Campbell's Soup Can "Souper Dress," 1966-1967

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Artifact Overview

This playful paper dress was inspired by the work of pop artist Andy Warhol, who began using the Campbell soup can image in his artwork during the early 1960s. Produced by the Campbell Soup Company in 1966-67, these "Souper" dresses served as creative advertising for the company during the late 1960s--a time when disposable paper dresses were a popular fad.

This playful paper dress was inspired by the work of pop artist Andy Warhol, who began using the Campbell soup can image in his artwork during the early 1960s. Produced by the Campbell Soup Company in 1966-67, these "Souper" dresses served as creative advertising for the company during the late 1960s--a time when disposable paper dresses were a popular fad.

This dress was worn by Thelma Nykanen, an executive secretary at General Motors in Detroit. Since the dress was made of paper, it could easily be altered to accommodate the wearer. Nykanen simply trimmed a few stripes off the bottom to shorten it up a bit.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Dress (Garment)

Date Made

1966-1967

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2002.43.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Given in Memory of Thelma D. Nykanen

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Cellulose
Cotton (Textile)

Technique

Printing (Process)

Color

Red
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Width: 23.5 in (width at hem)
Length: 36.75 in (length from hem to shoulder seam)

Inscriptions

CAMPBELL'S SOUP [printed on dress] The Souper Dress/No cleaning-no washing-it's carefree/Fire resistant unless washed or cleaned/to refreshen, press lightly with warm iron/80% cellulose 20% cotton [Tag on back]
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