Mansion House Fashion Show (1956) 

Mansion House, London.
C/U shot of a big gold cup. Camera tilts up to show two smaller gold cups on the shelf above. Further tilt up reveals a golden plate on the higher shelf. Cut to a M/S of a coat of arms. M/S of people entering the hall. Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of London are among the first to enter. Sir Cuthbert (sp?) Ackroyd, Lord Mayor of London has "...established a precedent by acting as host to - and here's the behind-the-scenes-clue ... yes, a fashion show!" - voiceover informs pompously.
M/S of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress as they take their seats. M/S of the models, behind a curtain, getting ready for the fashion show. M/S of the first row of the audience, it looks more like an opera audience then a fashion show.
L/S of a girl wearing red wool tweed coat and hat designed by John Cavanagh, walking down the catwalk, people around watching. High angle long shot of the catwalk and the audience. Cut to a girl wearing "Counterpart" - the box grey jacket, same colour slim dress and a large Beaver hat and muff. The next creation is called "Scarab-line". Designed by Owen, it is a tailored suit with high neckline and draped back which creates the "Scarab-line".
Brown dress with a Cossack hat and stole of natural blue fox fur is design by Hartnell and it is, voiceover suggests, - "the sort of glamorous model the average housewife dreams about." He also says: "..the mannequins wait their turn in an atmosphere of tranquility, in keeping with the dignity of the setting; aided no doubt by the inspiring presence of the Lord Mayor's own personal attendance." M/S of the models and designs are juxtaposed with M/S of the audience and C/U shots of the faces admiring the outfits.
M/S of a mannequin talking to the doorman in traditional uniform. She wears an outfit designed by Mattli. Slightly bell shaped olive colour coat with brown fur collar and brown hat and gloves. Underneath, she wears a green tweed dress with matching green belt - quite simple. "Dear Watson", creation of Charles Creed is full length cape over the coat, plus beret - all made in same material.
Several shots of the mannequins wearing evening gowns, chatting behind the curtain. One of them wears a long ball gown "by Digby Morton in the ancient colours of the hunting Stewart."
L/S of a girl wearing long yellow dress as she walks across the catwalk. "Designed by Hardy Amies, this full length hostess gown, would look beautiful in any fashion age" - tells the voiceover.
The last creation (and the most impressive one) is a cream long ball dress created by Michael Sherard. The dress has high neckline and low cut back. It is beautifully embroidered with crystals and dips, looks very fragile and highly feminine.
Note: Terribly pompous upper class commentary - awful! Mute and track neg for this story are missing.
FILM ID:55.15
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