Red dress with black lace bodice

This red v-neck dress with black lace bodice is typical of the dresses worn in the 1950s and 1960s. It has cap sleeves and a side zip. It was probably worn with this red-tiered can-can underskirt (2010-04905) to achieve a full-skirted look. The dress belonged to the donor’s mother, Veronica Lee Kim Lian, who passed away in 1964. This Western frock does not only reveal the unique fashion taste and style of the wearer, but also reflects the increasingly Western and modern identity of Singaporean women from the 1950s onwards. Veronica worked as a sales representative at Robinsons Department Store. Her choice of garments was thus relatively trendy and up-to-date.

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