Discovering the story behind the dress with Worn Stories
I have this amazing dress that belonged to my mum. I can't remember ever seeing her in it or seeing a photo of her in it. So I don't know where and when she wore it. I never got the chance to ask her about it. But I have worn it myself on a few occasions and when I do, I feel close to her. I've always wanted to discover more about it, so when I saw Sarah's Instagram post about her Worn Stories event at Orbis Community in Gateshead, I was hooked.
Bring a garment and uncover the secrets in its stitches.
The workshop was a collaboration with the lovely people at The Wardrobe Gateshead and the LGBT History Gateshead (you can find both on Instagram), so I felt at home with some familiar faces surrounded by preloved clothes and some rare vintage finds. Fashion historian Sarah-Mary Geissler led us through the process of observation, reflection and interpretation to discover more about our chosen garment.
Even the label held a story. Apparently brothers Gil and Eric ran Manchester-based clothing business H.A.Howard & Sons (they were the sons) producing beautiful gowns from the 1940s to 1970s. But discovery leads to more and more unanswered questions. What does size SS mean? And why choose to put the hip measurement on a fit and flare dress?
No right or wrong way. Sarah encouraged us to write our own personal interpretation. So this is what I wrote.
So Jean, when did you wear this dress? And what was the occasion? It must have been a very special event. This gown is not everyday wear.
This blue floral lace is soft to the touch with the silky satin lining. And blue, why blue? Blue is not your colour, even though your eyes are blue.
The fitted bodice would have held you securely, given your body a feminine silhouette, made you feel sexy and desired. Women like you never wore boning. You would have always worn the bolero, right? I never knew a version of you that would have been confident baring that much flesh. I hope that version of you did exist at some point. And well done you for wanting the skirt shorter, wanting it right for you, perfect for you.
Did you get to dance in this gown? How did it feel? Amazing, right? The swish, the twirl, the whoosh. Dancing the night away, escaping the everyday, forgetting the anxiety and insecurity and sadness. Being an unimagined version of you.
Worn Stories is a wonderful concept. It makes us consider our clothes more carefully. It makes us value our clothes and care for them and respect their stories.
Sarah will be putting on more Worn Stories workshops across the region so do look out for one near you and discover more about one of your favourite pieces in your wardrobe.
