70 years strong

Fred Perry opens its archives for this cross-culture exhibition
By Alex James Taylor | Fashion | 1 June 2022

The Queen’s not the only one celebrating a 70-year anniversary this year, she’s sharing the occasion with Fred Perry‘s classic polo shirt. (Which one is more iconic? We’ll let you answer that one.) Marking the impressive milestone, the British brand is digging through their storied archive and pulling out some gems for a special exhibition at the Design Museum – Fred Perry: A British Icon.

GALLERY

Beginning with Fred Perry himself, the champion tennis player who first inspired the brand, the exhibition then traces its evolution as a core subcultural player, crossing genres and mediums: from mods to skinheads, Amy Winehouse to Gorillaz, Raf Simons to The Specials. On show, early prototypes of the classic polo shirt, laurel wreath logo and brand typography will show the evolution of Fred Perry as we know it now, while rare pieces from years of agenda-setting collaborations will offer a vital insight into the design process. The whole thing will be set to a soundtrack inspired by Fred Perry’s impassioned relationship with live music and nascent bands.

Fred Perry: A British Icon runs at the Design Museum’s Huth Gallery from 10th – 19th June.


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