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The National Dress, 1918
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The National Dress, 1918
Mrs Allan Hawkey, inventor of the national standard dress, modelling its versatility exclusively for The Sketch magazine in 1918, and showing off a number of harnesses (combined collars and pockets) made by shell shocked soldiers at Lady Nevilles work shops for the disabled. The national standard dress was an attempt to introduce a low-cost, economical and simple form of dress, easily sewn and adaptable. Date: 1918
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Media ID 14144879
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Adaptable Adapted Allan Allen Dresses Dressing Economical Frugal Inventor Modelling Sewing Simple Standard
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, published in The Sketch magazine in 1918, showcases Mrs. Allan Hawkey, the ingenious inventor of the National Standard Dress, exhibiting its versatility and adaptability. Amidst the backdrop of the First World War, the National Standard Dress was an innovative attempt to introduce a low-cost, economical, and simple form of clothing for women. The dress, designed to be easily sewn and adapted, was a response to the challenging economic conditions and the disruption caused by the war. Mrs. Hawkey is seen modeling the dress with a selection of harnesses, which were made by shell-shocked soldiers at Lady Neville's workshops for the disabled. These harnesses, combining collars and pockets, were ingeniously crafted by the soldiers as an additional feature to the National Standard Dress, further enhancing its functionality and practicality. The National Standard Dress was a significant development in women's fashion during the war, as it provided a solution for women who were struggling to afford new clothing or who needed to adapt their existing wardrobes to the changing times. The dress's simple design and adaptability made it a popular choice for women from all walks of life, and its influence can be seen in the frugal and practical clothing trends that emerged during and after the war. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness that emerged during the challenging times of the First World War, as people found creative ways to adapt to the circumstances and make the best of limited resources. The National Standard Dress and its harnesses, crafted with the help of soldiers, represent a unique chapter in the history of fashion and the resilience of the human spirit.
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