National Museum of Scotland
For her Time Machine collection, inspired by the novel by HG Wells, Vivienne Westwood used Harris Tweed to make this armour-like suit, complete with articulated limbs.
Harris Tweed, satin lining, British, Time Machine collection, Autumn/Winter 1998/99
When I returned to London, I searched for more information about Time Machine collection.
- Dame Vivienne Westwood created this suit for her unique ‘Time Machine’ fashion collection, which was part of a larger collection entitled ‘Britain Must Go Pagan’. This eccentric and unusual album of fashion aimed to reconcile the traditional with classical and pagan themes to celebrate Britain during a period of economic trouble. Vivienne Westwood is known for challenging the fashion world with unusual and flamboyant fashion designs that incorporate tradition and heritage. Here, she combined medieval armour with the traditional gentleman’s suit to create the ultimate British suit.
- Other clothes from Time Machine Collection. It can be seen from the silhouette of these clothes that Vivienne borrowed many elements from Vintage garments. Most of the innovation is based on a thorough study of the industry’s history. It is an innovation to combine historical elements with modern sense. From a design point of view, historical references are only one aspect. Don’t limit yourself.
- The development of menswear was also influenced by the social situation at that time. During World War I and World War II, men’s suits borrowed many elements from military uniforms. This is Vivienne Westwood Military Tweed Suit.
- Until the invention of the sewing machine, all clothes were stitched by hand. Wealthier customers brought their own fabrics, taking it to their tailor or dressmaker to be transformed into the latest styles, inspired by fashion plates and aristocratic dress. British tailors were particularly renowned for their cutting skill, bringing symmetry and proportion to both the male and female figure. London’s Savile Row is still synonymous with an impeccable standard of male attire.
This jacket was probably worn by a woman as informal dress in the home. Hand-knitted on fine needles, the pattern imitates 17th-century woven silks.
Silk, gilt metal, probably Venice, Italy, 17th century
When I saw that WOVEN was used in this jacket, it reminded me of my fabric manipulation skills that I had been working on for some time. In the past few years I have taught myself some traditional skills like macrame, hand-knitting, knitting machine, weave, embroidery. Staying in Chelsea College for half a year improved these skills. With the exception of making a few fabric samples with the knitting machine last summer, all have been put on hold for a year and I hope I can practice more when I have enough time.
- Other fascinating works of art