Leach-Way Fancy Dress (c1938)
Halloween is coming - and if you haven't got your costume planned, there's a whole host of creative ideas in this fancy dress book from c1938. I always love the costumes representing abstract concepts like "electric light", "cocktail" and "shampoo" (what?)
Trigger Warning Note: Please be advised that this book contains several dreadfully problematic, so-called "ethnic" costume suggestions that are now widely - and rightfully - recognised as racist, culturally appropriative, and deeply offensive.
These depictions reflect the harmful stereotypes and colonialist attitudes of the time. They are presented here unredacted for the sake of historical transparency, not as endorsement or approval.
I strongly condemn these portrayals and share this content with the clear understanding that it is harmful and outdated. Please engage with this material critically and with care.
Comments (4)
I noted a few that i recognised from one of my favourite films, 'An American in Paris', after that, say no more!
On a more frivolous note - I just ADORE the snowball Christmas dress on page 3. I wonder what Tuppence patterns we could use as a basis to make it
Thank you - I agree with what you say on the problematic images - it's important we remember where we came from in order to make sure that we continue moving in the right direction. Pretending our awful history didn't happen will not help us prevent it from happening again.
My gosh, at first I thought "it's not too bad" but then... it got pretty bad 🫤 still, I appreciate you sharing the content, some of the costumes are absolutely beautiful.