Working Girl is a charming sculptural work that captures the polished professionalism and put-together elegance of 1950s office fashion—an era when women entered the workforce in increasing numbers, dressed in carefully coordinated separates that balanced femininity with businesslike sophistication.
Constructed entirely from vintage sewing pattern paper that has been gently aged and dyed in warm peachy-pink tones using natural rose petal dye, the piece glows with a soft, nostalgic patina. This delicate coloring evokes the pastel palette beloved in the fifties—the shade of lipstick advertisements, powder-pink Cadillacs, and the gentle blush of spring fashion spreads in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
The ensemble features a fitted short-sleeved blouse with a neat Peter Pan collar, adorned with horizontal rows of chevron triangles marching across the bodice like decorative trim or the kind of tailored details that appeared on smart office wear and separates. The structured top emphasises the narrow shoulders and defined waistline that were signature elements of the era's elegant proportions—the look of a secretary, teacher, or department store clerk who took pride in her appearance.
Below, a sleek pencil skirt hugs the hips before tapering to the knee, its streamlined silhouette the perfect complement to the fitted bodice and ideal for a day at the office. A striking geometric panel at the hem—featuring bold vertical stripes and triangular motifs—adds visual interest and echoes the pattern markings that remain visible throughout the piece, grounding this fashion fantasy in the practical craft of home sewing.
Presented in a clean white frame with generous matting, Working Girl celebrates an era when professional women dressed with both dignity and style, when homemade clothing was a badge of skill and economy, and when a well-fitted suit could be a uniform of quiet ambition.
Working Girl is a charming sculptural work that captures the polished professionalism and put-together elegance of 1950s office fashion—an era when women entered the workforce in increasing numbers, dressed in carefully coordinated separates that balanced femininity with businesslike sophistication.
Constructed entirely from vintage sewing pattern paper that has been gently aged and dyed in warm peachy-pink tones using natural rose petal dye, the piece glows with a soft, nostalgic patina. This delicate coloring evokes the pastel palette beloved in the fifties—the shade of lipstick advertisements, powder-pink Cadillacs, and the gentle blush of spring fashion spreads in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
The ensemble features a fitted short-sleeved blouse with a neat Peter Pan collar, adorned with horizontal rows of chevron triangles marching across the bodice like decorative trim or the kind of tailored details that appeared on smart office wear and separates. The structured top emphasises the narrow shoulders and defined waistline that were signature elements of the era's elegant proportions—the look of a secretary, teacher, or department store clerk who took pride in her appearance.
Below, a sleek pencil skirt hugs the hips before tapering to the knee, its streamlined silhouette the perfect complement to the fitted bodice and ideal for a day at the office. A striking geometric panel at the hem—featuring bold vertical stripes and triangular motifs—adds visual interest and echoes the pattern markings that remain visible throughout the piece, grounding this fashion fantasy in the practical craft of home sewing.
Presented in a clean white frame with generous matting, Working Girl celebrates an era when professional women dressed with both dignity and style, when homemade clothing was a badge of skill and economy, and when a well-fitted suit could be a uniform of quiet ambition.
Dimensions: 28cm x 23xm x 6cm Materials: Vintage sewing pattern paper, dyes, archival mounting
Care: Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant colors
