This is the third instalment of my visit to the National Museum…

Ahh fashion … what can be closer to a girl’s heart? The Fashion Gallery is located at the museum’s second level. It was an eye-opener for me to explore the how styles which defined the Singapore woman had evolved between 1950s and 1970s.

Unquestionably, my mom was also one of those who kept up with fashion trends during that period. And these weren’t all modest styles. A little secret here …my mom’s fashion sense was much more daring when she was my age. I once “accidentally discovered” – okay I was actually rummaging through her stuff – when I chanced upon a photo of her wearing those ever-so-daring hot pants complete with a body-hugging blouse, taken when she was twenty-à la mode of course!

Back then during Singapore’s post-war years, there was significant shift in the role of women who moved from the domestic to public realm. This new status led women to develop a more diversified and modern wardrobe. Growing affluence and a greater awareness of what was in vogue overseas also helped to shape the local fashion of the day.

While styles may change, the truly elegant like body hugging cheong sum from the 1960s will always be in style. Sure looks elegant and chic even today don’t you think?

Fashion accessories too had to keep up with the times. Take a closer look at this black and white beaded handbag! It may look “retro” today but it can still turn heads!

So what did I learn from walk down the catwalk of time? For one thing, I’m going to hang on to mom’s and even grandmother’s handbags, accessories and clothes because that retro look of yesterday may just be the next big thing again tomorrow.

The Fashion Gallery has lots of little treasures if you take the time to explore. I found these exquisite jewellery pieces which can still add a touch of glamour to any dress even today.

Moving on, I came to the fabrics room complete with the ambient sounds of sewing machines humming away. It really transported me back to my childhood when my mom was still a seamstress. I remember those old hand-cranked Singer sewing machines. How I miss those times. No ready-made stuff was good enough for her daughter. Instead my mom would spend hours tailoring dresses just for me. I guess I never realised how lucky I was to be wearing “original creations” every day!

In ending my fashion journey, I was struck by a quote which I found at the gallery. It’s a fashion tip every woman will do well to follow:

“The woman who dresses with a difference is one who chooses materials, colour and cut of her clothes, her hairstyle, her jewels all to match a sense of personal uniqueness”.
- By Vicky Dutton, fashion designer and model (Her World, July 1964)

The National Museum of Singapore- Singapore Living Galleries
93 Stamford Road Singapore 178897
10am to 8pm, daily
Free admission from 6pm to 8pm, daily (last admission at 7.30pm)
For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.sg.