Back in December, Boo Brown and I visited Prague for three days for the Christmas Markets (read more here)

Whilst we were there, we visited the Národní Museum on Vinohradská 1, where we had been told that an amazing retro exhibition was on show.

Now of course, loving our retro stylings we duly visited it to see what it was all about. I have to say, we were really pleasantly surprised by what we found!

I had included a few of the exhibition photographs in my Prague post, but there were just too many! What better than a post based just on the Retro exhibition, as it is still showing until the 31 May 2017.

The exhibition is split into two sections; the first is clothing and accessories, the second lifestyle including children’s toys.

The first section really was what we had gone there to look at. The stunning dresses, shoes, jewellery, and settings. The history of the garments and their designers. The modern reproductions based on past styles. We couldn’t wait to see it all.

We arrived at the museum and purchased a ticket just for the exhibition. It cost approximately 120czk which translates as around £3.80 which was a low price considering the amount of exhibits we would be seeing.

Walking inside we were immediately hit by a large glass display holding around eight or nine dresses. Placards explained what the dresses were, their materials and their date of design.

The Audrey Hepburn Style Dress

Checked Coat Dress

I want this dress!

Shawl collar and Strapless Prom Dress

Chiffon Party Dress

Organza Party Dress

Reproduction Dress made in the 1990’s

Some of the cards even had a swatch of material for you to touch.

1930’s Style Gown

Many of the outfits were displayed in a diorama where furniture and even the wallpaper that was popular in the day was used. Art Deco chairs, writing desks and even a sports car were used in the displays.

Art Deco style clothing and furniture

The perfect Tea Set!

Terrific Transport

One of my favourite sections was a set of shelves holding comparisons. A real 40’s shoe against a modern day equivalent. A hat from the 30’s and one from the 80’s. It really showed you how fashion has transcended the years and styles go around in cycles. What was fashionable in the 1940’s is doing the rounds again now, nearly 80 years later.

Vintage Versus Reproductions

Old versus New

There were so many pretty dresses that we fell in love with. Dresses that would not look out of place on a catwalk, or at a dinner party even now. I wished that I had several of them in my wardrobe as I know they would get so much wear.

I would SO wear this!

No fashion style was left out; from bras to crinolines, Duffel coats to Wedding dresses, hats to kimonos. All were included in the exhibition and they left us with severe dress envy. Even the parasols were just too pretty not to want.

Wedding Gowns through the Years

Old Style versus Modern

Parasol’s and Kimono’s

I honestly could have spent hours wandering around, admiring the clothing that they had on display. Sadly we soon came to the end of the display. Or so we thought!

Going into a second section we were in a area devoted to lifestyle and family. Most of the displays were interactive, so you could turn items on, write on an old fashioned typewriter and construct toys. There were old sewing machines and patterns, televisions and computer consoles.

Everything for the Home Sewer

For me, it was like walking back into my childhood in the 80’s and 90’s. I remember having typing classes at school, and the need for carbon paper. I remember the dial style telephones and the televisions that needed to the element to warm up before you got a good picture. It really was like walking back in time.

Vintage radio’s and reel to reel tape machines

Big Bulky heavy typewriters to Small compact and lightweight ones

The exhibition is a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours. Whilst your children might not enjoy the clothing so much, I am pretty sure they will have great fun trying out all the old fashioned equipment.

If you happen to be in Prague between now and the end of May, you really should pop down to Vinohradská 1 and give the Retro Exhibition a go, especially if you love fashion from all decades.

Till next time,

Tx