Metadata
WORK ID: NEFA 19696 (Master Record)
| Title | Year | Date |
| CO-OPERATIVE FASHION SHOW | 1955 | 1955-01-01 |
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Details
Original Format: 16mm Colour: Black & White Sound: Silent Duration: 2 mins 46 secs Credits: Co-operative Wholesale Society, CWS Genre: Sponsored Subject: Fashions |
| Summary Record of a Co-operative fashion show of summer dresses, evening wear, bridesmaid and bridal wear, held in a marquee during the CWS Family Fare Exhibition in Newcastle, 1955. The footage may be outtakes of the event. The models, of different ages, parade solely for the camera and the event is staged without an audience. The fashion shows were a regular feature of these trade shows. |
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Description
Record of a Co-operative fashion show of summer dresses, evening wear, bridesmaid and bridal wear, held in a marquee during the CWS Family Fare Exhibition in Newcastle, 1955. The footage may be outtakes of the event. The models, of different ages, parade solely for the camera and the event is staged without an audience. The fashion shows were a regular feature of these trade shows.
A Co-operative fashion show takes place in a decorated marquee equipped with a T-shaped catwalk and a...
Record of a Co-operative fashion show of summer dresses, evening wear, bridesmaid and bridal wear, held in a marquee during the CWS Family Fare Exhibition in Newcastle, 1955. The footage may be outtakes of the event. The models, of different ages, parade solely for the camera and the event is staged without an audience. The fashion shows were a regular feature of these trade shows.
A Co-operative fashion show takes place in a decorated marquee equipped with a T-shaped catwalk and a glamorous fake entrance with ruched curtains, surrounded by classical columns. A male compère sits at a reproduction Rococo table and chair set up with a microphone.
A young woman models a short sleeved, belted summer dress moving along the catwalk, walking and turning to display the dress and accessories of hat, gloves and corsage.
The next young female model parades in a pale striped, full-skirted summer dress, again with accessories.
A mature woman models a smart slim-cut dress and fur stole, with hat, gloves and corsage as accessories. In the background, the previous model stands beside the presenter.
A mature woman, modeling a darker dress suit with matching jacket and accessories, moves down the catwalk, walks and turns to display the outfit. In the background the two previous models stand either side of the curtained entrance.
Next, two young women walk slowly together down the catwalk, modeling long white bridesmaid dresses, posing at the end of the catwalk. A young woman in bridal dress and long veil then enters and parades slowly down the catwalk. She turns and poses, displaying the back of the dress and veil, then walks back, followed by the two models in bridesmaid outfits. All carry bouquets. At the curtained entrance, the three fashion models turn and pose, in line with all the previous models. Portrait shot of the three models.
The final shots are of the first three models on the catwalk.
Context
This is a record of a Co-operative fashion show of summer dresses, evening wear, bridesmaid and bridal wear, held in a marquee during the CWS Family Fare Exhibition in Newcastle, 1955. The fashion shows were a regular feature of these trade shows. We see clothing for a range of ages and occasions. Dresses were nipped in at the waist with a full skirt in light colourful cottons, always adorned by belts, gloves and hats, possibly inspired by the Grace Kelly look. But it is the bridal dresses...
This is a record of a Co-operative fashion show of summer dresses, evening wear, bridesmaid and bridal wear, held in a marquee during the CWS Family Fare Exhibition in Newcastle, 1955. The fashion shows were a regular feature of these trade shows. We see clothing for a range of ages and occasions. Dresses were nipped in at the waist with a full skirt in light colourful cottons, always adorned by belts, gloves and hats, possibly inspired by the Grace Kelly look. But it is the bridal dresses that take centre stage here, with a sweetheart neckline, a small waist, full skirt and full sleeves probably in Duchesse satin. Lace was used heavily in 50s wedding attire from the gown to veils and gloves but here it is used only to edge the billowing veil.
The co-operative movement is said to have begun in 1844, when workers in the north of England were fed up with the poor quality and expenses of food on offer to them from the mill owners. They clubbed together to buy some of the basics, flour, butter and sugar in bulk and opened a small shop. Fellow workers could buy these provisions and importantly join as customer members to become part owners of the co-op and share in any profits. This movement inspired other workers and by the end of the nineteenth century there were hundreds of co-ops across the country, modelled on the Rochdale shop, giving customers control over the food they bought. Today, the Co-op is still ‘committed to ethical trade – ensuring that those who provide the products and services we buy and sell are treated fairly, and that their human rights are respected’ In addition they fund local initiatives and support both local communities and international Fairtrade business. In the 1950s departments stores were the place to go for everything, including furniture, home appliances, toys, cosmetics, houseware, gardening, toiletries, hardware, food and as we can see your wedding attire. https://www.co-operative.coop/ethics/the-co-op-way-ethical-trade |
