An open call for unique items by Jewish designers
Help contribute to the Museum of London's new exhibition about the city's scene-setting Jews in fashion
This autumn the Museum of London (MoL) in Docklands is launching Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style, a brand new exhibition about the capital's pivotal fashion makers, designers and retailers throughout the 20th century. There are a few key pieces missing, however, which is where you come in.
David Bowie in the dress famously worn on the album cover of The Man Who Sold the World, designed by Mr Fish © Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy Stock
Alongside items from the museum's existing collection, which will allow visitors to step into a 1960s Carnaby Street boutique and a traditional tailoring workshop in the East End, MoL is hoping to track down creations by leading Jewish designers, including Mr Fish, Cecil Gee, Otto Lucas, Rahvis, Neymar and Madame Isobel, and worn by celebrities such as David Bowie, Sean Connery and Greta Garbo. In particular:
Menswear pieces made by Mr Fish and worn by famous names such as David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali and Michael Caine
Menswear pieces made by Cecil Gee and worn by famous names, such as members of The Beatles
Womenswear from the 1930s or 1940s made by Rahvis and worn by Hollywood stars
Gowns from the 1930s made by dressmaker Madame Isobel (Isobel Spevak Harris)
Hats made by Otto Lucas and worn by famous names such as Greta Garbo or Wallis Simpson
Theatre costumes made by Neymar for Cecil Landau’s 1949 production of Sauce Tartare
Sean Connery being fitted for shirts at Turnbull & Asser, where Mr Fish designed shirts for the actor’s first role as 007 © Harry Myers / Shutterstock
Fashion City will be the first major show to explore the great Jewish contribution to London's iconic fashion history. “Jewish people were working at all levels of the fashion industry in London throughout the 20th century," says Lucie Whitmore, the museum's fashion curator. "They established the ready-to-wear trade, 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.”
If you have information about the items listed above, please email fashioncity@museumoflondon.org.uk by Wednesday 1 March.
By Danielle Goldstein
Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style runs Friday 13 October 2023 – Sunday 14 April 2024. Museum of London Docklands, E14 4AL. museumoflondon.org.uk