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It is often asserted that the striking and disturbingly colourful psychedelic patterns from the 1960s were produced whilst their designers were under the influence of LSD. This printed silk shows many of the typical elements of psychedelia: bold contrasts; abstract swirls and geometric shapes; and eye-catching purple, turquoise and green colouring. This silk was made up into mini-dresses which were then retailed by Wallis, a tremendously fashionable and "hip" store in the later 1960s, often copying directly from continental designers like Yves St Laurent, Cardin, Ungaro, or in this case and seen in the comparable mini dress below, Pucci.

This example was bought by a teenager from the Wallis store which had recently opened in Manchester, and it was worn with tights and PVC slingback sandals as a best summer frock. Cheaper versions of psychedelic styling were produced in printed nylons and rayons, as were equally popular designs of black and white "op art".

Full item descriptions:

"mini dress" [1993.31], Wallis
"dress" [1992.104], Pucci, Emilio

Related Themes:

High Street Fashion
1960s Fashion