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Overview
The cloak is also full length, and is made from a double-faced wool - the outer is a deep ruby red, while the inner features a large check pattern in bright colours including yellow, red and green (and other colours where the checks overlap and the warp and weft threads create other colours). The cloak features some shaping for the shoulders but is otherwise very plain, with a short mandarin collar secured with two heavy hook and rouleau loops which are not visible when the cloak is worn.
From velvet to wool
The cloak and gown were sent to the New Zealand Wool Board by the International Wool Secretariat (IWS). The IWS worked closely with the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne to promote fashions in wool. Originally, Madame Bruyère had designed the cloak to be worn over a green velvet dress. However, when Mary-Annette Hay (née Burgess), the Wool Board's Promotions Officer, first saw the ensemble she enquired if the dress was available in wool as opposed to velvet. Bruyère obliged, and made a new gown in a fine wool to match the cloak. The gown and cloak featured in many of Mary-Annette’s wool productions as a perfect outfit for the opera.