Scottish: Fashion - Pem2543

1984-01-01

Weaving Scottish textiles into high fashion.

In this promotional video for the Scottish textile mill Reid & Taylor, the latest textile collections have been transformed into contemporary high fashion by a variety of internationally known designers. Showcased through a dramatic fashion show, the aim is to demonstrate the versatility of the textiles in a range of garments.

As the models move and twirl along the catwalk, the audience is taken through the seasons with outfits for all occasions. The voiceover explains that this collection takes its inspiration from Scottish landscapes, natural resources and industry. The colours and textures of the clothing are reminiscent of these. The pastel colours of the men's casualwear and women's summer clothing echo those found in Scottish river pearls. The rich jewel tones of Scottish precious stones are reflected in the heavily draped shimmering gowns of eveningwear. A section of the show is devoted to the furs and tweeds forming the country style. New tartan designs are signalled by a traditional sword dancing display on the catwalk.

The influence of the international designers is clear, with Japanese designer Koji's Kimono-inspired gowns making effective use of the silky jewel-toned fabric. The show also features creations designed by Judy Mann, Chris Clyne, Tommy Nutter and Bruce Oldfield.

This well-produced promotional video features an evocative soundtrack and numerous slow-motion shots allowing the audience to fully appreciate the features of the designs. A wedding dress designed by Hardy Amies ends the show to much applause.

Film of a fashion show of the latest fabric designs from the Scottish textile mill Reid and Taylor. The event showcases clothing designed by Hardy Amies, Bruce Oldfield and Koji.

What We Wore

Fashion takes enormous strides forward in 20th century Britain.

From the Tudor court to the Georgian dandy, Britain has long cultivated a passion for fashion, but the late 20th century saw things step up a gear. New generations of talent emerged, whose idiosyncratic style democratised fashion for a younger crowd and helped sell ‘Cool Britannia’ to the world - long before that term was coined. In the 1960s, progress was catalysed by the ‘Swinging London’ of Biba and Mary Quant, followed by the Punk movement a decade later. Designers drew inspiration not just from contemporary subcultures but also from established craft traditions across the UK – in some cases helping to revive cottage industries at risk of dying out. The dawn of the 1980s saw the rise of avant-garde pioneers (Zandra Rhodes, Vivienne Westwood), reimagined Savile Row tailoring (Tommy Nutter) and the upscale yet quintessentially British chic of Jean Muir and Bruce Oldfield – a favourite of Diana, Princess of Wales, who gifted British fashion a truly global platform.

38 videos in this collection

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