The Art of Menswear | at the V&A

Last week saw the anticipated exhibition open at the V&A of The Art of Menswear | Fashioning Masculinities. An exhibition ‘first’ of mens style through the ages. Flamboyant, colourful, stylish and extravagant.

This exhibition gives context to the power of menswear through the ages and how it has been refashioned over the centuries.

There are over 100 looks and artworks all displayed thematically across three galleries in the Sainsbury Hall, where the Dior Exhibition took place.

Undressed, Overdressed, Redressed and a finale film by Quentin Jones with Cadence Films surrounding the exquisite and iconic gowns worn by Harry Styles, Billy Porter and Bimini Bon Boulash. This is what awaits you.

The V&A still manages to bring in all the little details that will keep you there for hours. Symbolic dressing through the ages, the embroidery, the silks and the colour, make you realise just how colourful men have always dressed. It is wonderfully refreshing.

Contemporary loans sit alongside historical treasures, classical sculptures and iconic photography. Mens fashion has evolved and what an exhibition to showcase.

Fashion in Motion

Just before the exhibition opened on Saturday, Friday launched the first Fashion in Motion at the V&A since covid struck. It was back with a bang.

Fashion in Motion is a free catwalk show run by the V&A for the last 20years. However be warned, these tickets go as quickly as they go on sale.

The curator for the first live show was none other than the 2020 graduate from Central St Martin’s, Harris Reed.

By December 2020 Harry Styles was dressed Harris Reed on the cover of Vogue. In 2021 he was the ‘Breakthrough Designer’ at the GQ Men of the Year awards. All this before Harris was 25.

The energy on Friday was electric, as the first audience made their way into the Raphael Court to see highlights of his gender fluid collection.

What they didn’t know was that Olly Alexander was performing. As the lights dimmed, the show began.

The models were already in place on their podiums and remained static, until each podium lit up showcasing his designs. It was utterly beautiful and over far too quickly! Harris’s eye and vision is extraordinary and I cannot wait to see what he does next.

One little tip I will share is that there are returns. So don’t be disheartened like I was not to get tickets. Take a chance – especially for the first two shows and get a return from the main entrance.

Art of Menswear | Fashioning Masculinities at the V&A tickets.
Fashion in Motion details here