"Homosexual Influence In Fashion Designing" (Press, 8 June 1965)

Miss Avice Bowbyes, a lecturer in clothing and costume design at the Home Economics College, University of Guelph, Ontario, expressed concerns regarding the current influence of homosexual designers on fashion. Speaking in Christchurch on 8 June 1965, she claimed that this influence tends to mock the female figure, citing examples such as topless swimsuits, tight trousers, and very short skirts. Bowbyes remarked that when a civil society is unwell, its ailments manifest in the arts, suggesting that the prevalence of homosexual perspectives in fashion contributes to its issues. She noted that many French women with discerning taste were also displeased with the recent trends in fashion, especially the American focus on sexualised styles. Bowbyes highlighted that skirts above the knee disrupted the proportions and balance of women's silhouettes. She avoided predicting a return to longer skirts but expressed a desire for women to assert their preferences for sensible fashion choices. Bowbyes elaborated on the role of fashion journalists, stating that their selections from fashion collections often prioritise the bizarre to generate news. She referenced moments of shock, like pictures of Paris mannequins with shaved heads, which gained initial attention but ultimately faded in impact. Despite this, it was the extreme fashions that were spotlighted by reporters lacking a firm grasp of true fashion principles. With a background in fashion, Bowbyes followed a traditional path: attending Christchurch Girls' High School, obtaining a diploma from the University of Otago, and later post-graduate degrees at Columbia University, New York. Her career included time as head of the clothing department in Dunedin, and she is currently engaged in teaching clothing and costume design at Guelph. Bowbyes will continue her work at the University of Guelph, which is undergoing significant expansion to accommodate a growing student body, aiming to increase from 33 to 70 buildings by 1970 and anticipating an enrolment of 6,000 students, eventually reaching 15,000 within a decade. Additionally, she mentioned that notable individuals from Christchurch, such as Dr. Kevin O’Connor and Dr. Rex Barrell, had also taken significant positions at the university.

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