By Ewelina Lepionko
Fashion Through The Years is a fascinating exhibition providing a unique opportunity to explore clothing trends and methods of personal expression from decades ago.
Qasr Al Hosn's new exhibition 'Fashion Through The Years' showcases The Abu Dhabi textile and fashion trends. The fascinating Emirati fashion retrospective focusing on the years between 1940 and 1980.
The exhibit explores the social history of the United Arab Emirates and the stories of its people through the clothes they wore and the accessories that adorned them.
Here is Qasr Al Hosn's new exhibition 'Fashion Through the Years'#Fashion #History #UAE #CulturAll@QasrAlHosn pic.twitter.com/3wUVdIbbur
— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) December 12, 2020
In the Press Release of the event, we read:
A symbol of heritage, traditional Emirati garments were often hand-sewn and hand-embroidered. The wearing of these garments and accessories were highly ritualized and the exhibition will explore the changes in the aesthetic dressing and social practices throughout the years.
The exhibition celebrates Abu Dhabi’s deeply traditional past and its diverse and inclusive culture.
“Through the clothes and adornments displayed, the visitor will get acquainted with the changes that the Emirati fashion has witnessed over the generations,” shares the Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, Abu Dhabi, as part of an official statement.
“The exhibition celebrates the past of Abu Dhabi and its diverse and comprehensive traditions and culture through features from the history of the emirate and the stories of its people through clothes of various forms, and decorations used on occasions — starting from the simplicity of fashion in the pre-oil era, to the cultural influences that played an important role due to the openness to trade routes in the region.
Running until February 16, the exhibition is organized by a group of heritage specialists to take visitors on a journey through time. Displayed over three sections within the outer palace of Qasr Al Hosn, the exhibition showcases over 30 artifacts and garments of cultural importance.
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi ,launches at @QasrAlHosn is the new exhibition ‘Fashion Through the Years’, following the evolution of fashion trends #InAbuDhabi from the 1940s-1980s#AbuDhabi #UAE #QasrAlHosn #Fashion@dctabudhabi pic.twitter.com/aJ2AejE36e
— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) December 19, 2020
On the official page of The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) we read:
'The exhibition includes notable items such as necklaces gifted by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, “Mother of the Nation”, and an ornate burqa belonging to Fatima bint Mohamed bin Thani Al Mehairi. Other highlights include a nostalgic album of personal and family photographs depicting fashion trends from the 1960s to 1980s; examples of different types of traditional embroidery (Talli, Badlah and Khoos); intricate headpieces and other jewelry; sewing and Talli instruments; early 20th-century sewing machines; elaborate stitching patterns, fabric dyes and much more.'
This exhibition also provides an opportunity to attend the panels of some UAE designers in engaging conversations about the inspiration that fashion has played in their lives and work. The designers will take them through their design work, the garments, jewelry, and trends that have fueled them, and how heritage plays a role in their work and craft today.
Qasr Al Hosn is a national heritage landmark that includes artifacts and archival materials dating back to 6000 BC, tracing Abu Dhabi's development from an 18th-century fishing and pearl trade settlement to today’s modern global metropolis.
