Evening gown with a full-length watteau train

This Vinka Lucas gown was worn by Linda Ritchie of Rotorua on the final night of the Miss World contest in London. Maree de Maru was the name of her boutique - a fanciful title which, Vinka explains, meant 'Marriage of the Brides' in an anglicised version of her native Croatian.

Details

Credit: Images courtesy of Linda Ritchie Collection. Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa (L2010.34.5)
Copyright: Image © Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa
Designer: Vinka Lucas
Manufacturing location: Auckland
Garment type: Evening gown
Material: Wool
Features: Fine pure wool has been crafted into a red and black gown. Taking cues from Māori korowai, it is trimmed with jewelled gold braid and finished with a full-length watteau train. Linda also wore gauntlet gloves in red and black. This ensemble is complete with a black evening bag with a pair of jet and pearl earrings.
Colour: Red, black
Label: Marée de Maru
Date: 1971