Introduction to 20th-century fashion
A look at 20th century fashion through the many ways in which historical fashion has influenced it.
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Fashion drawing & illustration: 1970s
The 1970s were a pioneering decade, and saw the evolution of fashion into a proclamation of individuality. Seen as …
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History of 1960s fashion and textiles
The 1960s was a decade of sweeping change throughout the fashion world generating ideas and images which still appe…
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Four haute couture dresses by Madeleine Vionnet
These four evening dresses were designed by Madeleine Vionnet (1876-1975; active 1912-1939) and purchased by Lady F…
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Corsets in the early 20th century
Corsets in the early 20th century tended to be shaped low around the bust line but by 1910 designers were beginning…
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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.
Fashion Collection Services
The V&A can arrange bookings for people to see the fashion collection that are not on public display.
Fashion & textiles introductory reading list
Recommended introductory reading about fashion & textiles.
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.
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.
Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950
From 19 May 2012 the V&A celebrates the opening of the newly renovated Fashion Galleries with an exhibition of beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers.
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Twentieth-Century Fashion in Detail
This glamorous book, part of the V&A Fashion in Detail series, illustrates the intricate details of twentieth-century fashion
Buy nowEvent - From Biba to Topshop: 20th Century Retail
Sat 30 June 2012 10:30
STUDY DAY: Investigate the history of the most pioneering shops, including Biba, Habitat, Mary Quant and Ikea - that are associated with fashion and design in post-war Britain.
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