The Costume Society: 60 Years On 1964-2024

Our 60th Anniversary Day will include opportunities to view ">span> exhibition.

Dr Elizabeth Blood will talk about her research into the early years of the Costume Society.

Following the Society’s AGM our day will conclude with the final of the the-patterns-of-fashion-awardand">span>and the-patterns-for-performance-award,">span>, a celebration of new talent in costume (re)creation and the outstanding creations that have been shortlisted for this year's awards will be on display.

Patterns for Performance will be judged by susannahbuxton.com">span> the multi-award winning costume maker for film and television whose work includes Poldark, Burton and Taylor, Downton Abbey (series 1 and 2), Millions and Anita and Me.

The Costume Society began its life sixty years ago in 1964. Prompted by a growing popular interest in the history of fashion, a nationally publicized inaugural meeting took place at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on 13 October. A committee was formed with Charles Gibbs-Smith as Chair, and over a hundred members had joined by the end of the year.

The Society’s distinctive motif or logo, based on a German tailors' guild sign, was devised by The Costume Society’s first Secretary, Madeleine Ginsburg, from a drawing made by her husband.

The first issue of the Society’s journal, Costume, appeared in 1967 and included an eighteenth-century dress pattern by Janet Arnold. The journal’s back archive now includes 58 issues and has since been digitised for remote access by our members.

Now a UK Charity, the Costume Society has over 500 members, hosts a thriving programme of events each year and supports the future of dress-related research, conservation, interpretation, and practice by making a series of annual grants and awards.

We look forward to seeing you at this special anniversary event.