Monday 8 February 2016

Liberty in Fashion - Fashion and Textile Museum, London

Elsie & Felix & typical Liberty florals

This exhibition at the Fashion & Textile Museum in London showcases Liberty clothes and textiles from 1875 when Arthur Lasenby Liberty opened his first store on Regent Street.  It explores Liberty's impact on fashion in the 19th and 20th centuries and its collaborations with designers and other brands.

Liberty embroidery

Liberty produced embroidery designs which could be used as an economic way to embellish clothes.

Smock detail

Liberty was also responsible for the rediscovery of some traditional crafts.  Smocking was one of these and became one of its trademark looks.  Kate Greenaway, children's illustrator and author was closely associated with Liberty's children's wear and her illustrations often depicted children in smocked dresses. 

Smocked Child's "Mab" Dress by Liberty & Co.

In the 1960s Liberty's fabrics were used by many of the new designers who were located around Carnaby Street and brought a particular "Englishness" to their look.

Liberty prints deigned for the Dolly Rockers label in the 1960s

The 1970s nostalgia for the past meant Liberty's floral prints fitted the mood well.
 
1970's Nostalgia

Liberty continues to collaborate with other designers and brands ...

Cacharel 2004

Cacharel 2004
Nike X Liberty 2015

If you love Liberty go take a look.  The exhibiton is on until 28 February 2016.


2 comments:

  1. We are going down to London next week, we will be sure to check it out. Thanks for showing us

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