Madness, excess, anarchy. Extravagant costumes and makeup. I dance and get high. Total freedom of expression and absence of inhibitory brakes. The exhibition Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London tells the short but legendary story of the Taboo, one of the more transgressive clubs never existed. In the short period of its opening (it was closed after only a year due to continuous scandals), it triggered a extraordinary explosion of stylists, artists, writers, performers and directors.
Until March 9ththe rooms of Fashion and Textile Museum di Londra bring to light those punk nights spent in the venue inaugurated in 1985 by Leigh BoweryAustralian drag queen and costume designer. In addition to photographs and videos, on display there are garments that have become legendary such as the jacket designed by Dean Bright and worn by Boy Georgethe carpet coat by the duo Mark & Syrie and the leopard dress created by Jeffrey Bryant for Winn Austinhost of the Kinky Gerlinky evenings at Legends in London (in the photo by Michael Cockerham).
Dove: Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, Londra, tel. +44/2074078664
When: until March 9, 2025
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How does the exhibition ‘Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London’ contribute to our understanding of the intersection between fashion and cultural movements during that era?
Welcome to the World Today News interview section where we delve into the most topical and trending issues of our time. Today, we are privileged to have two esteemed guests with us – Anna Smith, a renowned fashion historian, and Alex Glueckman, a prominent museum curator. They will be discussing the exhibition ‘Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London’ and its significance in the history of fashion.
Anna, you have studied the 80s fashion scene extensively. What was so special about Taboo Club that it transformed the fashion landscape of London during that period?
Anna: The Taboo Club was incredibly influential in the 80s for its unapologetic celebration of individuality and rebellion. It provided a platform for artists, stylists, and designers to push boundaries and freely express themselves without fear of judgment or censorship. The club had a unique approach to fashion, blending high-end glamour with underground street style, which was hugely attractive to many people who were looking for an alternative to the mainstream. Leigh Bowery, the Australian drag queen who founded Taboo, created an environment where creativity thrived, and this spirit of rebellion spread throughout London, inspiring a generation of designers and stylists.
Alex, you have worked on numerous exhibitions featuring 80s fashion. Could you share your thoughts on the impact of Taboo Club on the design world and how it influenced the industry?
Alex: The Taboo Club was a melting pot of creativity; a place where people from different backgrounds and disciplines came together to challenge traditional norms and expectations. It gave rise to some of the most innovative and daring fashion designs of the decade, as designers like Bodymap, Stephen Linard, and Leigh Bowery himself pushed the envelope with their outrageous creations. The club also helped launch the careers of many now-iconic figures in the fashion world, such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, who were both inspired by the Taboo aesthetic. Its influence can still be seen today in the work of many contemporary designers who draw inspiration from that era of boundary-pushing experimentation.
Can you tell us more about the garments on display at the exhibition? What are
