Historical information
This photograph commemorates a visit by American Fashion Models to Prestige Textile Studio in July 1950. Melbourne’s Myer Emporium in conjunction with Neiman Marcus, Dallas, Texas presented the first American Fashion Parades in Australia in July 1950. Ruth Hancock, the leading model and buyer for Neiman Marcus, directed the Parades, and the eighteen year old modelling prodigy, Carmen dell’ Orefice, described by Cecil Beaton as ‘the world’s most beautiful woman’ was one of the stars of the runway. In a bid to encourage a market for Australian textiles in the United States, the models visited textile manufacturers and design studios in Melbourne, such as Yarra Falls Mills and Prestige Studios, one of Melbourne’s premier textile design studio.
Ann Carew, 2020
Significance
This photograph is historically significant for its association with Prestige Textile Studio, and it's association with the Australian Textile Industry. It highlights the role that Myer Melbourne played in promoting the Textile Design Industry and Australian Fashion to the United States of America.
Physical description
Black and white photograph of 8 models from the US, laying on the floor of the Prestige Studios. Names of the various models have been drawn on the floor from the foreground to the background of the photo, with eagles and stars in between each name.Models pictured include Ruth Hancock, Carmen Dell'Orefice, and Margaret Edwards.
Inscriptions & markings
USA MODELS / VISITING AUSTRALIA
