1967 Paper Dress

Manufactured by: Wastebasket Boutique by Mars - Date: ca. 1967 - Material: Printed celluloid fiber - Accession: 2001.191.1.712

In the 1960s individuality was all the rage. In an effort to be non-conformist, women wore paper dresses. They were inexpensive, and with a pair of scissors, easily individualized. Paper clothing was not intended for more than one wearing. It became extremely flammable if washed or dry cleaned. By 1967, the Mars Manufacturing Company shipped over 129,000 paper dresses to J.C. Penney and Sears & Roebuck stores.

Donated to the University of Illinois Bevier Historic Costume Collection. Property transfer to the Illinois State Museum, 2001.