Rosemary Whitehead attended the New Zealand College of Fashion in the 1980s, and during that time made her own garments, not only for assessment but also for her own wardrobe. As a musician as well as a fashion designer, she had a dream to make a piano dress, the result of which is this black and white linen ensemble, featuring a loose top with piano key appliqué done with white linen and black ribbon. This matches a more fitted, short pencil skirt with a waistband and peplum. Both garments are accented with a white linen trim.

The original photo included with this submission shows Rosemary wearing her dream piano outfit, some time around 1987 not long after she made it.

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