Carol Christian Poell. Sleeveless jacket and sleeved waistcoat. London, c.2010

Khaki green wool waistcoat with wool sleeves and sleeveless jacket worn over the waistcoat. Silk lining and waistcoat back.

Given by Charlie Porter

This is part of a group of early 2010s menswear donated to the V&A by Charlie Porter, one of the most influential British menswear fashion journalists of the early 21st century. In 2000 Porter became deputy fashion editor for The Guardian, and since then, has worked as an associate editor for GQ and deputy editor for Fantastic Man. He currently writes for The Financial Times as their menswear critic, in addition to his freelance work, DJ-ing and maintaining an active blogging presence online. Porter is particularly known for his understanding of contemporary menswear and familiarity with developing streetwear and alternative trends.

At the time of the donation, Porter provided commentary on many of the pieces. He said of this piece:

"Tailored jacket/waistcoat – this was bought as one garment by one of my great early menswear passions. I used to buy Carol Christian Poell from The Library on the Brompton Road, my favourite piece being a pair of bow leg wool trousers that did some strange gather and wrap at the ankle when worn. This jacket/waistcoat I bought in a sale, though where I can’t remember. It’s an extraordinary piece, the tailored jacket really a shell, the waistcoat with sleeves, so that when the two are worn together it looks together but also not quite right. I’ve never met Poell, never seen one of his shows, have no idea what he’s doing now, but wish I had and did."

- Daniel Milford-Cottam
20/05/2016

T.115:1&2-2015