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Unflappable! Fashioning the 1920s

Published:
17 February 2025
Emerald green 1920s style shoes from the fashion collection at Killerton
1920s style shoes from the Killerton fashion collection | © National Trust / Simon Tutty

This exhibition will feature a selection of elegant 1920s fashions, including bead-embroidered evening gowns, a gold brocade tea gown, dresses inspired by Egyptian designs, and sports attire. Visitors can expect to see garments that reflect the fashion of the time, including drop-waisted dresses, cloche hats, beaded bags, and shoes.

1920s Fashion in Devon

The theme is 1920s fashion to tie in with the Devon History Network's countywide exploration and their Devon in the 1920s history festival which takes place over several months in 2025. 

 

The exhibition will give us the chance to highlight some dazzlingly chic creations including bead embroidered evening gowns, a gold brocade tea gown, dresses inspired by Egyptian iconography and the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, some thoroughly modern clothing for sports and daytime pursuits, and a wedding dress and trousseau, and accessories including shoes, bags, hats and fans.

A cloche hat, crocheted from metallic yarn and ribbon, with a wired edge.
A cloche hat. This example is crocheted from metallic yarn and ribbon, with a wired edge. | © National Trust/ Steve Haywood

Country House Weekend

Through the lens of Killerton's fashion collection, the exhibition invites visitors to explore a country house weekend asking what sort of clothing would be found in their luggage.  Perhaps what immediately springs to mind are those most typical and evocative of the 1920s-the chemise dress, a straight cut drop-waisted shift, bell shaped cloche hats, fabric bags or pochettes or clutch bags, and Louis heeled shoes. 

The free is exhibition is included with entry.

Entry prices for non members are displayed on our home page. National Trust members visit for free.

The fashion exhibition is on the first floor of the house which is only accessible via the main staircase (no lift).

Charlotte, assistant to the costume curator, adjusting a scarf
Charlotte Eddington, Assistant to the Costume Curator, adjusts a man’s evening scarf on a bespoke tailored suit. | © National Trust / Steve Haywood
Two visitors admiring a laid table in the Dining Room at Killerton, Devon

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