forced to alter both the quantity and the lavishness of fabrics used, it appears Russell heartily approved of the results of wartime rationing of fabrics. In a letter to the director general of the Board of Trade he suggested that it had made a vast improvement to fashion because it had taught people about discipline in dress and helped them appreciate simplicity. After the war, Russell continued his involvement with IncSoc and the promotion of British couture. In common with fellow members, one of his outfits was included in a fashion show sequence in the 1949 film Maytime in Mayfair. One of his last commitments, in March 1953, was to be photographed with the so-called "big ten" designers (by this time numbering eleven) for a lavish feature in Life magazine about the preparations for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Move to Australia Russell began his association with Australia in the late 1940s, when he was invited to show his collection at upmarket Melbourne department store Georges, with some lines also being produced in Australia under his supervision by the store. The same store then invited him to design a line of coronation gowns, suitable for Australian women to wear for the forthcoming coronation and subsequent royal tour of Australia. In July 1953, Russell finalised the sale of his business to Michael Donnellan in order to relocate to Melbourne. He was moving from fashion design to a fashion advisory role – working with a clothing firm that made wool and silk fabrics and lingerie. Russell was in his mid-60s in 1953 and told the Australian press he was looking forward to: "a little time to think and to enjoy life". It was also announced he would settle in the suburb of Ivanhoe, Victoria in a Spanish style villa where he would be in close proximity to both the mills he was advising and also the Lilydale and Melbourne hunts. However, after moving out in August, Russell returned to Britain in November, at which point he seems to have retired. Russell died in Folkestone in 1966. References External links Peter Russell portrait at National Portrait Gallery Profile and examples of designs, from Sheepandchick blog 1886 births 1966 deaths British fashion designers 1930s fashion 1940s fashion 1950s fashion People from Broadland (district)