Rationing to Ravishing: Fashions of the 40s & 50s

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Monday, June 15th, 2015
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

From rare haute couture to daily-wear, fashions from the 1940s-50s will be featured in the Nanaimo Museum’s summer exhibit.  The exhibit is guest curated by Ivan Sayers and Claus Jahnke and will present 25 garments that reflect how WWII changed society.  Rationing to Ravishing: The Transformation of Women's Fashions in the 40s & 50s is on exhibit from May 15-August 23.

Past exhibits curated by Sayers and Jahnke at the Nanaimo Museum have been popular, attracting visitors from all over central Vancouver Island.  “Their exhibits are intriguing to many people who don’t normally visit the museum,” says Aimee Greenaway, Interpretation Curator at the Nanaimo Museum.  “The curators take beautiful clothing to the next level by explaining what those clothes say about society in the 40s and 50s.”  During World War II, fashion designers emphasized masculinity but in peacetime a womanly silhouette returned.  By the 1950s, girlishness became the rage.  This exhibition demonstrates how historical events shape our daily lives and have lasting impacts.  Previously the exhibit was on display at the Museum of Vancouver.

Rationing to Ravishing draws from Sayers and Jahnke’s extensive textile collection.  Ivan Sayers will be giving two presentations about the transformation of women’s clothing before, during and after WWII.  The presentations are May 26 & June 9 from 2pm-4pm.  Cost is $10 (member discount available) and pre-registration is required.  All attendees will be entered to win a door prize courtesy of exhibit sponsor Julia's Ladies Clothing.  Space is limited so please register early by calling 250-753-1821 or emailing [email protected]

The museum is open 7 days per week from May long weekend through Labour Day weekend 10am-5pm.  The Nanaimo Museum is located in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, beside Serious Coffee.  For more information please visit http://www.nanaimomuseum.ca/or call 250 753-1821.