Fashion shows aren't for ladies only - at least not when Ivan Sayers is presenting them. Twice previously, he has brought his historical fashion shows to Sechelt - to enthusiastic applause and acclaim.
Sayers graduated in classical studies from UBC in 1969. He worked at the Vancouver Museum from 1971 to 1991. Initially he was a curatorial assistant. From 1979 to 1991, he was the museum's curator of history.
Sayers returns to the Sechelt Seniors' Centre May 7 for as entertaining a show as you'll find anywhere. Four live models grace his presentation. With them, Sayers explores the evolution of women's dress from the 1890s to the present. Witty and urbane, he is a born raconteur.
He is an avid collector too, with a round of thrift stores he calls on three to four times a week. He lives in a 1910 three-bedroom house in Vancouver's East End. It overflows with vintage clothing, and Sayers sleeps in the dining room. The kitchen stores clothing as well as cookware.
Sayers will bring 16 to 18 outfits. One of the show's highlights is the progression of a model beginning in her shift. Corset, bustle, petticoat, etc. are added. Finally she appears as the wasp-waisted beauty of the Gibson Girl era. You would not do better at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
Sayers also discusses the long-standing idea that the more handicapped a woman is by her clothing, the greater her importance and appeal.
Beginning at 2 p.m., this is an event not to be missed by men or women. It is a benefit for the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives. Buy tickets at the museum, Coast Books in Gibsons or Talewind Books in Sechelt.
