Ensemble
1984 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Leigh Bowery was most recognised as a London-based performance artist, whose performances addressed preconceptions of gender, sexual identity and the creation of self image. While he did not call himself a fashion designer, it is one of the capacities in which he first became known.
This outfit dates from the period when Bowery was still 'designing clothes' rather than when he was solely focused on his own creations for performance. It is likely that the ensemble was the only one made or is one of only a handful to survive. The ensemble was modelled in 1984 at a fashion show in Tokyo, organised by club personality Susanne Bartsch to promote new London fashion talent. This outfit, which could be worn by a man or woman, features floral and snake-skin prints and ruffles. These details lend themselves to fantasy and deliberate gender confusion, characteristics of much of Bowery's work.
This outfit dates from the period when Bowery was still 'designing clothes' rather than when he was solely focused on his own creations for performance. It is likely that the ensemble was the only one made or is one of only a handful to survive. The ensemble was modelled in 1984 at a fashion show in Tokyo, organised by club personality Susanne Bartsch to promote new London fashion talent. This outfit, which could be worn by a man or woman, features floral and snake-skin prints and ruffles. These details lend themselves to fantasy and deliberate gender confusion, characteristics of much of Bowery's work.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
|
| Brief description | Ensemble of jacket, top and trousers, in white nylon with printed cotton trim, Leigh Bowery, Britain, 1984. |
| Production type | Unique |
| Credit line | Purchased with support from a generous individual |
| Production | Attribution note: Ensemble made specifically for a catwalk show of London fashion in Tokyo, 1984. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Leigh Bowery was most recognised as a London-based performance artist, whose performances addressed preconceptions of gender, sexual identity and the creation of self image. While he did not call himself a fashion designer, it is one of the capacities in which he first became known. This outfit dates from the period when Bowery was still 'designing clothes' rather than when he was solely focused on his own creations for performance. It is likely that the ensemble was the only one made or is one of only a handful to survive. The ensemble was modelled in 1984 at a fashion show in Tokyo, organised by club personality Susanne Bartsch to promote new London fashion talent. This outfit, which could be worn by a man or woman, features floral and snake-skin prints and ruffles. These details lend themselves to fantasy and deliberate gender confusion, characteristics of much of Bowery's work. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.63:1 to 3-2009 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | July 1, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
