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World War One prompted radical changes in women鈥檚 fashion. Before the war, fashion was still influenced by the Victorian period. After the war design was more modern and clean. These changes were a major factor in the decline of Nottingham鈥檚 lace industry.

Before the war, Nottingham鈥檚 lace market enjoyed it鈥檚 heyday. The lace industry employed thousands of people. In 1910 Nottingham exported 拢5m of lace with women鈥檚 fashion relied heavily on lace. The trend was for women to wear long skirts, petticoats, elaborate underwear, collars and cuffs, made partly or entirely of lace.

After WW1 the lace trade declined and never recovered its pre-war prominence. Fashion after the war was very different. Designs were more modern, less fussy and cleaner.

Post-war fashion was influenced by the fact that more women were working, playing sports and driving cars - all of which are difficult if you are weighed down with bundles of lace.

Location: Broadway Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1PS
Image: Birkins design room in 1914, courtesy of Amanda Briggs-Goode

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