What is a Presentation?

And So To Bed:1900-1960

Follow the fashion trends through the lace and frills of the early 1900s, the shapeless 1920s, the bias cut 1930s, pyjamas of the 1940s, the synthetic revolution of the 1950s and the and psychedelic 1960s

Pioneers & Petticoats: 1840 - 1940

Unmentionables were used to change the shape and design of fashion over this time, including corsets, collapsible bustles and crinoline frames .

A Journey Through Childhood

Children were dressed as miniature adults and regarded more as an accessory. View clothing, toys and other items worn and used by boys and girls in bygone days. Listen to stories of lives of the original wearers of these clothes.

Bustle to Bias Brides: 1880 - 1940

View 60 years of bridal fashions from the bustle to the Edwardian, the 1920s and 1930s. Look at the enormous changes in the fashions of the time which is reflected in the wedding gowns of their day.

An Edwardian House Party: 1900 - 1914

A snapshot of how women of means spent their time, what they did, what the events of the time were and how these events combined to influence fashion.

The Allure of Lace

Marvel at the variety of ways handmade lace has been used to enhance both clothing and other treasured items. Hear the stories and see some of the tools used in the making of these treasured items. Featuring Chantilly lace fan c1870 and Maltese lace crinoline skirt of c1850

The Art of Fashion: 1920s Evening Gowns

See and hear how beaded and embellished 1920s evening dresses illustrates the influences of the post-WWI Art Deco design, the Paris avant-garde, haute couture designers and artists.

Lace in the Edwardian Era: 1905 - 1919

Lace was used to display refinement, distinction and wealth, at a time when wealth, birth and manners were the prime qualifications for commanding respect. See a variety of lace depending on how, where, when and by whom it was made.

1920s Capes, Coats and Cloaks

Come to an elegant 1920s affair. Step back in time to that golden dance era. Hear about the bohemianism, the evils of the dancing clubs, and the lives of ‘modern girls’. Marvel in the wonderful variety of 1920s capes, coats and cloaks. Learn what it was to be chic, and step into the world of Parisian fashion designers.

The Fine Art of The Cut 1930s Evening Wear

The glamorous decade of the 1930s of elegant evening wear with classical draping, the bias cut and soft lustrous fabrics which accented the body contours and silhouette.

Between the Wars: 1919 - 1939

See the changes in fashion that occurred between WWI and WWII, including the flapper gowns to the bias cut, and the rising and lowering of waists and hemlines.

1940s: A Decade of Change

From rationing to a new freedom in how life was lived and what was worn. No matter what the circumstance fashion is everything. You can ration clothes but you can’t ration fashion.

Fabulous Fifties

See the time of luxury and style with the modern housewife, the career woman and the new teenage culture with new synthetic materials which revolutionised the fashion industry.

Swinging 60s

See the dramatic change in fashion of the 60s for the young including miniskirts, cocktail frocks, the little black dress, paper dresses, beachwear, underwear and nightwear.

The Little Black Dress

What was the origin of the LBD? How did we go from a colour only worn when mourning?
See the change in the silhouette over the decades, from the late 19th century up to today.

Living in the 70s

Enjoy a walk down memory lane and ask yourself “What were we thinking!”
This is a fun presentation looking at what we were wearing in this very colourful decade. You will see original items from the Cavalcade’s vast collection of fashion items and hear stories from this vibrant decade.