Emma Knuckey

Silk chiffon dress designed by Valsean Simpson circa 1963–64. Made in Auckland New Zealand Emma Cecilia Knuckey (née Campbell; 14 December 1912 – 12 December 1998) was a pioneering New Zealand fashion designer, known for her evening gowns.

Career

In 1950 she opened her first salon 'Gowns by Emma Knuckey.' She modeled the opening of the Salon off what she had seen in London, 'I opened my business with an exciting fashion show – rows of small chairs, invitations, flowers, soft lights and music."

Due to limits on the quality of fabric that could be sourced in New Zealand Knuckey imported the majority of fabric used from overseas. She imported material from England, Switzerland, Ireland and Scotland. The emphasis of her designs was on the quality of the fabric she used.

In 1959, 'Gowns by Emma Knuckey' closed as the business partners moved to sell their clothes through wholesale. Their garments were sold through New Zealand's main department stores which included Milne & Choyce, Smith & Caughey's and Kirkcaldie & Stains.

Knuckey returned to retail in 1971 as she opened a new store of her own on Darby street, not far from the original salon. This opening saw a change in the style of clothes sold as mini skirts and hot pants began to be incorporated into Knuckey's designs.

She retired from fashion in 1974 and died in 1998.

In March 2017 Emma Knuckey's work was exhibited in Walk the Walk: A History of Fashion in the City at Smith & Caughey’s in Auckland where Knuckey's clothing was once sold.