After visiting the gripping Mona Hatoum + Giacometti exhibition a few weeks ago I have just visited another extraordinary Barbican event. Called Dirty Looks, ‘it explores how dirt and decay have been used to defy beauty standards, and why it’s going through a resurgence in young designers’ work. As a counterpoint to glossy digital perfection, these artistic practices point us to a new way of thinking about a sustainable fashion future.’
There is lots to see and incredibly detailed signage along with a really useful free guide book. So I shall just be sharing images with you so, hopefully, you can get a sense of the show and maybe feel inspired to visit – I strongly recommend it.
You know you’re in for an unusual time when, in the first installation, you encounter the late Queen Elizabeth’s pristine wellies …
… along with Kate Moss’s muddy ones …
Before looking at my images, you might find it helpful to read a few of the reviews. This one is from The Guardian and this from The Standard.
Ma Ke: The Earth …
Hussein Chalayan: Future Archaeology 1993 -2002 …
Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood: Nostalgia of Mud. Autumn/Winter 1983 …
Alexander McQueen: Highland Rape Autumn/Winter 1995 …
Jean Paul Gaultier: Autumn/Winter 2004 …
Items from John Galliano’s 2024 Artisanal collection for Mison Margiela …
Stains as Ornament …
13. Robert Wun: The Wine Stain Gown, Fear. Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2023
14. Hamish Morrow: From Function to Decoration. Spring/Summer 2002
Phoebe English and Helen Bullock …
Glittering debris …
Leaky Bodies …
7. Di Petsa: My Body is a Labyrinth Spring/Summer 2025
8. Louis Gabriel Nouchi Spring/Summer 2023
Some more images from the exhibition …
Fascinating, fun and occasionaly shocking – what more could one ask for.
I couldn’t help but wonder, however, what the late Queen would have made of her wellies being part of this.
If you would like to follow me on Instagram here is the link …