Museum of London Docklands celebrates the Jewish community's influence in making London a 'Fashion City'

Jewish Londoners, who worked at all levels of the fashion industry during the 19th and 20th centuries, are the unsung heroes of propelling London into becoming a fashion hub. The Museum of London Docklands is celebrating the community’s influence on global style with its upcoming exhibition.

‘Fashion City: How Jewish Londoners Shaped Global Style’ opens its doors to the public this Friday, 13 October, and will remain open until 14 April 2024.

This marks the first time Jewish designers have been recognised for their major contribution to making London an iconic fashion city.

Finished Displays in Fashion City

From East End tailors to the couture salons of the West End, Fashion City tells the stories of Jewish makers who became leaders in their industries. These artisans created some of the most recognisable looks of the 20th century, founded retail chains that are still on the high street today and dressed generational icons - including David Bowie, Princess Diana and Mick Jagger.

Back in January, the museum made a call to ask the public to locate star pieces that will help to highlight the cultural impact and pop culture status of Jewish designers. With a grand display of pieces worn by the likes of Princess Diana and EastEnders’ Dot Cotton, icons in their own right, it's clear the public call was a success. Pieces designed by Mr Fish and Cecil Gee are on display alongside everyday clothing from Jewish-founded retailers M&S, Moss Bros and Wallis.

Fashion City will use the places and spaces of London to weave together individual stories with the context of a broader social history. For example, the first room of the exhibition sets the scene with an ode to London’s East End, where many Jewish migrants arrived between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. Ephemera tells the stories of some of the 200,000 Jewish people who arrived in Britain during that time, soon turning the East End into a creative hub.

After fleeing persecution, the Jewish community took to work in an industry which didn’t require speaking English. In fact, the native language was ‘fashion’. This universal career saw over 50% of Jewish immigrants become involved in the fashion, clothing and textile trade.

The exhibition also tells the story of the connection between immigrant communities, such as Caribbean tailors and Bengali seamstresses who came to London and found mentorship from Jewish employers.

Travelling from East to West of the city, visitors are invited to step inside a traditional tailor’s workshop in the East End and immerse themselves in the glitz and glamour of a Carnaby Street boutique at the height of the Swinging Sixties – when London was considered the world's fashion capital.

Carnaby Street during the 'swinging 60s', 1968

Dr Lucie Whitmore, Curator at the Museum of London, said: "Jewish people were working at all levels of the fashion industry in London throughout the twentieth century but the extent of their contribution has been widely unrecognised.

"Jewish makers established the ready-to-wear industry, worked their way into the highest levels of London fashion and dominated Carnaby Street in the swinging sixties. Many of these designers were internationally famous – favoured by the rich and famous and highly respected for their creativity, skill, and originality.

"Fashion City explores a wide range of experiences, with stories that are both deeply personal and connected to major events in global history. It’s a recognition of the excellence of London fashion and we hope people will enjoy finding out more about those who made London the iconic fashion capital we know today."

Tickets are available through the Museum of London website starting from £12.

Cover image: Hat Designer Otto Lucas With Models Wearing His Hats L-r Jeanette Mcconnell Anne Phillips Hedda Marks.