London's Swinging Sixties

Poor me. I went to London again. This time with two beautiful friends, Nina and Natalia.

Friday we went to the Fashion Textile Museum which was exhibited the works of Foale and Tuffin: Made in England. The fashions were great! I actually saw a paper dress--true it was still in its envelope, but that is because it is insanely difficult to keep paper preserved over the years. The one I viewed was from 1966. (Here is some info on paper dresses)

The exhibition was setup like a swinging boutique accompanied with a Partridge/Mondrian-esque film of a girl from today's times wearing the dresses displayed--loved it! Really digging the fashion films.

While viewing the great clothes, a sweet petite lady with a pixie haircut, and sparkle shadowed eyes approached Nina and I. She asked us what piece we liked most and I pointed to chic knitted red herringbone jacket, Nina chose a lime green shift dress. We both then asked why she asked? She, herself, Sylvia Ayton, worked in constructing garments with Foale and Tuffin and has been life long friends since the 60's. They also all went to the Royal College of Art and Fashion together.

Nina and I interviewed and chatted with Ayton. Sylvia has constructed coats for 30 yrs, most notably for the Wallis Fashion Group, Ltd. Today, between teachings and lectures, she also examines the final collections at St. Martin's. (Sylvia's bio)

Sylvia Ayton (1937-) and Zandra Rhodes (1940-)
1966
Paper

Sylvia Ayton and Zandra Rhodes's innovative designs were taken up by boutiques and some of the more commercial stores. When Miss Selfridge opened in 1966, the buyer stocked their distinctive printed paper dresses. Customers loved them, but kept tearing the hems to see if they really were made out of paper - they were!
Sylvia Ayton

I asked her what she thought of the fashions of today and she replied, "I just like fashion. There is no decade that is better than another; fashion is just fashion." (Nina, Sylvia, and I)

Do take a look at the links and here is the dress that Nina liked. It is from the Victoria and Albert museum's website, which you should browse through. Cheers!