Blouse

Blouse from a cotton ensemble for women, 1981-1982. Designed by Wendy Dagworthy.

Wendy Dagworthy began her career in 1972 designing clothes for Countdown in the Kings Road, Chelsea. By the early 1980s her work was highly acclaimed in Milan, New York, Paris and London. Dagworthy was a member and later director of London Designer Collections from 1975 to 1990. She closed her business in 1988 and was appointed director of the Fashion BA course at Central Saint Martins College. In 1998 she took up her position as Professor of Fashion at the Royal College of Art. She is also one of the founders of London Fashion Week.

Wendy Dagworthy designs were notable for their simple, practical cut and experimental combinations of different fabrics, textures and colours. This outfit from autumn/winter 1981-1982 recalls elements of ethnic dress, combining a number of cotton garments made in traditional striped ticking and a woven ikat design. Dagworthy explained the practical idea behind this ensemble: 'Layers of cotton is a very good way to dress for winter. Its an excellent form of insulation without being heavy and it's adaptable'.

A collarless blouse of white woven fabric with fine stripes of pale blue interspersed with single dark blue stripes with all seams and edges topstitched in white. The collarless neckband opens to below the bustline and is fastened with four small white pearl buttons. The front is in one piece of woven horizontal striped fabric attached to the shoulder yoke. The blouse has a square, loose shape and on the front left is a pocket with cut corners on the base set on the blouse with the stripes running vertically. The sleeves have two panels ending with a cuff opening fastened with a small white pearl button. The back yoke has a small loop of fabric attached to the neck facing.