Discover the creative explosion of London fashion in the 1980s in a major exhibition at the V&A.
Through more than 85 outfits, Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s showcases the bold and exciting new looks by the most experimental young designers of the decade, including Betty Jackson, Katharine Hamnett, Wendy Dagworthy and John Galliano.
The exhibition traces the emerging theatricality in British fashion as the capital’s vibrant and eclectic club scene influenced a new generation of designers. Also celebrating iconic styles such as New Romantic and High Camp, and featuring outfits worn by Adam Ant and Leigh Bowery, the exhibition explores how the creative relationship between catwalk and club wear helped reinvent fashion, as reflected in magazines such as i-D and Blitz and venues including Heaven and Taboo.
The first floor gallery will concentrate on the designers that were inspired by the capital's underground nightlife, while the mezzanine will showcase Eighties clubbing attire - divided into groups such as Fetish, Goth, Rave, High Camp and New Romantics. Other highlights include nine denim jackets that were commissioned by Blitz club magazine in 1981.
Club to Catwalk is not an exhibition about shoulder pads and leg warmers. Instead, there is a plethora of vibrant, dynamic and innovative designs from the best creative talent working out of London in the 1980s. Whilst the work of well-known designers such as John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood will be on display, the exhibition also emphasises the creative talents of lesser-known names such as Scott Crolla, Georgina Godley and Workers For Freedom.