Focus on White shift dress of Jean Shrimpton and analyze the Reception.
Shrimpton's Derby Day outfit scandalised the nation, and caused a global sensation. In the following Monday's edition of The Sun News-Pictorial, a Melbourne tabloid newspaper, the Derby and its winner were bumped from the front page by the famous photo by Ray Cranbourne. Alongside that photo was an article about Shrimpton:Conservative Australia was shocked. Former Lady Mayoress of Melbourne, Lady Margaret Nathan, accused Shrimpton of being "a child," and even prominent Australian model, and columnist, Maggie Tabberer was critical. Radio stations and newspapers published editorials for and against the outfit, but Shrimpton defended it, reportedly saying at the time:I don't see what was wrong with the way I looked. I wouldn't have dressed differently for a race meeting anywhere in the world.
The controversy quickly spread to Britain, where the press angrily defended Shrimpton, with comments such as:In contrast, Australian fashion designer Zara Holt (whose husband Harold Holt became prime minister in 1966) praised Shrimpton's look, although she stated it was difficult for older women to pull off, and shared her disdain for hats.
Maggie Tabberer Zara Holt Lady Mayoress of Melbourne Melbourne tabloid newspaper Derby Day Harold Holt The Sun News-Pictorial