Owning a piece of history, especially vintage garments from the 1940s, is like holding a precious artefact of culture and craftsmanship. Whether you’ve inherited a vintage dress, found a 1920s flapper gown, or sourced a rare jacket from a vintage shop, here’s some tips on caring for your vintage treasures.

1930s & 40s Hollywood was a time of glamour, sophistication, and escapism, with visionaries whose needles and thread wove magic into he fabric of cinema. Let’s look at some of the most iconic designs of the time, and the influential designers behind them.

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.

Known for her distinctive sultry voice, smouldering looks, and undeniable talent, Bacall carved a niche for herself as a legendary actress who captivated audiences for generations.
 
But how did she transform herself from a shy, high-pitched drama school student to one of Hollywood’s timeless alluring and sultry actresses?

At this time of year, there are vintage events and festivals dotted all around the country to celebrate bygone eras. The annual Goodwood Revival from the 8th to the 10th of September is a firm favourite vintage event with us here at The Seamstress of Bloomsbury, and we want to help you look as fabulous as possible!

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?

Everyone loves a good vintage event! From vintage car racing to World War 2 re-enactment weekends, there’s a 1940s-themed weekend for everyone.
 
We’ve put together a small list of some events taking place in 2023 across the UK!

The pin-up models of the 1940s/50s are iconic symbols of the time, with scantily clad ladies being painted on military vehicles, appearing in war propaganda, and being popular in general in America especially throughout the war and post-war period. Pin-ups were nothing new though, and the idea of ‘pinning up’ art and photos has been around since at least the 1800s, if not earlier!

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.

Looking back to the golden years of vintage Hollywood in the 40s/50s, everything seemed as glamorous and star-studded as possible! But just how far did the golden age of cinema go to maintain appearances?

During the Second World War, almost all everyday provisions from food to clothing were rationed and in short supply around Britain. But that didn't stop women around the country from looking as lovely as possible!