This is a dress with a pedigree. It was made by an Auckland dressmaker in 1961 specifically for a 6 week journey to England on the Southern Cross. It is of shot gold and black silk velvet with a metal zip down the back.Length 100cms. waist 62cms, bust 80cms.
This dress was on show at the Auckland Fashion Museum during the RWC. It is in the catalogue - Black in Fashion. Recently it has been on show in Wellington. 12,000 people have seen it.
I would suggest it is more of a collectors item as there is some wear which is normal for a garment of this age. It was described as some insect damage by a textile expert.