The Art of Pattern Exhibition feeds the current appetite for 70s fashion and all things retro

 

A treasure trove of inspirational prints and patterns by designers of Liberty from 1961 - 77 are
on show at The Art of Pattern 9 October 2015 - 29 February 2016 at the Fashion and Textile Museum.

It’s official –floral-printed shirts and blouses are the key fashion item this autumn, according to WGSN, as the 1970s trend continues to grip our imagination and  is predicted to stay hot well into Spring at least.

WGSN’s Instock data reveals that fashion-conscious consumers are drawn to a number of 70s-retro styles now available on the high street, from “those super feminine, frilled and pussy-bowed numbers” to Western-shirt styles, and that amorous rose prints and bold retro floral patterns are among the best-sellers.  

And for fashionistas and all working in the industry alike looking for more inspiration for this trend, what better way than to have access to valuable archives of original inspiration floral prints and retro patterns for their research.

Head over to the Fashion and Textile Museum (FTM) in London's Bermondsey Road, and you will find an invaluiable event called The Art of Pattern now on until 28 February 2016 as part of the major Liberty in Fashion exhibition in the FTM.

The Art of Pattern showcases a wide range of work by two designer-sisters: Susan Collier & Sarah Campbell, who were producing print patterns for Liberty between 1961 – 77, from scarfs to fashion and furnishing fabrics.

There are more than 100 originally hand-painting designs, sketches, printed swatches, fabric lengths and objects to highlight the designers' painterly approach to fashion and furnishing textiles.

Along with swatches of floral fabrics on show were Limited edition hand-made dolls (which are also on sale in the FTM shop) using vintage Liberty fabrics.

The exhibition though small showcases some of the most recognisable textile designs of the late 20th century.  Among the designs is a range of florals and patterns that according to the designers were created based on the traditional design motif of Liberty - a little floral on Tana Lawn, as well as variations of the paisleys (originating from India and the Orient) and the hugely successful 'Bauhaus' range seen here at the left.


To read the full story, click HERE.

All photos of the exhibition by Lucia Carpio for My Fashion Connect.