Winter Uniform Dress [New Zealand Rail]
Maker and role
New Zealand Rail, Commissioned by
Colin Cole, Attributed to
Production date
1969-1975
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2014.411
Maker
Production period
Description
Red woollen dress, knee length, long sleeves, zip closing front with two silver buttons at neckline, epaulettes with silver button at each, small stand up collar, slightly gored skirt. 1 of 5 items that form a set - Womens rail uniform.
Brief History
This design of this dress is attributed to the Auckland-based designer, Colin Cole, and was worn by hostesses on NZR services.
The striking red uniform set was first designed and released in 1969 for the Blue Steak service between Hamilton and Auckland (later transferred to the Wellington to New Plymouth service until 1977).
The Blue Streak was introduced as part of NZR's attempt to attract tourism through daytime rail travel. The red uniform was then also worn on the Silver Fern/Star services which replaced the Blue Streak on the North Island Main Trunk.
The Silver Star and Silver Fern were scheduled day and night services by train between Wellington and Auckland, which respectively ran between 1971-1979 and 1972-1991, aiming to compete with airline travel at the time.
Cole's uniforms were originally made in "transit red" wool gabardine and tailored to each hostess at his Auckland premises on 283 Parnell Road. Cole travelled on the Blue Streak service to observe what would be required for the designs from a practical standpoint, talking with the Chief Hostess on the service.
The striking red uniform set was first designed and released in 1969 for the Blue Steak service between Hamilton and Auckland (later transferred to the Wellington to New Plymouth service until 1977).
The Blue Streak was introduced as part of NZR's attempt to attract tourism through daytime rail travel. The red uniform was then also worn on the Silver Fern/Star services which replaced the Blue Streak on the North Island Main Trunk.
The Silver Star and Silver Fern were scheduled day and night services by train between Wellington and Auckland, which respectively ran between 1971-1979 and 1972-1991, aiming to compete with airline travel at the time.
Cole's uniforms were originally made in "transit red" wool gabardine and tailored to each hostess at his Auckland premises on 283 Parnell Road. Cole travelled on the Blue Streak service to observe what would be required for the designs from a practical standpoint, talking with the Chief Hostess on the service.
Media/Materials
Collection
Credit Line
New Zealand Rail et al. 1969-1975. Winter Uniform Dress [New Zealand Rail], 2014.411. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Related topics
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![Uniform Jacket [New Zealand Rail]; New Zealand Rail; Colin Cole; 1969-1975](https://collection.motat.nz/records/images/medium/36188/9bf70fa525ec94463dc622490fd9a7be5077e729.jpg)
![Uniform Coat [Silver Fern, New Zealand Rail]; New Zealand Rail; Chicatique; 1972-1975](https://collection.motat.nz/records/images/medium/36191/114c5f5079984c4aa388fb01f75ce584dcfb8472.jpg)
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