Bolton's very own claim to fashion history lies with Constance Howarth, a print and fabric designer who also toiled with dressmaking and millinery too. It was 1955 that saw her rise to success with a collection of 16 dresses complete with accompanying hats. Howarth's unique approach had buyers in awe, she wore her own dresses to meetings in a bid to show off her creative skills!
Constance's inspiration came from trailing through European art galleries and museums, she highlights the value of exploring when starting out in your fashion career.
After studying at the Manchester College of Art, Constance found her place in the fashion world after visiting America. Her regular trips to Miami and New York inspired designs for the American market, but still using her print designs from the UK. She took a gamble one afternoon in New York, and invited top department store buyers to her hotel suite. She displayed her designs in all their glory, with the hope of them purchasing some of her garments. Much to Constance's surprise, the buyers loved her collection and ordered hundreds! She returned to the UK a glowing success story.
With her new found fashion footing, Constance remained in the UK but pursued her dreams in London where her collections flourished. She continued to supply the American market as well as the UK, working as a freelance designer and taking the 50s by storm! Constance also won numerous awards for her contributions, including one from Vogue:
Some designs are delicate and feminine, with an almost oriental feel. There is intricate detail and a strong floral presence in the ones below, my favourite is the simple green leaf print with tiny flashes of bright pink flowers...this would fit perfectly on today's highstreet!
Some of her other designs are influenced by geometric shapes, the exhibition explains how Constance became inspired by the 'Cleopatra' film and her visits to Egypt. This clearly runs through her prints, the colours are bolder and shapes are harder.
With all Constance Howarth's success, Bolton Museum has exhibited her collections and print designs for all to see. She died last year so did not get to see the towns tribute to her work, however it is a great exhibition and a must see for all budding fashion designers. Her prints appear modern despite their age, showing her timeless eye and the re-run of 50s nostalgia that is running through the fashion industry as we speak! Although a small exhibit, it portrays her classic style and success beautifully.
The exhibition displays old newspaper cuttings and photographs so visitors can envisage her whirlwind success. It is a great contribution to local history and also fashion history too, whilst not a huge name in the design world, her prints are inspired. Fashion saw a huge soar in popularity during the 50s and 60s and Constance Howarth was a small part of that revolution.
Constance Howarth's designs are only to be exhibited until early April 2013 so if you would love to learn more about her then it is a must to get there soon! It is a great step back in time and her prints could even inspire some new designers.
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