostly late 1970s and 1980s day and evening wear.
