Whanganui RegionalMuseum is thrilled to showcase a sophisticated example of1970s men’s fashion and to welcome the original wearer anddonor for its public unveiling. The next is a purplethree-piece suit owned and worn by noted Whanganui potter,Rick Rudd. The suit is made of two-toned grape andblue twill wool-polyester weave with a white pinstripe andpolyester lining.
It was purchased by Rick Rudd in 1973,from the ‘Man’ section of a C&A Department store inNorwich, England. C&A is an international Dutch chain offashion retail clothing stores. During the early1970s, men's fashion was heavily influenced by thecounterculture movements of the 1960s, leading to moreexperimentation with colours, patterns, and styles.
Thesuit’s vivid purple hue reflects a departure from the moreconservative tones of previous decades, embodying the era ofindividuality and expression. The pinstripes, traditionallyassociated with business attire, add a touch of formality,while the vibrant colour injects a sense of daring to blendformality with fun. “Fashion for men in the early1970s was characterised by boldness and flair, reflectingthe broader cultural trends of the decade.
” said PouĀrahi/Director, Dr Bronwyn Labrum. “Rick’s purplethree-piece pinstripe suit and coordinated shirt from thisera epitomizes the distinctive style and flamboyance of thetime.” Rick Rudd recalls purchasing the suit notlong before he immigrated to New Zealand, and it was wornfor many occasions such as the capta.
