Historic Clothing Collection

Although Crimplene and other firm knit fabrics were was extensively used for mini dresses, there are no examples in this collection nor is there representation of home-made or purchased typical mini dresses. Perhaps the two closest examples are a young woman's multi-colored patchwork mini skirt, made from leather but lined in synthetic fabric, and a lime green V neck sleeveless dress with a vest-like six button, double breasted bodice attached to a short (albeit too long to be a mini dress) navy and lime green stripe skirt. The latter is somewhat reminiscent of prominent mini dress designer Pierre Cardin's work. Other influential designers associated with the mini and new young ‘swinging’ fashions include English designers Mary Quant and Biba, American Bonnie Cashin, French Givenchy and St. Laurent.

A group of short dresses in the collection, but not truly "mini" dresses, are straight or shapeless with loose, and seemingly optional belts, among them: a green Crimplene double knit with gold lurex braid trimming the neck and short sleeves. The label reads "FELIX, Portland;" A knee-length navy blue dress made of oversized nylon seersucker, with a square neck and ruched, button trimmed front panel; a lined, orange floral nylon with areas of transparent burn out; and a straight white jacquard pique dress printed with a design of blobby primary colored shapes.