Suit
1980 (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.
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 4 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | machine-stitched cotton |
| Brief description | Man's cotton suit, Modern Classics by Willie Brown, British, 1980 |
| Physical description | Rust brown cotton suit consisting of a jacket, trousers and grey cotton shirt. |
| Production type | Ready to wear |
| Marks and inscriptions | "Modern Classics" (1) Makers's mark; English; back of neck; machine embroidery; silk) |
| Credit line | Given by Tim Guilbride |
| Object history | Historical significance: Not the typical British country style outfit but clearly inspired by traditional Austrian / German country style clothes. Mix of ethnic influences and loose unfit shapes typical of the early 1980s. The trousers are interesting as they are cut on the model of 1790s boy's front flapped breeches. |
| 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.239:4-1999 |
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| Record created | November 20, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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