This mid- to late-1950s heavy wool Christian Dior coat with
its tapering silhouette was made in New Zealand by El Jay.
It was donated to Otago Museum by Mrs Helen Auld. Photo by
Peter McIntosh.
An important part of New Zealand's fashion history is to
be celebrated with an exhibition in June, and the organisers
need your help.
Designer turned curator Doris de Pont is working towards
exhibiting the work of Gus Fisher and his fashion label El
Jay, which held the exclusive licence to manufacture and sell
Christian Dior in New Zealand and helped shape our early
fashion landscape.
"Gus Fisher is particularly significant because he brought a
European sensibility to New Zealand, and introduced elegance,
really," explains de Pont.
She has sourced some El Jay and Christian Dior by El Jay
pieces from museums, but is interested in finding garments
housed in private collections.
El Jay produced pieces for more than 50 years.
"The garments could be anything from a 1950s cocktail dress
to a 1980s Ultra suede suit.
"I'm interested in it all because the diversity of styles
over 50 years is what makes the El Jay output such a
fascinating historical record."
How you can help
If you have an El Jay or Christian Dior by El Jay piece,
photos, clippings or an El Jay related story, phone Doris de
Pont on (021) 680-860, or email el.jay@dorisdepont.com
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