Jacket and skirt ensemble

This ensemble comprises of a calf length pencil skirt with a split up the back, and peplum jacket with three flounces. The skirt and main body of the jacket are made from a black silk chiffon shot with silver and gold Lurex. The first peplum flounce is in the same material as the main body, the second is fashioned in silver fabric, and the third in gold, as is theruffled collar. The jacket is fitted with large shoulder pads typical of the late 1980s, and fastens with one dome at the front.

Both the skirt and jacket feature a woven label reading : 'Kay Cohen'. The label features a fan motif.

The ensemble was made especially for Jill Bussell, Principal of the Academy of Elegance,by Wellington designer Kay Cohen. Cohen had studiedClothing and Textiles at the Wellington Polytechnic in the early 1970s, and since 1973 produced garments under her own eponymous label. In the 1980s she used the label 'Kay Cohen' specifically for private commissions.At the time shealso operated tworetail stores in Wellington's Lambton Quay, including Sheva, through which she sold her range ofhigh-end leather garments.

Jill Bussell modelled this dazzling ensemble for the June 1988 issue of More magazineina spreadentitled '5 Star Models - Sparkling After Five - Five top designers dress five belles for the ball, or the cockail party... or any place where formal is the password'. The other four 'belles' were:Lorraine Mexted (nee Downes), former Miss Universe 1983, actress Yvonne Lawley, fashion consultant Pieter Stewart and former model, fashion director and TV presenter, Stephanie Overton.

In the magazine, Kay Cohen's ensemble is described as a 'rare departure from Jill's trademark evening wear of cream silk in long lines'. Jill comments: 'This is something really different for me, and something I am going to enjoy wearing'.

In the early 1990s, Kay Cohen left New Zealand for Australia where she has forged a successful career in the lingerie industry.