The marvellous Doris Langley Moore looks at fashion evolution and
sources of inspiration. Using authentic period costumes modelled by
some familiar faces, she addresses issues such as why cloaks resembled
lampshades in the 19th century and how bustles evolved from crinolines.
Although the series was filmed in colour, the ability to actually
transmit programmes in colour was slower to develop and didn't start
on the BBC until 1967.
As the Queen Mother had opened the Museum of Costume at Eridge Castle
in 1955, and to enable her to appreciate the full colour spectacle,
she was invited to a private film viewing at the BBC a few days before
the programme aired in 1957.
The collection was eventually moved to Bath and Doris Langley Moore
made sure that every 12 months a new addition was made to represent
that year's fashion. Mary Quant designed the dress that was chosen
for 1963.
