The Museum of London is hopeful of securing a ‘match worn’ waistcoat from unlikely fashion icon Gareth Southgate.
Southgate’s England team has surpassed all expectations in Russia this summer, but perhaps a greater surprise is the emergence of the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender as a style trendsetter.
During the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign sales in Marks & Spencer navy waistcoats, which Southgate has been sporting throughout the tournament, have spiked.
Now the Museum of London wants to acquire a piece of Southgate’s wardrobe to add to its own collection.
The Museum Of #London Wants Gareth Southgate’s Waistcoat https://t.co/Cxk5tSw00U pic.twitter.com/C65VnOm0F3
— UK Gazette (@UK_Gazette) July 10, 2018
Waistcoats were first promoted in London three centuries ago by King Charles II, and the museum’s senior fashion curator Beatrice Behlen wants to recognise the recent revival.
“The new fashion soon spread and for at least 300 years a three-piece suit soon formed a key part of every man’s wardrobe,” she said.
“Now Gareth Southgate is reviving that London tradition and bringing waistcoats home to the forefront of fashion.
“This acquisition would be a fantastic addition to our holdings and would come at an exciting time for us while we build the London Collection as we plan the New Museum in West Smithfield.”
Cover image by Кирилл Венедиктов (Creative Commons).
