1986: The Englishwoman's Wardrobe | Forty Minutes | BBC Archive

Angela Huth explores The Englishwoman's Wardrobe. Why is it that as a nation, we have such a rotten reputation as dressers? What are we trying to say about ourselves through our appearance? "Oh not black again, dear," says Denis - but Margaret Thatcher knows a secret or two about old faithfuls and reliable standbys. Tonight the Prime Minister reveals, for the first time, the inside story of her wardrobe. Selina Scott who always wants "to look a bit different from everyone else"; the probation officer who last wore a dress when she danced with the Prince of Wales; the bubbly society hostess who seems to wear only party dresses; the housewife with an eye for the 20p bargain with a designer label - these are just some of the extraordinary and ordinary women who unlock their wardrobes and tell all, proving that the only thing in vogue is individuality. Photography: Philip Bonham Carter Film editor: Alan Lygo Researcher: Christine Hall Producer: Ruth Jackson Editor: Edward Mirzoeff Clip taken from Forty Minutes, originally broadcast on BBC Two, 20 November, 1986. 00:00 Introduction 00:30 The thrifty housewife 02:45 Selina Scott - TV presenter 05:40 Trying on the jumble sale haul 06:49 Margaret Thatcher - Prime Minister 08:07 Agnes Salter - Women's Institute chair 11:24 Frances Maloney - Glamorous Grandmother 14:26 Margaret Thatcher on accessories 15:19 Laura Gregory - Film producer 18:37 Denis Thatcher's preferences 19:01 The defiant dresser 22:41 Jane Mills - The English Countrywoman 24:50 Margaret Thatcher on changing styles 25:28 From tough to cuddly 27:47 Margaret Thatcher on Prime Ministerial attire 28:51 Lady Rothmere - society hostess with Xandra Rhodes 32:16 Lisa St Aubin de Teran - writer on antique chic 35:46 Margaret Thatcher - keep your clothes nice 36:28 Frances at the Glamorous Grandmothers final You have now entered the BBC Archive, a time machine that will transport you back to the golden age of TV to educate, entertain and enlighten you with classic clips from the BBC vaults. Make sure you subscribe so that you never miss a single stop on our amazing journey through the BBC Archive - https://www.youtube.com/c/BBCArchive?... You can also dive into plenty more BBC Archive on our website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/archive