Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive

The Westminster Menswear Archive provides a unique guide to the role of garment archives as an industry resource for designers to research and examine historical garments and the work of their peers. It features exclusive access to over 120 key garments from the last 275 years, brilliantly photographed in close-up detail and annotated with curator commentary. Highlights include garments from A-COLD-WALL*, Ahluwalia, Alexander McQueen, and more.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Westminster Menswear Archive serves as a one-of-a-kind resource for designers to explore and analyze historical garments and the work of their contemporaries. Access to over 120 key garments from the archive, spanning the last 275 years, is provided exclusively, and each piece is intricately photographed in close-up detail, accompanied by curator commentary to inspire future generations of designers. The highlights of the collection include garments from renowned fashion houses such as A-COLD-WALL*, Ahluwalia, Aitor Throup Studio, Alexander McQueen, Belstaff, Bernhard Willhelm, Burberry, Casely-Hayford, C.P. Company, Carol Christian Poell, Comme des Garçons, Craig Green, Dior Men, Fred Perry, Helmut Lang, Hussein Chalayan, Jean Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe, Louis Vuitton, Martine Rose, Meadham Kirchhoff, Nigel Cabourn, Paul Smith, Prada, Stone Island, Umbro, Undercover, Vexed Generation, and Vollebak.

The Westminster Menswear Archive holds a remarkable collection of over 120 key garments, spanning a remarkable 275 years of fashion history. This exclusive access allows designers to delve into the depths of fashion heritage, studying both historical garments and the work of their esteemed peers. Each garment is meticulously captured in close-up detail, providing a vivid glimpse into the craftsmanship and design nuances of bygone eras. Furthermore, curator commentary accompanies each piece, offering insightful insights and anecdotes that enrich the designer's understanding of the historical context and artistic influences behind these garments.

The collection showcases a diverse range of fashion houses and designers, including A-COLD-WALL*, Ahluwalia, Aitor Throup Studio, Alexander McQueen, Belstaff, Bernhard Willhelm, Burberry, Casely-Hayford, C.P. Company, Carol Christian Poell, Comme des Garçons, Craig Green, Dior Men, Fred Perry, Helmut Lang, Hussein Chalayan, Jean Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe, Louis Vuitton, Martine Rose, Meadham Kirchhoff, Nigel Cabourn, Paul Smith, Prada, Stone Island, Umbro, Undercover, Vexed Generation, and Vollebak. These iconic brands and designers have left an indelible mark on the fashion industry, and their garments serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of menswear design.

By providing exclusive access to these remarkable garments, the Westminster Menswear Archive fosters a deeper appreciation for fashion history and encourages designers to draw inspiration from the past. It serves as a valuable resource for fashion enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike, enabling them to explore the rich tapestry of menswear design and its evolution over centuries. The collection's photographs and annotations provide a valuable tool for designers to study the intricate details, construction techniques, and aesthetic choices that have shaped the evolution of menswear.

In conclusion, the Westminster Menswear Archive stands as a testament to the power of garment archives as an industry resource for designers. With its extensive collection of historical garments and curator commentary, it offers a unique perspective on the role of fashion heritage in shaping contemporary design. By inspiring new generations of designers and fostering a deeper understanding of fashion history, the archive plays a vital role in the perpetuation of menswear design excellence.

Weight: 1152g
Dimension: 269 x 212 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350330979