Fashion conscious Whanganui women loved Michael Mattar’s flattering creations. Val Main, who owned this cocktail dress, was the inaugural President of the River City Lionesses, from 1980-1984. As a fundraiser for the Lionesses, she invited Michael Mattar to show his creations at a charity champagne luncheon fashion show at the Racecourse. His models included Miss New Zealand Vicki Lee Hemi.

Michael Mattar QSM was a celebrated designer and dressmaker and ran a boutique in Taumarunui from 1963 for over 40 years until his death in 2004. Mattar became nationally famous when he won the supreme award at the New Zealand Fashion Showcase in 1968. His style has been described as classically elegant with a touch of Hollywood glamour. He believed that New Zealand women dressed down too much and should aspire to dress up more frequently.

This dress is made of sheer floral chiffon and has long sleeves with cuffs and three covered buttons. It features a V-neck with gathered ruffles, a fitted bodice and gathered skirt. The back has a zip running half-way down the skirt. It is fully lined with plain turquoise nylon fabric.

As well as buying from Mattar, Val frequently had garments made from local seamstresses from fabrics she chose herself. She loved clothes and dressing up to go out dancing and listening to music with her husband Bill. She sometimes hid the cost of the outfits from him, according to her daughter, former Mayor Annette Main, who donated this dress to the Museum after Val’s death in 2008.

By Dr Bronwyn Labrum, Pou Ārahi/Director at Whanganui Regional Museum.

Dress, about 1987
Made from chiffon with nylon lining
Designed and made by Michael Mattar, Taumarunui
Gift of Annette Main, 2013
WRM 2013.6.1

Photographed by Kathy Greensides

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