The History Dress – Sarah & Doris
Doris Hone in her 1960s dress in the front of her home in Coventry. Sarah Hone wearing the dress December 2014 in Kichijoji, Tokyo.
I am very happy to bring you this St. Stephens Day another amazing History Dress story. This time it’s a story of style and glamour passed on from one generation to another via England, Ireland and Japan and about two people who are close to my heart Sarah and Doris Hone. It’s most appropriate to post this today because my best friend Sarah Hone is the person I would always spend St. Stephens night dressed up to the nines with – so in honour of this tradition I bring you the story of Sarah and Doris’s and their supercool gold 1960s dress.
Ruaruth: I grew up dressing up in your Mums fabulous outfits with you as a teenager but I don’t remember this dress? How did you acquire the Dress?
Sarah: I found this one in the attic as a teenager many years ago when I was searching for “cool old stuff”. It has been a wardrobe staple from that time on because of the timeless style and flattering shape, both me and Mum have similar style. The dress has a cool 1960s cotton jacquard and was handmade by my Mum too, its sleeveless, hits the knee and has a flattering scoop neckline.
Ruaruth: Where was the photo taken of your Mum in the garden, is this in England?
Sarah: Yes in the garden of the house where my family lived before I was born, in Coventry, England.
Ruaruth: What attracted you to it when you found it in the attic?
Sarah: I loved the gold colour, flattering fit and 1960s style.
Ruaruth: What era is it from?
Sarah: It’s from the year 1965! I know this because Mum made it that year.
Ruaruth: Tell me more about the story behind the dress?
Sarah: Mum used to make all her own clothes and those of her 6 children- including me. She used to make matching dresses for herself and her 5 daughters, and a matching tie for her husband and son! She was a nurse and also a beauty pagent model who was and is to this day incredibly stylish and creative.
Ruaruth: Where did you wear it to last?
Sarah: The beauty of the dress is that you can throw a cardi over it and wear it to work, or amp up the 1960’s feel with accessories and make it dressy enough for a semi-formal event. My husband Nick took the photo of me above wearing it on the balcony of our apartment in Kichijoji, Tokyo where we have been living for the past year.
Ruaruth: I love that you both are working the same 1960s style bun in your photo! Where will you wear the dress to next?
Sarah: The Tokyo winter doesn’t allow for too many light summer dresses unfortunately, but the dark tones in the dress mean it works well with black tights and boots.
Ruaruth: Why is it special?
Sarah: It is special because it is a well made beautiful dress that has stood the test of time because of its timeless elegance. It is also special because my Mother made it and she is the woman I respect and admire the most in this world.
Ruaruth: How do people react to it?
Sarah: People are always shocked that it has been around for so many years yet still works!!
Ruaruth: How would you say your Mum’s style has influenced you?
Sarah: I believe that her elegance has inspired me to embrace classic, timeless pieces. I grew up with four older sisters so was definitely influenced by their love of make-up and dressing up too.
My friend Sarah Hone is an actress, model and drama therapist- you can follow her amazing adventures on Instagram where she works some of her best looks on the Tokyo streets. Happy Christmas and New Year to you Sarah and Doris!
Doris Hone was a nurse, model and mother and now lives in Carrick on Shannon and still produces beautiful knits for markets around Sligo and Roscommon.
See more History Dress stories here:
Berta’s Wedding Veil
Emily’s Grandma Quilt
Ria’s Patchwork Dress
Heather’s Spanish Shawl
Sarah’s 1970s Skirt