From miniskirts and flares to shoulder pads, the Marks & Spencer Company Archive on campus is going back in time to celebrate all things great about the swinging 60s, stylish 70s and eccentric 80s.
On Saturday 30 August, this nostalgic event will be hitting the University. Drawing on the Archive’s extensive collection of clothing and multimedia, this free event will celebrate the sights, sounds, fashions and innovations of the era offering visitors the opportunity to discover how M&S developed through this time.
The Archive will display fashions from the 60s, 70s and 80s demonstrating how style evolved over the years and visitors can take part in twisting and disco dance classes to get into the nostalgic spirit.
M&S is encouraging guests to come donning their own outfits from the era and enjoy being pampered by two vintage make-up and hair artists offering free makeovers. The best dressed guest will be in with a chance of winning a £50 M&S gift card.
Helen Chatterton, Education and Outreach Officer at the M&S Company Archive, said:
“These three decades are key to the development of technology, fashion and pop culture, so we are thrilled that we can use the resources here at the Archive to transport visitors to these iconic decades. We are excited to demonstrate a range of Men’s, Women’s, and Kids fashions from the time and we will be showcasing a mixture of fashion adverts, in store display photography and product images, which form just a handful of the 70,000 items we have available in our collection.
“We welcome everyone to come along to the archive on Saturday, and even better if you can come dressed in your favourite outfit from the time.”
Visitors can drop in to the M&S Company Archive at The University of Leeds throughout the day, with activities taking place 11am - 3pm.
Image credit: M&S Company Archive
For more information
Visit marksintime.marksandspencer.com
The M&S Company Archive has a collection of more than 70,000 historic items and was unveiled at the University of Leeds’ Michael Marks Building in March 2012. The permanent Marks in Time exhibition celebrates the role that M&S has played in peoples’ lives since 1884 and charts the development of the iconic British retailer from its roots at Kirkgate Market to the present day.