​Eleanor Joel

Eleanor Joel (nee Norman, 1913-2001) grew up near Winton in Southland, and was a keen and gifted painter, having studied in Dunedin, Christchurch and at Elam in Auckland.

She is represented in Eden Hore’s collection with All Night, which won the title of Gown of the Year at the 1978 Benson and Hedges Fashion Design Awards. Although the award went to Eleanor, the dress was a collaboration with her daughter Miranda Joel, co-owner of the hip Auckland boutique Pussy Footing. Miranda designed the screen print for the bold arabesque pattern.