DESIGNER FASHION AT THE WALKER
New display of 60s and 70s fashion
A recreation of a red velvet mini dress, originally modelled by Twiggy in a Vogue photo shoot in 1967, goes on show at the Walker Art Gallery, as part of the new display, ‘John Bates at Jean Varon’.
It has been donated by John Bates and is one of 12 outfits created by the popular 1960s and 1970s designer now on show to the public. The outfits are from Bates’ fashion label, Jean Varon.
Pauline Rushton, Curator of Costume and Textiles said: “John Bates was one of the UK’s most innovative young designers during the 1960s and 1970s, as successful and famous in his day as Mary Quant. This display will encapsulate the chic style of that time. Many of John Bates’ designs are as wearable now as they were when they were made, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
“This is only the second time that his outfits have been exhibited in a British museum, so this is a wonderful opportunity for people to see exquisite and elegant creations from such a glamorous period.”
Media are invited to see the display at 11:00am on Friday 9 May 2014. Costumes will be available to photograph with curator, Pauline Rushton.
The display will feature examples of ready-to-wear day and evening dresses with stunning prints and details. Included is a printed long-sleeve rayon evening dress from 1973, which incorporates large ruffles on the v-neck and sleeves, a beautiful statement piece.
The pieces have been donated by local people and collectors who are fans of Bates’ work.
For more information: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/johnbates
Contact Louise Beard – Media Assistant
e louise.beard@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk t 0151 478 4355
National Museums Liverpool,127 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2JH
w liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
National Museums Liverpool
National Museums Liverpool comprises eight venues. Our collections are among the most important and varied in Europe and contain everything from Impressionist paintings and rare beetles to a lifejacket from the Titanic.
We attract more than three million visitors every year. Our venues are the International Slavery Museum, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool, Sudley House, Border Force National Museum, Walker Art Gallery and World Museum.
Walker Art Gallery
One of the finest art galleries in Europe, the Walker Art Gallery is home to renaissance masterpieces, Tudor portraits and one of the best collections of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art in the country. An outstanding display of contemporary art includes work by David Hockney, Lucian Freud and Banksy.
