Dress thumbnail 1
Not on display

Dress

1984 (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In the 1980s, Willie Brown designed under his 'Modern Classics' label, which he sold in his own shop on Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London. Brown was an influential independent designer and retailer who dressed celebrities including Spandau Ballet and David Bowie. Brown's early 1980s style combined utilitarian style with sharp tailoring, often referencing 1920s Russian Constructivism.

Since the 1990s, Brown and business partner Marie Willey have operated under the label ‘Old Town’, based in Holt, Norfolk.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Dress
  • Apron
Materials and techniques
Beige cotton twill
Brief description
Dress, with apron, beige cotton with blue trim, Modern Classics by Willie Brown, Great Britain, 1984
Physical description
Beige cotton twill dress and apron.
Dimensions
  • Weight: 1kg
Marks and inscriptions
'Recent Romantic' (Embroidered label in collar.)
Credit line
Given by Philip Hoare
Summary
In the 1980s, Willie Brown designed under his 'Modern Classics' label, which he sold in his own shop on Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London. Brown was an influential independent designer and retailer who dressed celebrities including Spandau Ballet and David Bowie. Brown's early 1980s style combined utilitarian style with sharp tailoring, often referencing 1920s Russian Constructivism.

Since the 1990s, Brown and business partner Marie Willey have operated under the label ‘Old Town’, based in Holt, Norfolk.
Collection
Accession number
T.20:1, 2-2012

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Record createdJanuary 18, 2012
Record URL
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