I recently visited the Bankfield museum in Halifax. They have several permanent exhibitions as well as some temporary exhibitions. They now have ‘Inspired – The art of making historical fashion’ on until the 21st of December 2024:
This exhibition covers people who make historical costumes or costumes inspired by historical costumes, including a maker of wigs for historical hairstyles! There are items on display as well as posters with information and videos showing the artisans explaining their craft:
I really like the decorative pocket flaps on the suit on the left:
I never heard the name of this garment, Banyan, but it is a kind of lounge gown worn by men when they are at home:
A modern look inspired by historical styles, by Wyte Phantom:
Here are two shots from the video with Claire Quartermaine, founder and designer at House of Foxy, where she makes a really interesting statement:
This is a really interesting way of looking back on past clothes, including fashion. I am currently reading Karen Homer’s ‘little book of London style’. She discusses style in London from around the 1920’s onwards and explains how during the second world war, fabrics and other materials needed to create garments were in low supply. In response, the Utility Clothing Scheme was introduced. This scheme restricted how much material one was allowed to use for garments to ensure that everyone had access to some materials.
This exhibition is on until the end of the year, so check it out!
