Pink gazar silk evening dress with lace bustier, designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga for Eisa, Spain, winter 1965

The Albert & Victoria Museum’s clothing collection began in 1903 when the curators realized the importance of clothing as an essential part of the decorative arts. Over time, it grew into an archive of over 104,000 pieces of fashion, including garments, accessories, and textiles. The collection documents fashion history from the 17th century and features iconic pieces from well-known designers like Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen, among others.

Dior Exhibition at the V & A Museum

Walking through the vaults, the array of garments is astounding. From embroidered gowns to leather jackets, the collection is a kaleidoscope of textures, colors, and patterns. Here you will find attire from famous figures such as Queen Victoria and Napoleon. Besides, you can browse through shoes, hats, and jewelry, each item marked with information about its origin, maker, and year of creation.

1876 Wedding dress, V & A Museum

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Albert & Victoria Museum’s collection is its focus on fashion as a cultural record of the times. The garments on display show not only trends and manufacturing techniques but also offer insight into social hierarchies, gender roles, and political movements. An example of this is the collection of garments from the suffragette movement, which illustrates how the women’s rights movement used clothing to make a statement and advocate for change.

c 1910 Votes for Women silk scarf, V & A Museum

Beyond its significance as a fashion statement, the collection is an essential source for researchers and designers. The museum offers access to its archives not only to scholars but also to emerging designers looking for inspiration. A visit to the collection might spark ideas for new designs, patterns, or even fabric choices. The museum believes that to create something new, the designers must know what has come before.

Mary Quant Exhibition, V & A Museum

The Albert & Victoria Museum’s clothing collection is more than just a display of old dresses and hats. It is a valuable resource for history enthusiasts, designers, and anyone interested in the stories that fashion tells. Visiting the vaults offers a unique opportunity to see how clothing evolved alongside society over centuries. So, the next time you’re in London, skip the regular tourist attractions and take a trip to the museum. It will be worth it. After all, who knows what inspiration you might glean from the archives of the past.

Nylon sleepwear

The 1960s brought about a revolution in fabric. Nylon, the "wonder fabric," was popularized during that era due to its durability and ease of care. The wrinkle-free fabric quickly gained popularity among housewives and fashion designers alike, becoming a staple in many households. Even now, nylon remains a favorite material for clothing and home decor due to its longevity and resistance to stains. Its easy care properties make it an ideal choice for everyday wear, and its durability ensures that it can withstand the test of time. It's no wonder why 1960s fabrics, like nylon, continue to be a go-to choice for those looking for both convenience and style.  We even make out Gigi petticoats from Nylon netting in 2023!

Gigi petticoat in pink - marathonmedalframes

Acrylic, a synthetic fabric that emerged in the 1960s, has since become a favorite textile among fashion designers and consumers alike. This versatile material has the look and feel of wool, but at a fraction of the cost. Acrylic is lightweight, durable, and easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for everyday clothing items. It is also resistant to wrinkles, so it stays looking fresh and put-together even after a long day. The popularity of acrylic has not waned in the years since it was first introduced, and it continues to be a staple in the world of fashion and textiles.

A 60's era acrylic knit dress

Polyester is known for its durability and has been a popular fabric for decades. This synthetic fabric has been used in a variety of products ranging from clothing to home furnishings. However, it was specifically in the decade that polyester made its mark. Fashion was all about bold prints, bright colors, and statement pieces, and polyester was the ideal fabric to bring those looks to life. It was also a time when people were looking for more affordable options, and polyester offered just that. Its affordability, combined with its durability, made it a favorite among many and contributed to its reign as one of the most popular fabrics of the decade.

Polyster dresses in a ray of colours

Spandex is a revolutionary fabric that was created for one purpose - to provide unparalleled comfort and flexibility. This stretchy material has become a staple in the world of athletic wear, and for good reason. Spandex allows movement without restriction, making it perfect for workouts, yoga, and other activities that require a wide range of motion. But it's not just athletes who benefit from the comfort of spandex - anyone can enjoy the stretchy, form-fitting nature of this fabric. Whether you're lounging at home or running errands, spandex will move with you, providing complete freedom of movement. Once you try it, you'll never want to wear anything else.

Stretch pants, the pre-cursor to leggings!

