The Museum of London Docklands has today announced an extension to Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners shaped global style, which uncovers the major contribution of Jewish makers to defining London as a fashion capital. It will now run until Sunday 7th July 2024 and will include a free ticket offer for students throughout April and May.
From East End tailors to the couture salons of the West End, Fashion City tells the story of Jewish designers, makers and retailers who made London an iconic fashion city. Those responsible for some of the most recognisable looks of the 20th century, who became leading figures in their industries, and founded retail chains still present on the high street today.
Star objects on display include coats worn by Princess Diana and the beloved East Enders character Dot Cotton. Other highlights include the iconic Mr Fish maxi-smoking dress with beaded panels, a Rosenthal, Jacob & Co 1881-1892 bag that belonged to Queen Victoria or her daughter Princess Louise, and hats and objects relating to ‘milliner millionaire’ Otto Lucas, who changed the global reputation of British fashion in the mid-20th century; whose hats graced the cover of British Vogue. The exhibition finishes with a wall showcasing the countless names who have contributed to making London a fashion capital. Since opening in October, a book inviting guests to share their own connections has gathered hundreds more stories from visitors.
Douglas Gilmore, Museum of London Docklands Managing Director said: “It has been amazing to see the response to Fashion City and the way it has resonated with so many people. We’ve seen increasing numbers turning out to see the exhibition since the New Year, including nearly 800 students in February who have been making the most of our free ticket offer. It’s inspired us to extend the exhibition and give people more time to come and visit. We hope it will allow as many young people as possible to learn about this fascinating history.”
Fashion City brings together brand-new curatorial research and is the museum’s first exhibition in two decades centred on its extensive Dress & Textile collection. In May, a conference at Museum of London Docklands and London College of Fashion, supported by the Pasold Research Fund, will celebrate the exhibition by connecting voices from the museum sector, academia, journalism, and beyond to consider the practice of exhibiting fashion, and the role of dress, fashion and textiles in museums today.
