Paper dresses were a brief but spectacular sensation in Europe and America from 1966 to 1968. They were cheap and disposable, and many were produced as free gifts to promote consumable products. Usually made out of a mix of non-woven cellulose and synthetic fibres, rather than actual paper, they were still prone to tearing and creasing, although some manufacturers claimed that their dresses could be washed. Paper dresses perfectly express the simplicity and wide availability of new, youthful fashions during the decade, as designers and manufacturers explored the commercial potential of unconventional materials, and fresh, bold designs.

Many dresses were printed with abstract and floral designs as well as Pop Art subjects such as this 'Souper' dress, which was produced to promote Campbell's vegetable soup, after Andy Warhol's 'Soup Cans' of 1962.