Viewing Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear

Landing at the V&A this month is the museum’s first major exhibition celebrating the power, artistry and diversity of masculine attire and appearance. Through around 100 historical and contemporary looks and 100 artworks, displayed thematically across three galleries, it traces how menswear has been fashioned and refashioned over the centuries. It will also explore how designers, tailors and artists, as well as their clients and sitters, have constructed and performed masculinity across the ages.

Shown alongside classical sculptures, Renaissance paintings and iconic photographs from the V&A’s own collection will be historical and contemporary looks by the likes of Harris Reed, Grace Wales Bonner and Raf Simons. Also on display will be a film of Matthew Bourne’s Spitfire (1988) performed by New Adventures dancers, which takes place in the world of men’s underwear advertising and mail order catalogue photography.

‘Rather than a linear or definitive history, this is a journey across time and gender,’ explains co-curator Claire Wilcox. ‘This will be a celebration of the masculine wardrobe, and everyone is invited to join in.’ Book your tickets now.