The “Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London” exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum explores the unique fashion trajectory birthed from the Taboo nightclub in 1985. It highlights original works from numerous designers linked to the venue, showcasing a vibrant counterculture that influenced British popular culture.
The exhibition “Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London” celebrates the vibrant and transformative fashion scene that emerged from the infamous Taboo nightclub, which opened in 1985 by Leigh Bowery. Although Taboo only operated for a short year, it became a hub for designers, artists, and misfits, triggering a creative explosion in London’s nightlife. This exhibition showcases original pieces from over thirty designers, including unique garments and accessories created by Leigh Bowery, alongside works from figures like Boy George and Pam Hogg. The displays recreate aspects of 1980s London, from squat life to market stalls, highlighting the underground cultures that thrived during this period. Designed to unearth the contributions of often-overlooked designers, many of whom died young or faded into obscurity, the exhibition underscores how this eclectic community dramatically shaped British popular culture and influenced contemporary fashion. Features include a recreation of Bowery’s squat, the dance floor at Taboo styled by David Cabaret, and pieces that illustrate the blending of punk rebellion and glam rock excess. Special attention is given to the works exhibited in New York that forged an international presence for these designers. This exhibition thus not only celebrates the past but also aims to reintegrate these unsung heroes into the narrative of fashion history. Additionally, the “Remake and Remodel” section reflects the innovative and resourceful nature of the designers who utilized found materials to create artworks that defied consumerist tendencies of the era. Overall, this exhibition provides a comprehensive look at a pivotal moment in LGBT and fashion history, proving that the 1980s club scene was not only a space for spontaneity and expression but also a cradle for creative evolution.
The exhibition chronicles the launching of the Taboo nightclub in 1985, led by Leigh Bowery, a pivotal venue in shaping the fashion and cultural landscape of 1980s London. Recognising the short lifespan of Taboo, the exhibition seeks to highlight the important contributions of a vibrant community of designers and performers who challenged established norms and created a unique space for radical expression. This was an era marked by economic freedom that allowed for avant-garde design and creative experimentation against a backdrop of socio-political tension in the UK, particularly surrounding issues like Clause 28 and the onset of AIDS.
“Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London” not only exhibits the creative legacy of the 1980s fashion scene but also provides recognition to those artists who influenced contemporary design. By revisiting the rebellious spirit of Taboo, the exhibition reminds us how this era was foundational in merging fashion with self-expression and identity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. This acknowledgment serves as a tribute to the boundary-pushing designers who have profoundly impacted today’s fashion landscape.
Original Source: fadmagazine.com