Exhibition: 10th – 22nd September
London’s stunning Burlington Arcade is to host an exhibition celebrating the 150th Anniversary of The Tuxedo. The ‘Little Black Jacket’ exhibition, in collaboration with London College of Fashion (LCF), will be exhibited in Burlington Arcade from 10th – 22nd September and showcase heritage pieces from renowned Tuxedo wearers Frank Sinatra and Truman Capote, alongside inspiring reinterpretations for the 21st century.
Visitors will discover more about the history of this very British style icon, a garment that effortlessly sums up traditional values of Britishness, craftsmanship and sophisticated style – from its invention by Henry Poole and Co in Saville Row to the legendary status that it has today. The exhibition will showcase an exclusive selection of heritage Tuxedo pieces, including pattern pieces from the fabulous Frank Sinatra and the original tuxedo made for Truman Capote to wear at his infamous Black & White Ball.
These pieces will be displayed alongside Tuxedos created by talented LCF Bespoke Tailoring students, who teamed up with tailor Henry Poole & Co to create bespoke versions for rising stars from the Drama Centre at LCF’s sister college Central Saint Martin’s – a relationship captured through a stunning black and white fashion short that will be on display. Shop windows throughout the Arcade will also display stylish black and white photography of fashion superstars wearing their favourite Tuxedos, including Chairman of The British Fashion Council Harold Tillman, supermodel Marie Helvin and musician Mr Hudson.
Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, comments “The Tuxedo and Burlington Arcade are two British icons that remain the epitome of timeless fashion. I can’t think of a more fitting environment to display this fantastic show, which is a perfect example of some of the finest British craftsmanship”.
The exhibition will then travel to New York, where it will be displayed at the Tuxedo Historical Society, before embarking on an international tour in 2012. With a huge resurgent interest in menswear and tailoring, this Autumn’s Tuxedo tour is the ideal opportunity to celebrate this most British of style icons.