Image
Colour photograph of a store interior with rails full of dresses
M&S Archive
Fri 13 Mar 2026
Guest Speaker: Fashioning the 1950s, with Dr Liz Tregenza
Talk
Heritage

Join fashion historian Liz Tregenza to explore shopping for fashion in the 1950s.

The 1950s was an important decade in reshaping the British High Street. Consumers were increasingly moving away from independent shops, preferring the reliability of chain stores, like Marks & Spencer, for their ready-made purchases. The full-skirted silhouettes that came to define the decade were readily available in chain stores across the country. These garments in crisp cottons or the increasingly popular synthetic fibres, would come to dominate the market in the 1960s.

In this illustrated talk, Liz explores what it was like to shop for fashion in Britain in the 1950s. What brands were people buying? Who designed and made these clothes, and finally, were they accessible to all?

Free event, refreshments included.

Booking is essential – book your free ticket below.

The Michael Marks Building
Leeds
LS2 9LP
United Kingdom

53.8071891, -1.5617869

    Date
    Fri 13 Mar 2026
    12:30 - 13:15

    Ticket price

    Accessibility
    Accessible toilet
    Baby changing facilities
    Family friendly venue
    Wheelchair accessible
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