Brit Chic
Fashion on Film 1946-1989
Celebrate the nation's knack for cutting-edge couture with this kaleidoscopic film and TV survey of post-war British fashion from the BFI National Archive. From utility to utopia, high end to high street, Brit Chic salutes the trends and trendsetters who heightened our sartorial senses and inspired today's trailblazing British designers.
The course of fashion history changed forever as Britain sought to escape austerity in the wake of WWII. Meet a Royal Navy Wren who dreams of ditching her 40s utility-wear to model sumptuous gowns by Norman Hartnell which anticipate Dior's New Look. Learn how the latest trends became increasingly accessible thanks to British industry in the 50s, and TV put fashion at the forefront of a blossoming consumer culture. Join the cool kids on the Kings Road as the 60s start to swing, go behind the scenes at iconic emporium Biba, and hear Ossie Clark and Mary Quant discuss their craft. Hang out with the punks to witness 70s D.I.Y. fashion in all its counter-cultural glory, discover Peter Greenaway's innovative portrait of style maverick Zandra Rhodes, and glimpse rare footage of Vivienne Westwood's iconoclastic designs. Welcome to the front row!
For a taster of this programme view an extract of Fashion Fantasy below…
Fashion Fantasy
1946
Design for Fashion
1954
The Birth of a Dress
1954
Fashion Fantasy
1946
Ossie Clark
1968
The Pacemakers: Biba
1970
Fashion Fantasy
1946
The Mary Quant Show
1974
Vivienne Westwood Showreel
1989
Fashion Fantasy
1946
