Author Archives: Clare

Last week my Vintage to Vogue course had a series of fascinating presentations from conservators Frances Hartog, Roisin Morris, Elizabeth-Anne Haldane, and curator Sonnet Stanfill at the V&A. They explained the detailed processes that have to take place before a … Continue reading →

Last week my course visited the Prints and Drawings Study Room at the V&A. This is an amazing resource for all subjects including fashion. We had ordered a selection of original designs – these included 1930s sketches by Norman Hartnell … Continue reading →

A wonderful evening last night with the Vintage to Vogue group at the house of Meg Andrews, a textile dealer who consistently finds the most beautiful pieces. Her collection is stored in every room, in shelves, boxes and drawers, and … Continue reading →

Dress design by Marjorie Field Rhoades, 1949 (V&A Print Study Room) My course, Vintage to Vogue: Twentieth Century Fashion has just started at the V&A. There will be guest lectures from V&A curators and conservators, and visits to the Prints … Continue reading →

I went to view the latest version of the crochet coral reef in Salisbury – I had seen the main UK reef at the South Bank Centre in 2008, but this version is different. This project is interesting on so … Continue reading →

Dazzle – a 1920s dance dress from Hampshire Museums This is the last week of a charming exhibition called Dazzle at Winchester Discovery Centre. It showcases over 25 beaded and embroidered dance dresses from the collection of Hampshire County Museums, with accessories … Continue reading →

Nearly the end of a very busy and stimulating year – three books and many articles published. Also lots of enjoyable work with the Diaghilev exhibition at the V&A. Pity to think it’ll soon be over but good to think … Continue reading →

detail of a late 1930s crepe evening dress belonging to Jan Harvey The end of my Moving Fashions course, and goodbye to those lovely people until next term. But we ended on a high note with a show and tell … Continue reading →

I’m preparing a talk on Bakst, the costume designer for most of the key Diaghilev ballets, and his links with fashion, to be given at the V&A. This is a tricky topic, as the leading couturiers Paul Poiret and Jeanne … Continue reading →

In this cold weather I’ve been very glad of my big wool coat, made in Leeds by Eastex c1955. Unfortunately I’m too tall for 1955 so it had to be trimmed with fake fur to make it long enough. The picture … Continue reading →