'Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear' now open at the V&A
On 19 March, the V&A opened its doors on its first major exhibition to celebrate the power, artistry and diversity of masculine attire and appearance, Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear – revealing an immersive sensory space conceived and created by JA Projects, with graphic design by Studio Hugo Blanzat and lighting design by Studio ZNA.
Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear traces how menswear has been fashioned and refashioned over the centuries, and how designers, tailors and artists – and their clients and sitters – have constructed and performed masculinity, and unpicked it at the seams. Curated by Claire Wilcox and Rosalind McKever, the exhibition features around 100 looks and 100 artworks and combines work by iconic designers and rising stars of fashion, with historical pieces from the V&A collection and beyond.
Commissioned to develop the creative concept for this landmark show, the architectural studio JA Projects has chosen to use the platform as an opportunity not only to chronicle the rich history of men's fashion but to explore the shifting social contexts that have both defined – and been defined by – masculine attire over the centuries.
_
Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear runs from 19 March to 6 November 2022.
Adult tickets are £20, on sale at vam.ac.uk/masculinities.
_
Image: Installation view of Fashioning Masculinities. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London