Retro fashion gets its time once again on Leeds catwalk

Defining looks from several generations were brought to the catwalk at the weekend, for a journey through fashion that attracted an audience of students, bloggers and members of the public to the Marks & Spencer Company Archive in Leeds.

Saturday’s ‘Dressed in Time’ vintage fashion show featured fashion items from the 1930s to the present day.

Clothing and accessories were chosen from the 70,000-piece archive based at Leeds University, with the standout piece ranging from glamorous gowns and beach pyjamas worn in the 30s, to war-time fashion from the 40s. Vibrant colours and prints of the 50s and 60s were also paraded by five models, as well as 70s flares and 80s power dressing.

Key pieces from British fashion icon Alexa Chung’s new collection for the retailer, ‘Archive by Alexa’, were also featured - the range itself having been inspired by retro designs.

Katie Entwistle, M&S archive officer, said: “It’s the first time we have staged a fashion show at the Archive and it’s an exciting opportunity to showcase some of the fashion gems that make up the collection and explore the fascinating history of fashion at M&S.”