For the first time, an exhibition will uncover the major contribution of Jewish designers in making London an iconic fashion city. Museum of London Docklands’s exhibition discovers the stories behind the Jewish fashion makers who became leaders in their industries, founded retail chains still on the high street today, and dressed the rich and famous – including David Bowie, Princess Diana and Mick Jagger.
The exhibition highlights the contribution of key figures, such as renowned wedding dress designer Netty Spiegel, master milliner Otto Lucas, the epitome of British flamboyance Mr Fish, and living legend David Sassoon.
Fashion City aims to bring together places and spaces in London with fashion and textiles, oral histories, objects and photography to weave the history.
The exhibition tells the story of Jewish designers, makers and retailers responsible for some of the most recognisable outfits of the 20th century, allowing visitors to step into the world of a 1960s Carnaby Street shopping boutique and a traditional tailoring workshop from the East End.
The museum has made a public callout for items of clothing to add to its exhibition ahead of its October opening. Items sought include menswear pieces made by Mr Fish and worn by famous names such as Sean Connery, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali and Michael Caine.
Mr Fish, who designed David Bowie’s dress worn on the album cover of The Man Who Sold the World and Sean Connery’s 007 shirts, was well known as a leading figure of the Peacock Revolution.
Also sought are menswear pieces made by Cecil Gee and worn by famous names such The Beatles, 1930s or 1940s womenswear pieces made by Rahvis and worn by Hollywood film stars, hats made by Otto Lucas and worn by the likes of Greta Garbo and Wallis Simpson,
and theatre costumes made by Neymar for Cecil Landau’s production of Sauce Tartare.
The museum has asked anyone with information about the location of these items to email fashioncity@museumoflondon.org.uk.
Fashion Curator Dr. Lucie Whitmore said of the upcoming exhibition: “Jewish people were working at all levels of the fashion industry in London throughout the twentieth century but the extent of their contribution has been widely unrecognised.
“Jewish makers established the ready to wear industry, worked their way into the highest levels of London fashion and dominated Carnaby Street in the swinging sixties. Many of these designers were internationally famous – favoured by the rich and famous and highly respected for their creativity, skill, and originality. It’s a contribution that deserves to be recognised.”
“This exhibition is a real celebration of the excellence of London fashion, highlighting the fantastic contribution of London’s immigrant communities,” says Dr. Whitmore. “To tell the all-encompassing story, we want to locate other pieces by these designers and would love anyone who knows their whereabouts to get in touch and help us showcase their work and legacy.”