Rayon is a fascinating material. It's neither fully synthetic nor entirely natural, but rather, a blend of both. This semi-synthetic fabric is created by treating cellulose fibers, typically sourced from wood pulp or bamboo, with chemicals. The result is a luxurious cloth with a smooth, silky texture that is often used in clothing and home textiles. It's a versatile fabric that can be dyed easily, and its lightweight composition makes it an ideal choice for summer garments. Despite its popularity, rayon is sometimes overlooked in the world of textiles for its less-than-eco-friendly production process. Nonetheless, rayon remains a top choice for many designers and consumers, thanks in part to its silky feel and luxurious drape.

The 1960s was a colourful decade for fabrics, and it’s easy to see why these materials continue to be popular today. Acrylic was the first synthetic fabric, it's appeared in numerous styles of clothing since its introduction and proved to be a stylish and durable option. Polyester also surged in popularity due to its resistance to wrinkling and fading, while Nylon helped revolutionize wardrobe staples such as hosiery and lingerie. Spandex contributed even more comfort, due to its ability to stretch with the changing body, while Rayon is still used today due to its breathability and smooth feel.  All of these fabrics combined made the 1960s one of the most colorful decades for fashion!  Overall, these fabrics have proven their reliability over time and still offer plenty of style options for the modern fashionista. Do you have any of these fabrics in your wardrobe? Let us know in the comments!

A collection of Bakelite Radios

A Rainbow of Colors:
One of the primary reasons for Bakelite jewelry’s immense popularity is its staggering array of colors. From bold reds, yellows, and blues carved into fashionable trinkets to earthy browns and greens that could be cast into jewelry, the options were immense. Thanks to its thermosetting process, Bakelite could be molded into vibrant, eye-catching hues that promised to stand the test of time without fading, making it an instant hit amongst the style-conscious.

A colourful collection of bakelite bangles

Red and Black hinged bangle

Iconic Designs:
While Bakelite jewelry was budget-friendly, it didn’t skimp on creativity. This era witnessed an outpour of unique designs, shapes, and styles that has kept them popular to this day. Iconic motifs like cherries, leaves, and animal figures may have propelled Bakelite jewelry to fame, but it's the simple bangles, brooches, and earrings that continue to woo collectors. Art Deco-inspired pieces, eccentric figurals and intricate carvings are timeless and have found their way into contemporary trends, proving this jewelry’s enduring charm.

1940's Sweetheart Brooch

1940's accessorising with a bakelite brooch

Evolution and Revival:
Even though Bakelite production ceased around the 1940s, its legacy lives on. In the 1960s and 70s, artists and collectors sought to revive Bakelite jewelry by way of reproductions and artistic reinterpretations. This renaissance was spearheaded by artists such as Martha Sleeper and Jorge Caicedo Montes de Oca, who strove to keep the spirit of Bakelite alive through their jewelry designs. Today, vintage Bakelite jewelry is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, establishing a niche market for itself in the realm of retro fashion.  

Martha Sleeper School Teacher Brooch

The Bakelite Collector's Experience:
Ask any collector, and they’ll agree that collecting vintage Bakelite jewelry is an intoxicating affair. The hunt for authentic, rare, and pristine pieces sparks a thrill unlike any other. Collector’s item Bakelite pieces not only boast of extraordinary craftsmanship and design, but also bear witness to a different era. Exhibiting a unique patina and warmth that set them apart from contemporary jewelry, these treasures possess an irresistible charm that grows on the beholder.

British Writer Nancy Cunard wearing bakelite bangles

In a nutshell, the story of vintage Bakelite jewelry is one of innovation, ingenuity, and style. These treasures from a bygone era capture the essence of fashionable living in the early 20th century while maintaining their relevance today. Collectors, fashionistas, and history mavens alike can all appreciate the elegance and allure of Bakelite jewelry. As we time travel back with fond nostalgia, we realize that Bakelite's colorful history will forever remain engrained in the annals of fashion, and rightly so. So, go on, delve into the world of vintage Bakelite jewelry and let the magic of the past sweep you off your feet.

Image via Pinterest

Silent movie star Clara Bow

2. The Fabulous 40s: Hourglass Figures
The glamorous 1940s were all about emphasizing a woman's curves. This is the era of the classic film noir femme fatale, and the clothing accentuates the hourglass figure with cinched waists and curve-hugging silhouettes. High-waisted skirts, tailored suits and peplum details will work wonders for those with naturally hourglass-shaped bodies. If you've got a smaller waist and fuller hips and bust, slip into some 1940s-inspired clothing to showcase your assets like a modern-day Rita Hayworth.

