Adele Dallimore (nee Smith) worked for Bendon as a house model from 1968 to 1971. This is a set she purchased for herself. The women's liberation movement of the late 1960s and 1970s changed a lot about women's opportunities and their social status, but it also changed how they dressed. While not all women burnt their bras there were many who eshewing the wearing of a bra or if they did still wear one it was often a softer version. Smart bra manufacturing companies like Bendon responded by producing what the market wanted and extending their offering to include leisure wear and 'at home' styles such as this and the At-home gown in floral print. Read more about 1970s fashion in the New Zealand Fashion Museum publication The Age of Aquarius: A 70s Revolution in Fashion.