Del teams up with fashion filmmaker Marie Schuller and acclaimed London-based designer Craig Green on a film exploring the ascent of women’s workwear.

The onset of war in 1914 brought many changes across British society. As men left home to fight on the frontline, over a million women joined the industrial workforce for the first time. New responsibility gave women new freedom and led to new ways of dressing, as silhouettes and social codes changed.

Workwear is one of three fashion films commissioned by SHOWstudio to go on display in “Fashion & Freedom” – an exhibition exploring the profound effect the First World War had on women – at Manchester Art Gallery. The exhibition also features contemporary pieces by designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Roksanda and J JS Lee. “Fashion & Freedom” was co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, and Manchester Art Gallery, with support from the British Fashion Council.

The film features 3 female models wearing post Edwardian costumes to showcase pre war fashion as well as tailor made outfits by designer Craig Green that for a modern interpretation of female work wear during war times.

Del choreographed a variety of movements in the workwear look, from simple ones that represented monotone repetition of factory work of the time, as well as large abstract movements that worked well with the use of double camera effect and slow motion. These movements create a powerful and intimidating look that contradicts the feminine and elegant dresses of the pre war era.