If there’s one thing London gets right, it’s their exhibitions. And in the fashion world, no one’s doing it like the V&A. From the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty showcase to the more recent Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition, the museum is known for bringing the best of the best, and curating an exciting and dynamic fashion exhibition. The latest in the lineup is entitled ‘Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear’ – and is set to celebrate the “power, artistry and diversity of masculine attire and appearance”.
Tracing how menswear has been fashioned and refashioned over the years, the exhibition plays host to some iconic pieces, all curated by Claire Wilcox and Rosalind McKever. The exhibition houses over 100 pieces and 100 artworks, displayed thematically. From looks by Harris Reed, Grace Wales Bonner, Raf Simons, and Harry Styles’ custom Gucci gown, to paintings by Sofonisba Anguissola and Joshua Reynolds, contemporary artworks by Robert Longo and Omar Victor Diop, to even an extract from an all-male dance performance by Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, the exhibition will showcase the variety of possible masculinities across the centuries from the Renaissance to the global contemporary.
In today’s age, it feels like the perfect setting for the exhibition. Whilst we still have a way to go, rigid binaries have relaxed, perceptions of gender have shifted and the world demands a more multifaceted look at complex topics. “Masculine fashion is enjoying a period of unprecedented creativity. It has long been a powerful mechanism for encouraging conformity or expressing individuality. Rather than a linear or definitive history, this is a journey across time and gender” the co-curators commented.
Interested yet? Well, if that weren’t enough, CULTED and GUCCI will also be offering creative experiences at a private viewing of the exhibition on the 4th April, in collaboration with TikTok. Alongside talks from the exhibition’s curators, a drinks reception and exclusive viewing of the event, it’s set to be an evening to remember. Keep an eye on our socials (Instagram and TikTok) next week for how to win guest list tickets! The exhibition is open to the public now – head to the V&A’s website for more info.
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