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Treatment of a Plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride Dress

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Object: Transparent mini dress
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Date: 1966
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Acc.#: 1969-54-10
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In progress
ACP 1770_Overall_Back_BT_10_2019.JPG
Materials: Plasticized polyvinyl chloride, non-ferrous metal, fabric and thread (possibly synthetic), colored tape (unknown plastic)
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Collection: Philadelphia Museum of Art
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Maker: Daniel Hechter
CAS-WUDPAC-Student_Conservators-112119-5

Examining plastic deterioration on interior trim. Photo: Evan Krape

Treatment Overview

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  • Materials research

  • Surface cleaning

  • Removal of tape residues from PVC

  • Reattaching strap 

  • Rehousing

Condition
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Surface dust and debris. Tape residues from tape on detached red strap.

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ACP 1770_Detail_strap_BT_10_2019.JPG

Detached strap. Minor tack from plasticizer migration from the PVC

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Overall deformations to plastic. Migration of adhesive and pigment in the colored tape

Treatment

Click image below for treatment details

Historical Context

"What is the fabric of the future?"

 

Disposable paper and plastic dresses were a fad in the 1960s, meant to be worn a few times before being thrown away. This dress was designed by Parisian fashion designer Daniel Hechter (1938 - ), possibly as part of his spring 1966 line. The same year, Hechter designed disposable paper dresses for a promotional campaign by the Scott Paper Company.

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Models wearing Daniel Hechter disposable dresses, 1966. The model on the left wears a dress very similar to Acc. #1969-54-10.

Photo: Getty Images

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British Model Twiggy wearing transparent dress similar to Acc. #1969-54-10, May 19, 1966.

Photo: Terry Disney, Getty Images

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Scott Paper Company advert for paper disposable dresses, 1960s. 

Photo: Collectors Weekly

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