Day Dress thumbnail 1
Day Dress thumbnail 2
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Not currently on display at the V&A

Day Dress

1942-1945 (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Norman Hartnell designed this dress during World War 2 under strict rationing guidelines. He economised in the amount of trimmings, creating a neat and simple design. The Utility symbol (CC41) was stitched onto the lining to show that it met Government regulations. This stylised motif was known as 'the cheeses' as it resembled two cheeses with a portion cut out.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Dress
  • Belt
Materials and techniques
Rayon, brass
Brief description
Day dress and belt, blue rayon with maroon vertical stripe, 1942-1945, London; Norman Hartnell for Berketex
Physical description
Pale blue rayon day dress with a fine maroon banded vertical stripe. The dress is a shirt waist with cap sleeves in one with the bodice. It has a straight skirt, slightly gathered over each button, a fastened patch pocket and an inverted pleat at the centre back of the skirt. It fastens with a hook at the placket and has a self covered belt with a brass metal buckle.
Dimensions
  • Belt and dress weight: 0.78kg
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'Berketex Bond Street, London/Designed by Hartnell.' (Label, stitched at the centre back neck)
  • 'CC41 1028' (Utility label, inside right sleeve)
Credit line
Given by Mrs J. Thorington
Summary
Norman Hartnell designed this dress during World War 2 under strict rationing guidelines. He economised in the amount of trimmings, creating a neat and simple design. The Utility symbol (CC41) was stitched onto the lining to show that it met Government regulations. This stylised motif was known as 'the cheeses' as it resembled two cheeses with a portion cut out.
Collection
Accession number
T.370&A-1976

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Record createdMarch 18, 2005
Record URL
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