Ration & Fashion Talk
Whether you are a social group, history group or KS3 and above our Ration & Fashion talk is designed to suit you.
Take a journey through one of the most fascinating periods in women’s fashion and beauty! In this talk, we chart the evolution of style from the practical changes brought about by the Great War to the glamour of Dior’s New Look.
Explore how fashion and beauty mirrored the shifting roles of women in the early 20th century and how these changes were deeply intertwined with patriotism and societal expectations. From wartime utility to post-war opulence, this session highlights the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of women through the lens of fashion.
By connecting fashion to the social and cultural shifts of the time, the workshop highlights how clothing and beauty were more than just aesthetic choices—they became powerful symbols of identity, resilience, and progress.
Talk Highlights:
- Fashion Through Conflict: Discover how the demands of wartime transformed women’s clothing, making it practical, patriotic, and empowering.
- Beauty in Adversity: Learn how women adapted beauty routines to scarce resources and kept their sense of style alive in challenging times.
- From Utility to Elegance: Explore the transition from rationed fabrics to the luxurious designs of Dior’s New Look, marking a return to femininity and prosperity.
Perfect for history, textiles, social studies, and design students, this talk encourages learners to reflect on the dynamic relationship between fashion, society, and cultural identity in the 20th century.
This workshop costs £5PP and is available for any groups of 10 or more.
This workshop will be located in our education room at Western Approaches Museum.