When the next special social invitation arrives, a quick browse through Jonquil’s historic Fashions may be just what is required for inspiration.
Fashion Historian and lecturer Jonquil Brooks recently treated Soroptimists to a very interesting talk and display of beautiful clothes dating from the late 19th Century to more recent times.
Very early outfits came in several pieces with intricate fastenings which would definitely have required your maid’s assistance, but moving into the 1900’s both the fit and the fabric became softer and floaty allowing women to actually and work as times changed.
Jonquil also displayed a typical ‘power’ suit with padded shoulders and brighter colours – as worn by herself to impress in business. She also showed much simpler War-time pattern Magazines which enabled working women to maintain their wardrobes using whatever fabric was available – definitely early re-cycling opportunities.
With much more flexible dress codes now prevalent, today’s modern woman has much to be grateful for – or is she missing out on the variety we once had? One of our Soroptimists Gemma is a huge fan of vintage clothing especially the 1940s see her here having fun! 