Exceptionally rare PRN wardrobe department collection of over 300 pieces of dyed fabric swatches used to create the various iconic tour outfits worn by Prince and the New Power Generation between 1993 and 1996, a prolific three-year period that dates to the Act I and II Tours (1993), The Ultimate Live Experience (1995), and Japan '96 — every one of these dye fabric samples was presented to Prince and the wardrobe department for outfit approval.
The collection is highlighted by a three-ring binder that contains 56 sleeves and a total of 48 invoices that date from March 27, 1993, to July 30, 1996, with all documents issued by master fabric dyer Marliss Jensen at the Iris Color Studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All of these invoices, which are annotated with sample descriptions and prices, are issued for “PRN” and include their original affixed fabric dye samples, with the majority of the 1993 documents bearing stapled check receipts for “PRN Productions, Inc.” Numerous embroideries are also present, as are the original dye sample request sheets that the PRN wardrobe department sent to ICS, which also retain finished sample swatches.
One particular request sheet dated to early July 1993, shortly before the start of the Act II Tour, contains a note signed “Heidi,” ostensibly Heidi Presnail, who was in charge of the PRN wardrobe department. The handwritten note reads: “Marliss, Please dye this the same Nude C4 (Ombre) colour as ‘Mermaid,’ a bit lighter please - but not much.” Stapled to the upper right is another note marked “Mayte nude,” with affixed flesh-toned fabric and handwritten color codes below.
Supplementing the binder is a large array of loose fabric swatches of varying shapes and sizes, design materials that proved essential to the ever-growing touring wardrobe of Prince and the NPG during this very busy and very colorful period. Acting as a time capsule of sorts, these color samples represent the aesthetic evolution of one of Prince’s most influential eras as a fashion icon. His unique ability to mix styles, fabrics, and colors with equal doses of glamour and audacity played a significant role in shaping fashion trends during the 1980s and beyond.
The Prince Estate is not affiliated, associated, or connected with RR Auction or this auction, nor has it endorsed, authenticated or sponsored the items available for auction. Further, The Prince Estate has not licensed any of its intellectual property to RR Auction.
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