Established TraditionsMayfair 1955-1960

Mafair Elegance, Established traditions, 1960's fashion, 1955-1960

  • Dress and Jacket, John Cavanagh, 1961



    Dress and Jacket
    John Cavanagh (1914-2004)
    1961
    Egyptian cotton and silk
    Lent by the Museum of Costume, Bath, BATMC I.09.868&A
    Given by the Hon. Mrs John Ward from the estate of the late Hon. Lady Ward

    Of all the London couturiers Cavanagh perhaps presented the most youthful collections. With its fresh print and deceptively simple construction, this cotton suit anticipates the lighter mood of the 1960s, yet there is still an element of formality in its well-mannered neatness.

  • 'Polar Flight', suit, Sir Hardy Amies, 1959



    'Polar Flight'
    Suit
    Sir Hardy Amies (1909-2003)
    1959
    Mohair (possibly by Ascher)
    Museum no. T.63&B-1988
    Worn and given by Mrs John Rickett
    © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

    Hardy Amies created one of London's most progressive and successful fashion businesses. This suit exemplifies his witty and immaculately crafted approach to women's tailoring. While designing for the queen and other prestigious clients, he also developed lines aimed at a wider UK public and the export trade, entering the menswear market in 1959.

  • Dress and coat, Norman Hartnell, 1958



    Dress and Coat Norman Hartnell (1901-79)
    1958
    Silk
    Museum no. T.170&A-1990
    Worn and given by Mrs Wingate
    © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

    Hartnell enjoyed a high profile due to the patronage of the royal family. This ensemble is typically regal and luxurious, its exquisite pin-tucking making full use of the couturier's craft. By working for wedding gown manufacturers Berketex, Hartnell also made his version of romanticism available to a wider market.

  • Dress and jacket, Horrockses Fashions, about 1955



    Dress and Jacket
    Horrockses Fashions
    About 1955
    Printed cotton
    Museum no. T.639&A-1996
    Worn and given by Mrs Elizabeth Payze
    © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

    Horrockses' crisp cotton dresses, with their brightly coloured prints and full gathered skirts, were a fashion success story for the post-war period. They appealed to women of different ages and social backgrounds as the perfect summer dress. This example was worn by Elizabeth Payze as a teenager.