A NEW exhibition examining the fashion legacy of the First World War era has opened at the National Memorial Arboretum.
Fashion and Freedom explores how the radical social change encountered during and after the conflict, including women taking on jobs in vocations traditionally reserved for men, impacted fashion as the new responsibilities provided new freedoms.
Featuring designs from Vivienne Westwood, Holly Fulton, Roksanda, J JS Lee, Emilia Wickstead and Sadie Williams, visitors to Fashion and Freedom can learn how changing social circumstances influenced the development of a new look where tight corsets and heavy skirts were replaced by more natural and fluid silhouettes.
Sarah Oakden, head of marketing at the National Memorial Arboretum, said: “Fashion and Freedom offers the opportunity for visitors to explore social history and discover the ongoing influence that the First World War has had on clothing design. This exciting new exhibition has previously only been exhibited in the north of England and we are delighted to be able to bring it to new audiences in the Midlands.”
Fashion and Freedom will be exhibited at the National Memorial Arboretum from 9 March to 30 November 2018. Admission is included in the tickets for ‘Landscapes of Life’, a permanent exhibition at the Arboretum. Plan your visit at thenma.org.uk