Edition #28: Paper Dresses
The literal definition of throw-away fashion.
Though not actually made from paper but instead a mix of wood pulp and synthetic fibers, so-called “Paper Dresses” were popularized by Scott Paper in the US (every corporate office’s favorite 1-ply toilet paper company). While a brand new concept in American fashion, a disposable dress made from a wood pulp mixture had existed in other areas like China and Japan since the 2nd century. These paper dresses was truly designed to be worn once or twice then tossed and were likely the result of the psychedelic, bold, and trendy prints of the ‘60s and women finally having enough disposable income of their own to buy what they wanted (like a micro-trend before micro-trends). There was op art galore and collaborations with artists like Andy Warhol with his soup cans. Even the Nixon campaign had presence.
M L Rare 60s Paper Dress Abstract Polka Dot Dress Mod A-Line Twiggy Psychedelic 1960s on Etsy: I love the shape of this one, which was one of the few sleeved options I saw digging through the pages.
1960s Red Paper Caper Dress | 60s Red Paisley Paper Shift | Mod Shift Paper Dress | Pop Art Dress | Medium on Etsy: I’m such a sucker for a red shift dress. The bandana print! Come onnnn.
Vintage 60s Mod Floral Paper Dress/1960's Brown Mod Paper Dress with Flowers/Half Sleeves Mid Century Dress/Size XS-S on Etsy: I would wear this now if it wasn’t made from paper. The print and the ruffle sleeve together is just so good.
Mars of Asheville Paper Dress on Etsy: Would you call this print paisley? Floral? I can’t tell but the mustard yellow-blue-pink color scheme really works.
Vintage 1960’s Mod Op Art Ultimate Go Go Paper Dress, Vintage 1960’s Dress, Mod Dress, Paper Dress, Op Art, Psychedelic, Display Piece on Etsy: A lot of these with incredible prints are very expensive but may be damaged. “Shows general signs of age” is how it’s described and aren’t we all these days?
Vintage 1960s Paper Dress Newspaper Print Tacoma Tribune Apollo Kimberly Clark S on eBay: This is the real front page of the Tacoma New Tribune from May 18, 1969 and was given out by the newspaper as a promo item.
Vintage Paper Dress by Paper Dolly’s Smart Set Sportswear Mid Century Clothing Retro on Etsy: This print reminds me of the bottom of a swimming pool and I’m into it.
Iconic vintage "Cat" paper Poster Dress by Harry Gordon, London, 1968, unworn, VG+ cond., 1960s mod, size M, with orig. LIFE feature article on Etsy: This cat dress is a very reasonable purchase for someone and I would like to know them.
Nos Vtg Richard Nixon Usa President Waste Basket Paper Dress America 2024 60s on eBay: Don’t you want campaign merch from the only sitting president to resign while in office? The print is, unfortunately, kind of sick.
1960s Newspaper Print Pop Art Mod Novelty Print Paper Dress on Etsy: Similar to the newsprint one, but instead of articles, it’s overlaid advertisements. The bow at the neck is also darling.
Honorable Mentions:
Andy Warhol:
With packaging:
What terms were searched:
Paper dress
Poster dress
Throwaway dress
Waste basket dress
Welcome to Finder’s Keepers
This is the newsletter dedicated to leaving no vintage stone unturned. Each edition will cater to a rabbit hole that I fell down one night and include an assortment of vintage finds that make you question “Why did anyone own this?” followed quickly by “Should I own this?”
My method is simple: I attach a keyword or phrase to the item and go digging, spending hours each week combing through hundreds of pages of Etsy and Ebay bric-a-brac. It’s chaotic but satisfactory, like looking through every rack and bin at a thrift store for those that partake in the more visceral act of going in person. I like to sit on my couch.
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Don’t forget I have an Etsy storefront:
I live in Asheville NC, where Mars of Asheville produced a large number of paper dresses in the 1960s! I plan on doing an article about it soon <3 Loved this lineup you put together!