Discover the Secrets of Dress at York Castle Museum’s Refreshed Fashion Gallery

Fashion tells stories. And not just about style. Clothes reveal bits of history, daily life, and even secrets from the past. At York Castle Museum, a newly refreshed exhibition called ‘Secrets of Dress’ opens on 15 February 2025, and it’s got everything from medieval gowns to 1960s flares, with plenty of Yorkshire charm stitched in.

Time travel through fashion – From sequins to utility shoes

Imagine slipping into a pair of shoes made during the Second World War or running your fingers across a 400-year-old sequin. Sounds pretty wild, right? The ‘Secrets of Dress’ exhibition is like a time machine, showing how fashion evolved from the Middle Ages all the way to the early 2000s. But it’s not just about clothes – it’s about the people who wore them, stitched them, and lived their lives in them.

Think about it. That fancy Victorian dress? It might have been someone’s prized possession. Those sturdy factory-made trousers? Maybe they belonged to a worker in Yorkshire’s booming industrial age. Every piece has a tale to tell.

Celebrating York’s fashion makers – From Droopy & Browns to Vivien Smith

A new section of the exhibition, called York Makers, shines a light on local legends who made waves in fashion. Ever heard of Angela Holmes, founder of the high street brand Droopy & Browns? Her bold and distinctive designs from the 1960s to the early 2000s were made right here in York. And she wasn’t the only one. Vivien Smith, who started Vivien Smith Simply Clothes, also brought her unique styles to life in the city.

There’s more. Herbert Morris Crouch, a Victorian shirtmaker, once ran a shop on York’s Coney Street. And then there’s Mrs Maria Cook, whose simple ‘made in York’ label kicked off the museum’s volunteer-led research into local fashion history. These weren’t just people making clothes. They were creating something that still feels fresh and relevant today.

Upcycling isn’t new – Even Victorians did it

You know how everyone’s into upcycling now – turning old jeans into shorts or patching up a worn-out jacket? Turns out, that’s not new at all. The exhibition highlights that people have been repairing, reusing, and remaking clothes for centuries. Some of the pieces on display still have stitches from repairs made hundreds of years ago. It's like spotting a patched-up pair of jeans in a shop today – except way older and with a cooler backstory.

Hands-on fun for all ages

The best part? You don’t just have to stare at the exhibits through glass. There are costumes recreated by local designer Textiles by Gnomes that you can actually touch, feel, and even try on. And if you’ve got kids with you, the Little Spotters Trails include fun activities like colouring pages to keep their creative energy buzzing.

Expect to see some familiar fashion favourites from the 1960s and 70s, too. Maybe you’ll spot a jacket your parents rocked back in the day or a dress that’s weirdly back in style now. Either way, it’s a playful and hands-on experience that brings history to life in a fun and accessible way.

Planning your visit to York Castle Museum

Here’s what you need to know:

• Opening Date: 15 February 2025
• Address: York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY
• Opening Hours: Monday: 11am – 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday: 10am – 5pm
• Tickets: £17 per adult, £10.20 per child, with concessions available. York residents’ children go free! Plus, your ticket is valid for 12 months – so you can come back as much as you like.

A Quick Shoutout to the Faces Behind the Scenes

This whole exhibition wouldn’t be possible without the hardworking volunteers at York Castle Museum. Their deep dives into York’s fashion history uncovered some amazing stories and pieces that you’ll see on display. Also, a nod to Duncan Lomax at Ravage Productions for capturing beautiful images of the collection, including a stunning 1970s outfit by Angela Holmes, donated by her family.

Whether you’re a fashion lover, a history buff, or just someone looking for a fun day out in York, ‘Secrets of Dress’ has something for you. It’s fashion, but with all the fascinating bits behind the seams laid bare. Go check it out – who knows what stories you’ll discover.