Fashionably MOV

A private look at the Museum of Vancouver’s most stylish exhibit yet? Sign us up.

MOV marketing officer Myles Constable welcomed us to the museum’s From Rationing to Ravishing show, on till March 8th, just a smidge before opening hours on a rainy Tuesday morning. In other words, we were able to linger at every mannequin in the two-room space at leisure—a real treat for our inner (but really, outer) fashion fiend. The exhibit tells the story of wartime to post-war fashion, exemplifying through an enviable collection of vintage garments—many made in Vancouver or, alternately, worn by a local trendsetter of the time—how a shortage of fabric during the Second World War necessitated some very inventive design skills (bridal gowns made from discarded parachutes, the use of colour and printed patterns rather than scarce beads and baubles for embellishment, and one-shoulder looks to save the need for two). Also showcased: drop-dead-gorgeous gowns by no-intro-needed designers like Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga and Elsa Schiaparelli that, trust us, are total must-sees.

The exhibit isn’t all look-but-don’t-touch; we projected an image of ourselves onto a wall and dressed our likeness in digital period pieces before trying our our hand at paper-doll play (those with cloth-cutting skills should excel at this activity; us, not so much). There are also special events to attend, including a live concert of rationing-era songs and a fashion show (which we hear is sold out but, hey, you never know).

Rationing, ravishing and riveting, don’t miss this MOV offering. —Noa Nichol

Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut St., Vancouver, 604-736-4431, www.museumofvancouver.ca

Photos courtesy of the Museum of Vancouver.