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
