Paper Clothing

Today it's all about paper clothing! Not today as in The World, today as in Meagan's July 14th blog entry! I did a little research on paper dresses to hopefully provide some more perspective on this art form and all I kept finding was info on the whole "paper dress fad" of the 60's. After more research I found a few amazing artist's who use paper to create clothing. Beautiful clothing!
But first a little history:


In 1966, Scott Paper Co. introduced disposable clothing as a promotion gimmick with a sleeveless shift selling for $1.00. Scott sold 500,000 dresses in eight months, and the strong response had other manufacturers and designers joining the paper chase.

By 1967, Mars Manufacturing Company of Asheville was the nation's leading producer of paper dresses, selling 80,000 to 100,000 a week. From its basic A-line shift, the company expanded its line to include bell-bottom jump suits, evening gowns, aprons, men's vests, children's dresses and even swimming trunks. The rage for paper lasted a short time and by 1974 it was already passé. (source)

1960s "The Souper Dress" Andy Warhol Campbell's Soup Paper Dress

This is the 1960's Campbell's Soup dress that was inspired by the work of Andy Warhol. These were produced by Campbell's Soup as an effective advertising campaign when paper dresses were all the rage in the 60s. A classic example where fashion, art and industry intersect into one image. This A-line dress is printed with the Campbell's Soup red, black and white labels. At the back of the neckline is the original attached label that reads: "The Souper Dress/No Cleaning/ No Washing/ It's carefree fire resistant unless washed or cleaned/To refreshen, press lightly with warm iron/80% Cellulose, 20% Cotton". (source)

Elisabeth LeCourt

Here's elisabeth lecourt according to elisabeth lecourt:

SO this entry was originally inspired by the work of ELisabeth LeCourt. I don't know much about her, but I love what she creates! She's been making the blog rounds lately, but I wanted to post her work anyways to make sure that EVERYONE gets the chance to see her neat paper dresses.

Jennifer Collier

I eventually stumbled upon other artists that use paper to create articles of clothing. One of them being Jennifer Collier of the UK. She creates paper shoes, dresses, ties and bow ties, which stand alone or framed as pieces or non-wearable art.

Annette Meyer

Another artist I found is Annette Meyer of Denmark. She creates all types of paper clothing, including a paper wedding dress! Completely wearable, customizable and beautiful! More information available by clicking here.

Neda Niaraki

"I've created a fashion line [Fast Food Clothing], made from recyclable Tyvek that challenges popular culture's addiction to fashion and urges consumers to rethink their fashion over-consumption. The clothes are made out of soft structure Tyvek. My garments can be worn up to 12 times before deteriorating. Tyvek can be recycled up to 4-5 times before physical properties are substantially affected."

More information available at Neda's website!

So, if after all of this you feel like cutting up your phone book and wearing it... you can use this paper dress pattern from Dick Blick!