Unfortunately, only two members were able to attend as it was a fabulous exhibition. We encourage anyone with an interest in fashion, textiles or embroidery to attend. The garments represented clothing from the 1700's to the present day.
We went through the exhibition oohing and aahing at various outfits and discussing construction techniques of the various garments. Details that Robyn picked up and pointed out were matched with Sheila doing the same.
Most of the exhibition was taken in until towards the end where a welcome seat provided the chance to view short videos of the Reigning Men Ambassadors. Check some of them out here
The gentlemen discussed their styles and also picked out some of their favorite outfits or suits. With the viewing completed, Robyn and Sheila set back to the beginning to find their favorites. And it was not an easy task.
The gentlemen discussed their styles and also picked out some of their favorite outfits or suits. With the viewing completed, Robyn and Sheila set back to the beginning to find their favorites. And it was not an easy task.
One of Sheila's picks was a beautifully embroidered French coat and waistcoat. The embroidery was extremely fine and exquisite, more refined than any embroidered coat seen before.
Robyn took a liking to an Indian embroidered suit, perfect for the English colonials in the hot climate. The jacket was embroidered, perhaps using a tambour, in a dark thread on a cream fabric. A very stylish Indian design.
Robyn took a liking to an Indian embroidered suit, perfect for the English colonials in the hot climate. The jacket was embroidered, perhaps using a tambour, in a dark thread on a cream fabric. A very stylish Indian design.
A Zoot suit from the 1930's caught the eye with a real sense of fun and wanting to dance and spin. Also from the 1930's, a very elegant dinner jacket that was half white and half black. Classy.
A Vivien Westwood suit consisted of a long coat and matching pants. A series of stripes ran lengthwise down the front sides of the cream coat with a matching set of stripes crossing at shoulder to create a plaid. Under the coat, a plaid shirt peaked out in pale colours. A man dressed in this outfit would make many hearts swoon.
Perhaps the most stunningly simple article was a black woolen jacket with black silk detailing. Lines of silk edged the jacket components as well as being used to emphasize angular design and shaping. Absolutely stunning in it's simplicity. The smallish jacket was made for the 'younger' man.
Fashion is alive and well for men. Elongated necks, broad shoulders and narrow hips depict the perfect man. Do make an effort to see this exhibition as you will not be disappointed.
And we do have to giggle because there appears to be a direct reference to the Bridget Jones Diary movie where it is 'raining' men in a fight scene taking place in the rain.
