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Historical influences on twentieth centiry fashion

Student brief

Historical influences are among the many factors contributing to the fashions of this century. Many designers such as Vivienne Westwood have used museums to look at historical sources as inspiration for their designs.

Design, and perhaps make, an original garment or accessory based on and stylistically similar to an item that you have chosen from one of the Surrey Museums' collections.

At the museum

• Choose a garment from one of the museums' collections. Some museums have chronological displays. Have a look at the details of different museum's collections and contact museums before deciding which one would be the most appropriate to visit.
• Using the enclosed 'Points to Note' and 'Details to Sketch and Note' sheets make a record of the garment, through drawings, notes and photographs.

Back at school

• Use the information you have gathered to influence your own designs for a piece of clothing or accessory, appropriate for sale in today's High Street stores.
• Transfer your ideas to a variety of different methods and materials, using a range of techniques. (This should be shown in a sketchbook with samples)
• Think about the appropriateness of a variety of materials, considering when and where your garment is to be worn.
• If garments are to be made, commercial patterns could perhaps be used, and modified or adapted to give the desired effect.