Body Beautiful: Diversity on the Catwalk
23 May - 20 Oct 2019
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3
Free
This exhibition looked at how today’s fashion industry is challenging perceptions and championing alternative ideals of beauty on the catwalk, in advertising, editorial and behind the camera.
Recent seasons have seen the most racially diverse, size diverse and gender-inclusive fashion shows in history, with brands like New York’s Chromat leading the way. In London, Teatum Jones passed up the runway altogether for Spring/Summer 2019’s Round Table not Runway, bringing fashion leaders and activists together for an empowering discussion on the industry’s responsibility to better reflect society.
In this exhibition, see examples from fashion creatives who are embracing inclusivity and body positivity, exploring themes such as size, gender, age, race and disability. Learn how the industry is calling into question existing practice, and why becoming more inclusive behind the scenes will ensure a genuine reappraisal of contemporary ideals of beauty.
See pivotal looks from designers including Max Mara, Ashish, Vivienne Westwood, Pam Hogg and Jean Paul Gaultier, alongside catwalk photography by Chris Moore, and hear from key influencers in the industry, from models and stylists to editors and educators.
Above: Sinéad Burke, photographed by Tim Walker.
Above: Somali-American model, Halima Aden, was the first Muslim woman to wear a hijab on the international high fashion catwalk at the Max Mara FW17-18 show held in Milan on 23 February 2017. Courtesy of Max Mara.
Above: Ashish’s ready-to-wear, Spring/Summer 2017 collection celebrated Indian culture as an integral part of British culture. © Chris Moore Catwalking
Above: Valentijn De Hingh and Hari Nef. Photographed for the historic all-transgender campaign for & Other Stories. Shot in Stockholm, Sweden in June 2015 © Amos Mac / @amosmac @theamosmac
Above: Chromat model Denise Bidot walks the Chromat SS15 Formula 15 Runway Show on September 4, 2014 in New York City. Photo: JP Yim.
Above: Model line-up wearing slogan t-shirts ahead of Simply Be's AW17 Curve Catwalk © Simply Be Curve Catwalk AW17
Above: For his ready-to-wear, Spring/Summer 2015 fashion show, Ashish cast only black models. © Chris Moore Catwalking
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International exhibitions
Gender Bending Fashion (until 25 August 2019)
Black Fashion Designers (6 December 2016 - 6 May 2017)
A Queer History of Fashion: From The Closet to the Catwalk (13 September 2013 – 4 January 2014)
Camp: Notes on Fashion (until 8 September 2019)
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There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge. Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on most floors, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted. You can find more access information here.
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Header image: Model line-up wearing slogan t-shirts ahead of Simply Be's AW17 Curve Catwalk ©Simply Be Curve Catwalk AW17.