Name/Title
DressEntry/Object ID
2020.7.1Description
Red and yellow paisley print paper dress. Wide, round neckline. Sleeveless. Dress has A-line body. Rounded patch pockets at left and right hip. Inside is brown.Context
In 1966, the US-based Scott Paper Company developed mass-produced paper fashion as a marketing stunt. Customers could receive a dress made of "Dura-Weve", a cellulose material patented in 1958, for under $2.
"Paper Caper" dresses, which featured a red bandana print or a black op art pattern, were just one of many new disposable items -plates, cutlery, pens - that consumers were embracing in 1960s America. The "Paper Caper" sales pitch ran: ""Won't last forever...who cares? Wear it for kicks - then give it the air."
Within a few years, however, the downsides of paper clothing were becoming more apparent. Aside from being short-lived, paper clothes were ill-fitting and could stain the wearer's skin - and that was in addition to their general flammability. As a result, paper clothing disappeared in stores by 1968.Acquisition
Source (if not Accessioned)
Boulton, AllisonClothing/Dress/Costume Details
Clothing Sex
FemaleTextile Details
Material
PaperFabric Pattern Name
BandannaColor
Red, Yellow, Black, BrownMade/Created
Manufacturer
Scott Paper CompanyDate made
circa 1966 - 1968Place
Country
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaLabel/Inscription/Signature
Transcription
Paper-Caper by Scott / IMPORTANT: Your Paper Caper is fire resistant, but washing, dry cleaning or soaking will make the fabric dangerously flammable when dry.Dimensions
Dimension Notes
Length: 94cm
Width: 50cm