Reused, recycled, reborn: New exhibition at Killerton explores how circular fashion from the past can inspire what we wear today
‘Thirsty for Fashion’ a new exhibition at Killerton house just outside Exeter, will showcase over 50 items from the National Trust’s largest fashion collection, highlighting pieces that demonstrate the techniques used to repair, remodel, reuse and rewear clothing from the 18th century to the present day. The exhibition, running from 11 February to 5 November, will also feature some of the ways contemporary designers and makers are rethinking our approach to fashion as our collective understanding of the environmental impact of the fashion industry grows. Highlights from the historical element of the exhibition include a child’s dress made of precious silk brocade, recycled from an adult’s silk gown in about 1750; a darning sampler of 1814; a sumptuous silk wedding gown of about 1840 remodelled to rewear in the 1940s and an embroidered parachute silk nightdress made in 1944 when clothing and material were rationed. Other items include two patchwork quilts made from recycled fabrics and repairs to continue the life of a pair of mid-18th century leather stays. Also on show will be vintage films from the 1940s and ‘50s with advice on how to ‘make do and mend’ and photographs of National Trust staff,…