Through five themes, the exhibition connects clothing, historical characters, personal stories, accessories, photographs and archival material. The themes are:
The new shopping
'Shopping' was introduced around 1880 as a new form of leisure activity. Department stores and stores sold ready-made garments and accessories. This was made possible by standardized clothing sizes, made possible in part by the invention of the tape measure. Before that, most clothes were made to measure. Low-paid workers in large workshops behind sewing machines put in a lot of work during long days. For the latest fashion you could go to 'De Zon' (Vroom & Dreesmann), ladies fashion store Sprangers-Hollander, J. Bergé-Smeekens, fashion store Meijer & Josephy and hat store Jos Kimmel in Breda.
Hands off
The clothing of well-to-do women passed through many hands: from the seamstress, the knitter, the laundress, the ironer to the chambermaid.
In the 19th century, the working-class population was also called "the drab masses" because of the sober colors of their clothes. The fabric had to be sturdy and protect against dirt (or at least camouflage the dirt). In Breda, tailoring was closely related to home work in the passement industry. Entire families worked long hours to make the cords, braces, epaulettes and collars for military uniforms.
Faith, hope and love
In the episcopal city of Breda, monasteries, churches and orphanages prescribed their own clothing.
The inhabitants of the Beguinage, who led a sober and chaste existence in the service of God and fellow man, were recognizable by their black habit and white headdress. Breda orphans wore blue uniforms, by which they were easily recognized. The clothing reminded them to be grateful for charitable support.
Everything is family
In the 19th century, there are binding rules, stance and gender. Starting point: neat ladies do not work, but direct their staff. The woman was seen as her husband's walking calling card and she had an extensive wardrobe.
Yet even in well-to-do circles, textiles were used sparingly. Clothes were endlessly altered and adapted: to the latest fashion, for a pregnancy or growing child.
For a long time, children dressed like small adults. To protect the outer garments, both boys and girls wore aprons, which could only be taken off for outings and visits.
Flirting and partying
Around 1900 there was a lot of partying going on in Breda. Jeannette Houwing writes about the numerous garden concerts at the Concordia theater, the tea pavilions on Ginnekenweg and parties in the Mastbos (forest). The city had several halls for concerts, parties and celebrations. Invitations mentioned the dress code. At Hotel Flora, there were special balls for children. "The girls wore ball gowns and were equipped with feather fan and ball book."