Perfect Pattern Learners Visit the V&A
09-05-2016
This exhibition explores the intimate relationship between underwear and fashion and its role in moulding the body to a fashionable ideal, with cut, fit, fabric and decoration revealing issues of gender, sex and morality.
As part of the tour a costume mounting specialist explained what goes into making an authentic and interesting display – including some special new techniques to make the perfect bosoms and bottoms to
fit some of the pieces.
The learners marveled at the tiny waists the corsets created and were incredulous that women had
allowed themselves to be subjected to the ‘S’ shaped corset. As well as underwear there were also some rather dashing pyjamas and slinky negligees.
They also enjoyed analysing all the pattern cutting skills required to create the pieces and were awestruck at the delicate cutting and stitching required.
The learners commented:
‘I really enjoyed it – it was interesting to see how the corset styles could be used for men and women.’ Francie
‘I was inspired – it gave me lots of Ideas and I learned about how the ideal women’s shape has changed over time.’ Faith
‘I was surprised to see that there were special corsets for sports like horse riding. I had always associated corsets with evening dress.’
‘I was surprised to learn about the corsets designed to be worn in hot climates – although I think you’d still be very hot even if your corset was made of airtex!‘ Donna
‘It was interesting to see the maternity corsets and nursing bras – they didn’t look like they allowed much room for the baby to grow as they were still hourglass shaped.’
As you are prohibited to take photographs in the exhibition it provided an opportunity for the learners to test their visual memories and sketching skills so after the exhibition they sat in the sunshine in the V&A’s garden and spent time jotting down their favourite designs…..
