From workwear to haute couture, historical to contemporary, rebellion to endeavour, a new exhibition opening this August, Love Thy Denim, celebrates the many faces of our beloved denim.
This exciting and impressive fashion exhibition will explore the origins and versatility of denim, from its workwear heritage in the Wild West right through to its adoption into mainstream fashion and becoming the fabric of our everyday lives.
There will be many key pieces on display, including a jacket and trousers from Vivienne Westwood’s 1991 Cut, Slash and Pull collection, the first time that this ensemble has been out on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum (the V&A). Among the other exhibition highlights are a Jean Paul Gaultier men’s ensemble on loan from the Fashion Museum Bath, a piece from Maison Margiela’s SS2009 Artisanal Collection, exhibits from British denim revivalists Blackhorse Lane Ateliers and 19th century denim artefacts dug up from US silver mines.
Also on display will be the ISKO Commission, a spectacular dress made from different shades of denim supplied by the exhibition’s partner ISKO™, global leader in denim manufacturing and textile innovation. Designed by Kylie Crompton-Malcolm of Monday I’m In Love and created in collaboration with pattern cutter Russell Wharton, the concept behind the ISKO Commission is to show the versatility and beauty of denim.
The emphasis is not just on fashion and clothing. Alongside will appear iconic denim advertising images, denim accessories including sunglasses and even denim art made from the world’s favourite cloth.
“We are so excited to have such an extraordinary and eclectic variety of pieces to show at what promises to be a thrilling exhibition,” said Janet Owen, Chief Executive at Hampshire Cultural Trust, organiser of Love Thy Denim.
“To have pieces as varied as 19th century denim from US silver mines, to a jacket by Hannah Jinkins, winner of the 2016 H&M New Designer Award, is an incredible privilege, and a great celebration of this simple cloth which has made such a huge impact on our society.”
Love Thy Denim opens in The Gallery, Winchester Discovery Centre on Saturday 27 August, and runs until Sunday 23 October. It then opens at the Gallery @ Gosport Discovery Centre on Saturday 29 October. Admission to both venues is free of charge, donations are welcome.
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