Her remarkable journey through the 20th century bore witness to transformative cultural shifts, from the glamorous heights of the fashion world to the harrowing depths of war-torn Europe.

From ancient civilisations to contemporary catwalks, hosiery has significantly shaped fashion and reflected societal norms. Join us on a fascinating journey through time as we unravel the rich history of hosiery, exploring its origins, and transformation in wartime restrictions.

150 years ago if you wanted to go to the beach as a woman you would be wearing several layers of cumbersome cotton or flannel just to dip your toes - thankfully things have changed a lot since then, and swimwear is much more liberating for women now than it was all that time ago. But how did we go from wearing a multi-layered swim ensemble to our modern bikinis where sometimes almost nothing is left to the imagination?

 

From protecting factory workers hair, to saving prisoners of war in WW2, silk was one of the most sought after and versatile fabrics of the time! But just how did silk keep so many at home and abroad safe?

The end of the war also brought about new revolutions, and the fashion industry was about to experience a wave of modernity thanks to one French man.

Utility Clothing

How the British Government, with the help of London's top fashion designers, helped keep the British textiles industry alive and keeping the public stylish. 

 

This year Her Majesty The Queen of England will be the first-ever British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee with an impressive 70 years of service!

 

With over 70 years service, we’re taking a look back to the Second World War, when The Queen was simply  Princess Elizabeth, and how The Queen and her family supported the nation through bleak and uncertain times.

The 1940s would see rationing for food and clothing and would revolutionise the fashion industry for generations to come. But what was fashion rationing, and how did it affect the fashion world in the UK?