Guest Speaker: Fashioning the 1950s, with Dr Liz Tregenza

In this illustrated talk, fashion historian Liz Tregenza explores shopping for fashion in Britain in the 1950s.

The 1950s was an important decade in reshaping the British High Street. Consumers were increasingly moving away from independent shops, preferring the reliability of chain stores, like Marks & Spencer, for their ready-made purchases. The full-skirted silhouettes that came to define the decade were readily available in chain stores across the country. These garments in crisp cottons or the increasingly popular synthetic fibres, would come to dominate the market in the 1960s. In this illustrated talk, Liz explores what it was like to shop for fashion in Britain in the 1950s. What brands were people buying? Who designed and made these clothes, and finally, were they accessible to all?

Free event, refreshments included. Booking is essential as places are limited.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher M&S Company Archive