Original no. 16
Digby Morton · autumn 1942
Digby Morton
- Utility clothing
- Practical tailoring
- Daywear
Digby Morton was a London fashion designer who contributed to Britain’s Utility clothing programme during the Second World War. His autumn 1942 jacket, skirt and blouse were among 32 economical designs commissioned by the Board of Trade from the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers.
Five looks to know
Collection selection
Original no. 16
Autumn 1942 Utility prototype collection
The Board of Trade commissioned this jacket, skirt and blouse as one of 32 Utility prototypes for economical production. Digby Morton’s initials and a label in the blouse support the attribution. CC41-shaped buttons identify the scheme; using the cloth’s selvedge as the blouse hem saved fabric and reduced bulk.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Collection selection
Brown wool skirt suit
1950 · Victoria and Albert Museum collection; original collection not stated
Carefully placed seams and pockets shape a practical suit that its wearer used for both her wedding and working life.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Collection selection
Printed silk cocktail dress
ca.1952 · Victoria and Albert Museum collection; original collection not stated
A fitted, draped bodice brings controlled structure to a vivid floral surface.
© Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Collection selection
Draped silk jersey evening dress
ca. 1954 · Victoria and Albert Museum collection; original collection not stated
Gathered jersey follows the body in a long, close silhouette.
©Victoria and Albert Museum, London/Digby Morton
Collection selection
Checked wool jacket and dress
1947-1948 · Victoria and Albert Museum collection; original collection not stated
The fitted jacket and full checked skirt show Morton adapting postwar volume to tailored daywear.
©Victoria and Albert Museum, London/Digby MortonCollections & archive pieces
1 collections represented · 1 pieceAutumn 1942 Utility prototype collection
1 piece
About Digby Morton
Morton’s initials on a paper tag and a label inside the blouse preserve the attribution. The ensemble demonstrates how careful tailoring and economical construction could serve practical everyday dress.