Aberdeen Art Gallery is delighted to be hosting the 'Zandra Rhodes: 50 Years of Fabulous' exhibition which celebrates her fashion designs from the 1960s to the present day.
In this final article celebrating decades in fashion, I would like to share some highlights from the Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums 1990s costume collection.
Wedding dress, 1991
This wedding dress was worn in July 1991 at St. Mary's Church on Kings Street in Aberdeen. It is a transitional piece between 1980s and 1990s fashions and has strong stylistic features from the previous decade, such as multiple flounces, multi-layered underskirts and puffy sleeves,
Marks & Spencer suits, 1994
Tailored trouser suits were popular business wear for women in the 1990s as power dressing continued from the previous decade. This beige women’s suit is similar in style to the darker men’s suit and both are from the Marks and Spencer Spring 1994 range.
Clarks slingback shoes, early 1990s
This style of shoe is called a slingback because it has an open back with a single strap around the back of the ankle to hold it in place. These shoes are made from nubuck which is produced by sanding the outer surface of top-grade cattle leather giving a velvet-like surface.
Laura Ashley dress, 1990s
As the 1990s progressed, fashion tended to be more minimalist than in the previous decade. This Laura Ashley tartan and lace dress has an understated white lace V-neck crossover front and narrow sleeves with one button fastening at the wrist. The shoulder pads are much smaller than those worn in the 1980s.
Leather jacket and skirt, 1990s
Bright colours regained popularity later in the 1990s as shown in this bright red leather jacket and skirt. This style of jacket is called a blouson with a tight waistband with fabric hanging loosely over the top. The skirt fastens with a long red plastic zip down the front leaving a short split.
Next child’s party dress, 1999
Also in a rich shade of red, this child’s party dress is decorated with a red chiffon overskirt with metallic lurex polka dots. It was purchased from Next and worn to a Christmas party and also to a pantomime in Aberdeen.
