History of 1960s fashion and textiles
The 1960s was a decade of sweeping change throughout the fashion world generating ideas and images which still appear modern today. Whereas fashion had previously been aimed at a wealthy, mature elite, the tastes and preferences of young people now became important. At the beginning of the decade, the market was dominated by Parisian designers of expensive haute couture garments
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 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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Hair & Fashion
Hair is fashion and fashion is hair, a fascinating relationship which is investigated in detail in this timely book.
Buy nowEvent - Displaying Fashion
Wed 06 June 2012 13:00
LUNCHTIME LECTURE: Learn about the redisplay of the V&A permanent collection in the newly refurbished Fashion Gallery and new ways of displaying fashion in the 21st century with curator Claire Wilcox.
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