item details
NameDress, wedding
ProductionAnnie Bonza; fashion designer; circa 1989; Auckland
Classificationwedding dresses
Materialscotton, synthetic fibre, silk
Materials SummaryKnitted cotton fabric decorated with silk applique and applied braids and sequins
Techniquesknitting, appliqué, sewing, machine sewing
DimensionsCentre back: 870mm (length)
Registration NumberGH015432
Credit linePurchased 2006
Overview
This unique wedding dress (plus matching hat), designed for Debbie Harwood by Annie Bonza in 1989, is almost completely embellished with braids, ribbons, sequins, and appliqué. A pair of appliqué cat’s eyes symbolise Debbie’s band When the Cat's Away.
The dress is also a good example of Bonza’s ‘word’ or ‘doodle’ appliqué creations. Th’ Dudes embellishment represents her groom musician Rikki Morris (he was the band's roadie). Both of the couple’s star signs (Cancer and Leo) are created in blue and silver sequins, one on each arm. Other words such as ‘world peace’ and ‘soccer’ are worked in sequins and braids, emphasising the personal touch Bonza liked to bring to her designs.