Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Teachers' Notes

Resource created by M&S Archive.

This resource is intended to provide a broad picture of fashion innovation, using selected items from the M&S Archive collection. The overall aim of the Fashion related resources is to show changing fashions throughout M&S history, changes in products over time and how this links to wider social history and world events.  
 

Curriculum Links

  • KS3 Design & Technology: Design | Make | Evaluate (Fashion)

Learning Objectives

  • Knowledge of developments in fabric technology and 20th Century high street fashion

  • Understanding of how high street retailers match their products to fulfill customers' needs in line with new trends

  • Skills of identifying popular fashion trends and developments over several decades 

Fashion Show Project

KS3 Design and Technology (Fashion)

  • Look at the images of old and new fashions (see Resources)
    • compare the images
    • what is similar about them?
    • what is different about them?
    • which items do you prer?fe

  • Create a timeline of decades from the 1960s to today. Include a drawing or picture of fashion for each decade.
  • Read the headline and first paragraph of the M&S Orlon advert from 1971. Choose a fashion advert from a current magazine or find one online. Prepare your own headline and top paragraph - write a persuasive article encouraging people to buy the clothes.
  • Design a new item of clothing or accessory, label the fabrics and materials in your design. Give your reasons for choosing those particular materials.
  • Design a survey to find out more about clothing and fashion today. Ask friends, relatives and yourself these questions:
    • what are your favourite clothes?
    • what are they made of?
    • do you prefer man-made or natural fabrics, and what are your reasons?
    • list the advantages and disadvantages of man-made fabrics, then do the same for natural fabrics

Glossary

Persuasive - convincing, forceful