Beach Pajamas: The Fad that Liberated Women's Fashion

Beach Pajamas were all the rage during the Jazz Age. They allowed women comfort and coverage while romping in the sun in an era when wearing pants was illegal in many places. It was wealthy women who summered at the French seaside, the Lido and eventually Palm Beach, who fostered the trend which later became the mass market revolution that changed women’s fashion forever. Characterized by an ultra wide leg and made of silk, linen and other lightweight fabrics (often with bold prints or striking colors), beach pajamas were the height of resort fashion in the 1920s and 30s, caused considerable controversy and eventually became an acceptable garment for school and even church!
Fashion historian Martha Davis will give an illustrated presentation on the fad that liberated women, plus see samples of this playful, yet glamorous garment that invaded the beach - both on live models and as part of displays.
TICKETS:
Members: $22 (plus fees)
General: $25 (plus fees)

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER:
Martha Davis has been a fashion enthusiast for over 40 years, with a passion for deep research and historical clothing reproduction utilizing vintage patterning and sewing techniques. While her professional career took her in the direction of the sciences, her fashion passion led to the theatrical costuming program at Fullerton College and she is a legacy Costume College instructor and Dean emeritus. Her earliest interests included men's and women's fashion construction from the Renaissance through early 20th centuries and she is currently exploring Ragtime through Mid-Century fashion with an emphasis on what people really wore and how to craft a period worthy wardrobe from vintage, modified, and period reproduced garments and accessories.