The Museum of London Docklands has announced plans for a major fashion exhibition due to start in mid-October this year. Under the title “Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style”, the museum wants to show for the first time the important contribution of Jewish fashion designers to the development of London as a fashion city.
From tailors in the East End to couture salons in the West End, the exhibition aims to tell the story of Jewish designers, craftsmen and retailers who were responsible for some of the most iconic looks of the 20th century. They fought against all odds and became leaders in their industries, founding retail chains that still exist today and whose businesses boosted Britain’s post-war economy. The focus is on all levels of the 20th century fashion industry.
Search for important pieces of fashion history
In addition to exhibits from its own collection, the Museum of London Docklands is also asking the public for help and is looking for high quality pieces created by leading designers.
Examples include Mr. Fish men’s clothing worn by celebrities such as Sean Connery, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali and Michael Caine; Cecil Gee menswear worn by the Beatles, for example; Women’s fashion by Rahvis from the 1930s and 1940s, which could be seen on famous Hollywood film stars, or hats by Otto Lucas, which were worn by Greta Garbo and Wallis Simpson, for example. More details can be found on the museum’s website. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these items is asked to email [email protected] by 1 March.
“This exhibition celebrates the excellence of London fashion and highlights the fantastic contribution of London’s immigrants,” says fashion curator Dr Lucie Whitmore , when everyone with knowledge of their whereabouts will contact us and help us showcase their work and legacy.”
The exhibition starts on October 13, 2023 and ends on April 14, 2024.