The V & A Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum

Thursday 7th November 2018

Today we visited the V & A Museum in London, to see the 'Fashioned from Nature' Exhibition and the Fashion Area surrounding this exhibit. I found it fascinating to see how the trends in fashion have changed throughout the last century. I think my favourite decade was the 60's (the end of the 60's) due to the bright, bold colours, the tie-dye patterns, flares and overall theatrical and flamboyant style. During the 60's, man made materials became the current trend, with designers experimenting with polyester, PVC, Spandex, acrylic, nylon and perspex. The 'Space Age' style also came about in the 60's, after the first entry to space was in 1961. this showcased silver metallic's and white as the main colour scheme, paired with astronaut style accessories such as goggles and helmets. I love this decade so much because it was a sudden break through in fashion, where people stopped dressing so smart and tailored and began having fun with the colour, pattern and style. I believe it was when fashion began to allow each individual to express their personality. 

One part of the 'Fashioned from Nature' exhibition was dedicated to economic impact of fashion. Above are some garments which were made to provoke change and gain support to help reduce environmental impacts. In the exhibition was a video featuring Vivienne Westwood who spoke about her views on climate change. Westwood talked about how she tries to help inform people on the impacts and how she herself does things to reduce the impact she has on the environment. She says: "The most effective thing that I do in reducing my carbon footprint is: buy less, choose well, make it last." I think this could be an effective yet simple and easy method to contribute slightly and is an idea which everyone could use. However, there are limitations to this idea. For example, some people don't have the money to buy perfectly tailored, impeccably stitch clothing that can last years. High street shops are where most people buy clothes; these clothes can last a long time but probably only up to 3 years if they are worn regularly. I also think that one of the largest demographics is the younger generation who are obsessed with following trends and making sure they fit in, therefore are buying clothes whenever trends change which can be daily. 


Overall, I really enjoyed the trip and thought it was very educational and impactful, especially on such an important, current matter of climate change. i also find the Victoria & Albert Museum is one of the best Museums as it showcases so many different cultures and eras and topics.