Thumbnail of The corset in late 20th-century fashion

The corset in late 20th-century fashion

The corset in 20th century fashion has appeared and reappeared seemingly linked to the cyclical changing of female shapes. By the 1980s it had become an 'object d'art', no longer a symbol of women's oppression, the corset had become a symbol of sexual empowerment.

Thumbnail of Fashion & textiles introductory reading list

Fashion & textiles introductory reading list

Recommended introductory reading about fashion & textiles.

Thumbnail of Fashion in Motion: Iranian Night

Fashion in Motion: Iranian Night

The Iranian Night Fashion in Motion live catwalk event took place on 30 January 2004. The V&A and the Iran Heritage Foundation presented the works of contemporary Iranian fashion designers Massoud Ansari, Shirin Guild, Maryam Mahdavi, Shadi Parand and Laya Torkaman, from both inside and outside Iran in a special Fashion in Motion.

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Fashion Design

This activity gives students an opportunity to use the V&A’s fashion collections in the way that professional designers do. Paul Poiret and Vivienne Westwood are just two of the many designers who have used the V&A to get ideas for their designs. Students will design a garment based on an item in the V&A’s collections of European and non-European dress, and will produce either a garment that is stylistically similar, or a collage.

Thumbnail of Historical & cultural sources for 20th-century fashion

Historical & cultural sources for 20th-century fashion

Throughout the 20th century cross-cultural and historical influences have exerted a profound impact upon fashion design. The styles, designs and materials of other times and cultures have become more accessible to designers at first hand as improved travel and communications enable continents to be crossed with ease.

British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age

31 March–12 August 2012

Showcasing over 300 British design objects, this exhibition celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘Austerity Games' to the summer of 2012.

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British Asian Style: Fashion and Textiles, Past and Present

British Asian Style: Fashion and Textiles, Past and Present

The influence of South Asian styles on British fashion and dress

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Event - Designing the Decades: 1960s

Sat 16 June 2012 10:30

STUDY DAY: Explore the decade of the mini skirt, flower power, the Beatles, the Vietnam War, the Cultural Revolution and the first man on the moon. Investigate the architecture, interiors and fashions of this revolutionary decade.

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