War time outfits 1943

American Actress, Loretta Young

3. The Chic 50s: Pear Shapes
The 1950s were a time of grace and elegance, and clothing from this era often accentuates the femininity of a pear-shaped figure. Full skirts, A-line dresses and capri pants give the illusion of a balanced silhouette by adding volume to the lower half of the body. If you have narrower shoulders and a fuller lower half, revel in the timeless styles inspired by iconic beauties like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Don some cat-eye glasses, and get ready to conquer the world in your 1950s inspired outfit.

Image via myvintagevogue.com

Image via Pinterest

4. The Swinging 60s: Apple Shapes
For apple-shaped figures with a fuller bust and a less prominent waistline, the mod 1960s are your time to shine! Shift dresses, trapeze silhouettes, and empire waists help balance out upper body proportions with the rest of the figure. Go-go boots and mini skirts were all the rage and better yet, work wonders to elongate the legs. Imagine yourself as Twiggy or Edie Sedgwick, rocking bold geometric prints and colors, while you embrace your inner 60s starlet.

1960's fashions with model Twiggy front and centre

1960's dresses by Gay Gibson

5. The Groovy 70s: Inverted Triangle Shapes
The 1970s were all about bohemian vibes, flowing silhouettes, and an abundance of patterns. For those with an inverted triangle body shape (think: broader shoulders and a narrower lower body), this era is ideal to accentuate and balance out the proportions. Flared pants, wrap dresses, and peasant tops will create the illusion of a fuller lower half while maintaining a carefree, spirited style. Channel your inner Joni Mitchell, and embrace the free-spirited fashion of the '70s.

1970's Soul Group Three Degrees

Image via Pinterest

Now that you've time-traveled through the vintage clothing eras, you're ready to make an informed decision on which decade suits your body shape best. But let's not forget, fashion isn't just about following rules. It's about expressing yourself, experimenting with styles, and most importantly, having fun! So, while our guide may lend a helping hand in finding the perfect vintage era based on your shape, remember to wear whatever makes you feel fabulous, confident, and uniquely you.

Happy vintage hunting!

Image via Etsy 

Iconic Prints: A Selection of Notable Designs
Fashion designers and textile companies quickly recognized the public's appetite for these novelty prints and began to experiment with various themes and designs. Some iconic patterns of the era include carousel or carousel horses, Mexican pottery, circus scenes, and Eiffel Tower prints. These sought-after prints often featured scenes, motifs or objects that captured the essence of the time or a vivid feeling of escapism. It was not only about the visual appeal of the prints but also about the emotions they conveyed and the stories they told.

Image via Pinterest

Bringing the Art to the Streets: Novelty Prints and Skirt Silhouettes
The favored clothing item to showcase these elaborate novelty prints was, undoubtedly, the skirt. This seemingly simple garment served as the perfect canvas for designers to bring fantasy and humor to the forefront of women's wardrobes. The voluminous skirts, often worn with layers of petticoats, became the most popular and fashionable way to wear novelty prints. Circle skirts, full gathered skirts, and the much-adored poodle skirt were all popular skirt silhouettes in the 1950s, a fitting foundation for showcasing these eye-catching prints.

Image via Serenpity Vintage

Beyond Skirts: Novelty Prints Make a Mark in Other Garments
While skirts were undoubtedly the most popular garment to display these quirky prints, they also made a mark in other clothing items. Dresses with full, swirling skirts in the "New Look" style popularized by Christian Dior were another favorite way to incorporate novelty prints into a woman's wardrobe. Additionally, scarves and other accessories offered an understated way to add a touch of whimsy to their outfits. However, the impact of novelty prints transcended beyond clothing, as household textiles such as tablecloths and aprons would also boast these delightful designs.

Novelty Prints: A Reflection of the Times
Following the somber, conservative period of World War II, the public was eager for a taste of something new, different, and playful. Novelty prints delivered just that. The adoration for these captivating prints became a shared experience for women across the United States, Europe, and beyond. This renaissance in women's fashion was not just about individual style; it was a collective reclamation of joy and a sense of personal expression. The designs and themes, though seemingly trivial, were a vision into the optimistic minds of those who were embracing their newfound freedom.

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The kaleidoscope of novelty print clothing that filled the 1950's women's apparel market has left an enduring impact on the realms of fashion, personal expression, and popular culture. Those vibrant colors, captivating patterns, and whimsical themes were more than fleeting designs – they were emblematic of a heartfelt return to joy and freedom. Today, novelty prints continue to make a statement for those who appreciate nostalgia intertwined with style. Exploring the history of novelty prints is a fascinating reminder of how fashion can truly embody the joys and emotions of a generation.