Advertisement

Men, Women and Clothes

WHAT WE WORE | Charting the evolution of fashion, from gowns for aristocrats to style for everyone

Men, Women and Clothes | Fashions in Faces and Figures

How fashion dictates body shape and facial decoration.

Synopsis

In this episode of the fashion history series, Doris Langley Moore explores the odd correlation between the amount of facial hair on men and trends in covering up in women's fashion. We also get to see Benny Hill in various states of hirsuteness, and a young Vanessa Redgrave demonstrates early 20th-century use of face powder.

Did you know?

Jeremy Hawk, the third hirsute gentleman appearing with Benny Hill and Ron Moody, was a prolific actor who worked as straight man for Benny Hill, hosted the long-running 'Criss Cross Quiz' programme, appeared in West End comedies for almost 50 years, and made guest appearances in '2point4 Children' alongside his daughter, Belinda Lang.

Contributors

Lucy Bartlet
Contributor
Angela Bingley
Contributor
Lady Rose Bligh
Contributor
Elizabeth Cruft
Contributor
Shelagh Gregory
Contributor
Camilla Hasse
Contributor
Jeremy Hawk
Contributor
Jeanne Heal
Contributor
Benny Hill
Contributor
Rachel Kempson
Contributor
Sara Kentish
Contributor
Marghanita Laski
Contributor
Mary Malcolm
Contributor
Ron Moody
Contributor
Lady Anne Nevill
Contributor
Lady Vivenne Nevill
Contributor
Irene Worth
Contributor
Doris Langley Moore
Presenter
Ken Higgins
Photography
Charles R Rogers
Producer

More like this...

A row of women dressed in frocks from different periods in history.

MEN, WOMEN AND CLOTHES | How Fashions ...

BROADCAST 1957
15 MINUTES

The BBC's first ever series in colour explores the history of fashion.

A stylish woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

MEN, WOMEN AND CLOTHES | Sense and ...

BROADCAST 1957
15 MINUTES

Irrational clothes - a look at why we wear things we can't function in.

A woman applies lipstick while looking into a compact mirror.

MEN, WOMEN AND CLOTHES | Fashions in ...

BROADCAST 1957
14 MINUTES

How fashion dictates body shape and facial decoration.

Close up on woman in frilly cape.

MEN, WOMEN AND CLOTHES | Formal Clothes

BROADCAST 1957
14 MINUTES

From christenings to funerals - how clothes signify important occasions.

A woman sunbathing under a large parasol.

MEN, WOMEN AND CLOTHES | Informal Clothes

BROADCAST 1957
14 MINUTES

Everyday wear from the last 200 years.

View all programmes in this collection

Documents

Letter from Clarence House about 'Men, Women and Clothes'.

LETTER FROM CLARENCE HOUSE ABOUT 'MEN, ...

WRITTEN 1957
1 DOC

The Queen Mother sends her appreciation of 'Men, Women and Clothes'.

Audience Research Report into the first episode of 'Men, Women and Clothes'.

AUDIENCE RESEARCH REPORT

WRITTEN 1957
1 DOC

The BBC's report into what audiences thought about the first episode of 'Men, Women and Clothes'.

A document from a 1967 issue of the 'Radio Times'.

'RADIO TIMES' SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON ...

WRITTEN 1967
2 DOCS

A graphics-laden two-part supplement to accompany the dressmaking series 'Clothes That Count'.

A document from the BBC archives about the television series 'New Clothes That Count'.

AUDIENCE REACTION TO 'NEW CLOTHES THAT ...

WRITTEN 1969
1 DOC

Viewing figures for the programme and responses from members of the public.

Two documents from the BBC archives about television series 'Knitting Fashion'.

A BBC MEMO AND ITS FORTHRIGHT REPLY ...

WRITTEN 1975
2 DOCS

A no-holds-barred rejection of suggested ideas for books to accompany the TV series.

 


Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.