Make it a statement, make it a derision, paper dresses have been around for some time now. I came across a beige paper dress and, curious to see if this ever had a certain outfit value, I found an entire paper dress history. So here it goes, shortly:
Ever since the 60s, the paper dresses are making their way into a smart wardrobe. First made by the Scott Paper Company in 1966 and costing just one dollar, the very first marketed paper dress was an advertising tool. The surprise was that the company received 500,000 orders for that shapeless dress in less than a year. (more after the jump)
The 60s disposable mania was responsible for this paper wardrobe boom. Outrageous as it may sound, paper bell-bottom suits, paper bikinis, paper slippers, paper wedding gowns were made. Against all odds, the paper dresses were highly acclaimed and advertised.
A chemical treatment made them almost fireproof, washable but didn’t add any strength to the paper material. Warhol’s Campbells Soup dress was one artsy paper dress but didn’t do more than confirm the oddness and symbolic worth of the trend.
(via 1,2)
7 comments
Yes I would wear a paper dress especially the paper bag one in the main picture.I love crumpled linen and crushed velvet anyway.Galliano has been doing newspaper prints on his fabrics for sometime.
That Warhol/Cambpells Soup dress is to dye for!Love it!
I would wear one!
It would make me laugh and I could pretend to be a Paperdoll!
I used to love to play with those when I was little!
But no outdoor events… it may rain!
Love linen and crushed velvet too! They’re so sensuous fabrics! Welcome back, vous nous avez manque(e)…
You know what I saw perfectly fit for paper outfits? Marimekko for H&M! Imagine they made bikini from paper in the 60s! I wonder how they did it!
Merçi kpriss.Its impossible to stay away from your fab blog.
The Marimekko collection for H&M is wonderful.I enjoyed the link.
C’est gentil…
I know! I really loved that collection! Bought some items for my little girl. It all looks so cheerful!
I DID wear one. In 1968. I mailed my $1.50 in to Parkay Margerine to get my silver, aluminum paper dress. I cut about an inch off the bottom.
Didn’t have the hutzpah to wear it in public but wore it for my boyfriend. After reviewing the 60s recently, realized I looked like Peggy Moffitt at the time I purchased this number. Goooood Times! I happen to live near the Scott Paper Co. I’m gonna give them a call. Lets bring back the paper dress!!
I may try and make one of these out of a shower curtain. Hows that for recycling!
I am interested in learning how to make paper dresses. Would you please help?
Thanks
Hattie
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