Sharron Holden purchased this nautical inspired L'Officiel dress from Smith and Caugheys Queen Street after her big OE, returning to New Zealand after 3 and a half years away.

While staying with her fiancé's parents, she took the bus into Auckland City to replenish her wardrobe after her travels had worn out most of her clothes, "went mad" at the Smith and Caugheys Sale (at the time, a yearly event) and purchased several pieces including this day dress, which was subsequently worn to flat viewings, family gatherings, and has also since been worn by her daughter.

In the 1990 Corbans Fashion Collections, the nautical theme which was trending in fashion at the time was picked up by L’Officiel, among other designers present. Their interpretation of the theme was more eclectic, a little bit Royal Navy, a little bit French matelot, a little bit Chanel, and this dress is likely to have been from a collection around this time with its nods to nautical styling in the tie collar, navy and white colour scheme, and the fresh summery sheer chiffon fabric.

Designer Marie Bacon launched the label L'Officiel after buying the Stylish Clothing Company in 1964. The company grew steadily and began to export to Australia from the early 1970s. In the 1980s, Stylish entered the American export market and supplied the department stores Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom’s under the L’Officiel brand. Stylish Clothing was established in New Zealand in 1929, and they continue to design and manufacture clothes under a range of labels including Frankie, L'Officiel and Diamo.

The NZFM photographed this dress at our Popup photography session in October 2024 which was part of our Hui Auaha o Aotearoa Open Day.