Homemead and Cecil Court care homes enjoyed a special Fashion History experience that was both stylish and sensory. Jessica Corlett, Arts and Events Coordinator for Care, led a ‘show and tell’  session with fashion books, photographs and examples of costume and vintage clothing. The fashion discussion stretched all the way from the 18^th Century with a Marie Antoinette style bodice, up until today, a pair of reproduction 50s ladies gloves with conductive fingertips for touch screen smart phones. Favourite items that we looked at where a selection of corsets, a super frilly petticoat, lace gloves, vintage booklets of baby clothes patterns, 1980s children’s knitting patterns, a Victorian school uniform costume and an art deco 1920s beaded evening bag. The residents loved looking at all the familiar items and were especially responsive to the children’s clothing items.

Resident Audrey Holst brought along a pair of her tiny childhood boots to show us and Terrance Thompson shared some photographs of his friends’ children from the 1970s with retro sportswear and trendy haircuts. Staff Member Tracey brought along photographs of her children in historical reproduction costumes and the Cecil Court staff performed a spontaneous fashion show to finish the day. Excellent fun for everyone involved and very easy to organise. We are looking forward to doing more similar events in the future.