These images represent a snapshot of how womenswear has developed at M&S - some of the highlights are listed below and you can download the full timeline.
1930s - Ready-to-wear women's clothes were introduced. Women had been able to buy stockings, handkerchiefs and hats at M&S, now whole outfits were available and promoted in aspirational advertising.
M&S Magazine Advert Christmas 1932
1941- 1945 -M&S technologists helped the government to develop Utility Clothing standards (a set of rules that limited how much fabric, thread and how many buttons could be used to make items of clothing, whilst also ensuring high quality standards).
M&S Utility Wear Dress
1950s - The Dior-inspired ‘New Look’ style became popular, and M&S used new easy-care synthetic fabrics to make dresses, which made high fashion styles affordable.
M&S 1950s 'New Look' Dress
M&S Textile Technologists Product Testing Stockings in 1957
1990 - The first model of superstar status, Claudia Schiffer, appeared in M&S magazine adverts.
2000 - The St Michael label was dropped, and new labels were introduced for M&S clothing, such as the Autograph range and per una.
Advert for Launch of the M&S Autograph Range
2009 - To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the company, M&S designers created a range of dresses inspired by fashion from the archive collection.
2013 - This pink coat became a sell-out hit. Before the coat was launched, our Marble Arch store had a waiting list of 100 customers.
M&S 125th Anniversary Window Display 2009
2020 - As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, more people were working from home. Sales of casual clothing increased during lockdown, so the M&S loungewear range was expanded.
Women’s Loungewear, 2020
2024 - Designer Bella Freud was invited to create an exclusive collection for M&S. Inspired by the M&S Archive, the range included her signature knits, playful phrases and exquisite tailoring.