I have been looking for a while... and finally she found me.
She is by no means perfect...
Her shape is not quite what it once was...
She is fraying in places and there are many marks from age and use...
No-one wanted her and her value was reduced...
So I took her to my place and here she stands in all her faded and worn beauty... welcome home.
I can't wait to display jewellery on her... that is, after all, part of the reason why I did look for a dressmakers model for some years.
Unfortunately she is a little flattened on one side!
But from this angle it is not too noticeable!
I love the top and the number 21.
What a beautiful contour from this side!
A scarf helps!
I found a scrap of paper at the base labelled "165 Colli." I believe that is meant to be "Collins" Street, a well-known locale for high-fashion clothing in Melbourne's CBD. The design studios and dress-makers were historically in the buildings above the shop-fronts.
So, I looked up the address. That number in Collins Street is now a large modern shopping complex, spanning more than that street number alone.
Further research showed it was once the address of 'Chartres House', a building erected in the 1920's and now demolished. I believe she once belonged there... maybe to a dressmaker?
There are also faded-red-stamped words on the body of the dress form... difficult to decipher... but I am pretty sure the top line says "London & Paris". On the second line, the word "office" is legible and the third line appears to say "Melbourne".
So, she remains a bit of a mystery girl... exactly how old she is and where she came from is unclear.
I would like to give her a name. None are obvious to me yet...
Any ideas welcomed... I would love your suggestions!
Until next time,
