Changing Times – Fashion Inspired by 1914-1918

To commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War, students from Northumbria University produced an exhibition inspired by clothing of the era. 

The students, from the university’s acclaimed BA Hons Fashion Design and Marketing Programme, explored and researched historical trends from the period, collating images and information from combat design and camouflage, in order to produce a range of designs that reflected the era in a contemporary way.

Colour, surface decoration, texture and silhouette were all considered, whilst students reflected upon the traumas of the trenches alongside a quickly changing Edwardian society at home.

Fabrics were printed and surface decoration applied to fabric in order to present a selection of men’s and women’s wear inspired by this memorable period in history. 

The gallery also displayed items from The Bowes Museum’s collection, worn during the First World War period 1914 – 1918, with local connections to Teesdale and Newcastle.