– Exhibition: “Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London” at the Fashion and Textile Museum from 4 October 2024 to 9 March 2025. – Focuses on the cultural impact of the Taboo nightclub, opened by Leigh Bowery in 1985. – Features over 30 designers, including original works, alongside multimedia inspirations. – Highlights the era’s exploration of gender identity and non-conformity in fashion. – Includes a section on resourceful design from salvaged materials, reflecting squat life aesthetics.
The Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey is set to host a captivating exhibition titled “Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London” from 4 October 2024 to 9 March 2025. This exhibition transports visitors back to the vibrant 1985 era, catalysed by designer and performance artist Leigh Bowery’s launch of the avant-garde nightclub Taboo, which, although short-lived, prompted a remarkable creative upheaval. The exhibition showcases over 30 influential designers, including Bowery himself, alongside unique clothing, accessories, and multimedia artwork that represent the eclectic spirit of 1980s London. Attendees will witness the raw realities of squat culture and street markets alongside the glamorous portrayals popularised by the media and pop culture. Highlighting pieces such as Boy George’s graphic jacket and Bowery’s iconic shower curtain cape, the exhibition also reconstructs the interiors of Bowery’s legendary squat, immersing visitors in an atmosphere where artistic subcultures clashed and thrived. Notably, it explores how Taboo transcended the UK, impacting New York’s fashion scene through appearances in Susanne Bartsch’s shows. The exhibition continues to emphasise Taboo’s deep connections to gender identity politics during a pivotal time in LGBTQ+ history, featuring designer innovations that challenged traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Additionally, an area devoted to “Remake and Remodel” highlights the resourceful aesthetic born from squat life, showcasing designers who turned salvaged materials into striking fashion statements. Overall, “Outlaws” serves as a profound acknowledgment of the often-overlooked creatives who shaped modern British fashion, spotlighting their enduring influence on today’s designers.
The late 20th century, particularly the 1980s, was a transformative period in London’s fashion landscape, characterised by a fusion of rebellious underground culture and rising mainstream acceptance of alternative aesthetics. The nightclub Taboo, opened by Leigh Bowery, became a melting pot for diverse artists, designers, and performers, fostering creativity that would radically alter British popular culture. Many designers associated with this scene operated outside of traditional commercial parameters, allowing them to innovate freely. As the LGBTQ+ movement gained visibility through the club scene, discussions around gender and identity also evolved, marking a significant cultural shift. This context sets the stage for the “Outlaws” exhibition, which aims to highlight these cultural influencers.
In summary, the exhibition “Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London” at the Fashion and Textile Museum provides a dynamic exploration of the vibrant creative community surrounding the Taboo club scene. It celebrates the bold designers who defied societal norms and have left an indelible mark on fashion and culture, highlighting the ongoing relevance of their work in contemporary fashion.
Original Source: artlyst.com