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Faux tortoise shell and rhinestone sunglasses
Faux tortoise shell and rhinestone sunglasses

Faux tortoise shell and rhinestone sunglasses

Date1960s - 1970s
Object number00016886
NameSunglasses
MediumPlastic, glass, rhinestones
DimensionsOverall: 45 mm, 50 g
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Joan Gray
DescriptionFashionable accessories added glamour to the beach, pool and resort during the 1960s and 1970s. These sunglasses were worn by Joan Gray, a popular Australian model for swimwear manufacturer Jantzen during this time.HistoryAt 16 years old, Joan Gray (nee Bell) was 'spotted' while sunbathing on Tamarama Beach, and was asked to take part in the Sunday Telegraph Red Cross Beach-Girl-of-the-Year contest. Gray entered the 1940-1941 contest and won, and was described by the judges - one of whom was Annette Kellerman - as 'typical of the unrivalled beauties of Australia's beaches'. Her win prompted her to drop her art studies and commence a model and mannequin course. Gray began modelling beach wear full time, and recalled that it was hard work, often in extreme weather conditions. She worked as Jantzen's house model for a number of years and regularly appeared on the cover of PIX and other magazines in the 1940s. A favourite war-time pin up girl, she also appeared in the Australian propaganda short film, 'From Laces to Lathes'.SignificanceThese faux tortoise shell and rhinestone sunglasses are an example of glamorous beach and pool fashions of the 1960s and 1970s.