[caption id="attachment_4052" align="alignleft" width="300"] The WAGS of 1966 were the first generation to capture the imagination of the public and the world of fashion.[/caption]
This weekend we celebrate the historical victory of the England football team's World Cup win of 1966. With commemorative events planned all around the country we are preparing to be transported right back to the magical night when our boys stepped out onto the pitch to take on West Germany - the country collectively held its breath as Geoff Hurst's controversial goal just crossed the line and secured the once in a lifetime victory for England. The victory was the first for the football team since the tournament began in 1930 and is a feat that is yet to be repeated! The men who took part in this monumental day have long been considered heroes, but not only where the press and fans fascinated by the team but also by the stylish women who were a great support to their partners during the tournament. The fascination with WAGS has not waned since the days of the 1960s and interest has peaked once again with the announcement of the upcoming ITV drama Bobby and Tina starring Michelle Keegan as Tina Moore, wife of England captain Bobby, which will surely entice us all back into the wonderful, psychedelic world of 1960s fashion and Dressmaking Fabrics. On the eve of the big final, the wives and partners of the team gathered at Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, seemingly unconcerned that their partners were on the cusp of making history. Whilst we have continued over the years to be in equal parts fascinated and appalled by the style choices of the "WAGS" the girls of 1966 are still considered to be the classiest and most elegant in footballing history and fashionistas the world over continue to replicate the unique style of the 1960s.
The 1960s was a defining period in fashion as the decade reflected a renewed sense of hope and community spirit following the difficult and frugal post-war years that had preceded. Known as "The Swinging Sixties" the decade brought us some of the most enduring fashion icons of all time including supermodels Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. Mainstream fashion was dominated by heavy eyeliner, long lashes and mini skirts created from Dressmaking Fabrics featuring bold, bright graphics. The sixties was a decade which broke away from fashion tradition and of course the item most synonymous with sixties fashion is the mini skirt. Made famous by British designer Mary Quant, the mini skirt quickly became popular with the younger generation who had begun to break away from the strict etiquette of previous decades and found themselves willing to experiment with a more exciting and controversial style of dress. With disposable income still much lower than that of the decades to come, most fashion conscious ladies of the sixties would still stitch their own clothes on their sewing machines at home and sourced a variety of Dressmaking Fabrics from local markets and haberdashery stores. Mini skirts were stitched from a bright and bold Dressmaking Fabric and would be paired with a clashing colour of tights.
On the eve of the World Cup Final the 1966 WAGS were the epitome of style and class. Leslie Newton, fiancee of Alan Ball, embodiment of sixties fashion in a stunning geometric shape dress. Typical of the decade this gorgeous piece was stitched from a beautiful floral Dressmaking Fabric and with her dark locks pulled into a classic sixties beehive Leslie's was a classic style which has stood the test of time and is still emulated by fans of retro fashion today. Known back in the sixties as the "mod" style, this look can be easily recreated using our rose and hubble floral Dressmaking Fabrics paired with an anti-static dress lining. The geometric shape is a particularly flattering style of dress for almost and body shaped and looks particularly authentic when paired with low heeled Mary Jane's and an over the shoulder bag.
[caption id="attachment_4053" align="alignleft" width="214"] Michelle Keegan showcases quintessentially sixties Dressmaking Fabrics during the filing of Tina and Bobby.[/caption]
Tina Moore was the quintessential sixties dolly-bird and one of the first footballers wives to capture the imaginations of both the public and the press with interest in the pretty strawberry blonde reaching its peak during the 1966 tournament.Tina, a model, was famous for her risqué yet feminine style and quickly became one of the decades most popular style icons nicknamed "the bombshell with a beehive". One of Tina's favourite looks was the thigh grazing mini skirt paired with knee-length vinyl boots. As ITV continues with its PR offensive in the build up to the much anticipated Tina and Bobby drama, actress Michelle Keegan has been spotted on set wearing an array of stunning costume pieces depicting the most recognisable aspects of 1960s fashion; with her famous brunette locks dyed a striking shade of blonde Michelle has transformed herself into the original WAG. Recently spotted on set in Cheshire wearing a retro orange ensemble with matching sunglasses, it is clear that the costume department have taken a great deal of time and care to get the look just right and have sourced a selection of Dressmaking Fabrics straight out of the swinging sixties to recreate the authentic retro look. Our selection of cotton spandex print Dressmaking Fabrics are perfect for recreating this look; composed of cotton and elastane these smart and stylish fabrics benefit from a slight stretch making this a particularly comfortable and flattering fabric to wear and bring the sixties inspired style right up to date. If you are looking for a more authentic design, choose from our retro prints by rose and hubble. Inspired by the unique style of the sixties, these eye catching fabrics are perfect for introducing retro style into your wardrobe.
In the world of fashion and dressmaking, the swinging sixties continues to be one of the most enduring periods with designers and consumers the world over emulating the unique style of the decade. Our selection of Dressmaking Fabrics are available to purchase in a variety of stunning prints, ideal for injecting the influence of the sixties into your modern wardrobe items.