Fashion V Sport: from the street to the boutique
Sportswear gets more than its fair share of bad press. There’s the ubiquitous ‘chav’ association, and at the other end of the social spectrum, its unexpected link to Tory party politics. Who can forget David Cameron’s first forays into social justice with his ‘Hug a Hoodie’ manifesto - or worse, the sight of William Hague, grotesque in his baseball cap? “If that doesn’t get those chaps down wiv da yoof before this evening’s One Show, I don’t know what will,” a Tory publicist wasn’t quoted as saying.
But it doesn’t take a genius to realise that sportswear has moved from the running track, via the ghetto, straight into the world of high-end couture. Today, limited edition designer pieces fetch thousands in boutiques across the globe. This crossover is explored in the V&A’s summer exhibition Fashion V Sport, which opens today.
There’s plenty of great stuff here. Japanese streetwear designer Hiroshi Fujiwara and snowboarding goliath Burton have teamed up to produce outerwear in glorious pinstripes, inspired by the tailored suit.
The best suit and sportswear combo, however, comes from Dashing Tweeds’ spectacular three piece, 1930s cut, cycling suit. The whole outfit - plus fours and all - has reflective twine Lumatwill sewn in to ensure its wearers glow in the headlights of oncoming vehicles.
Some of the clothes on display are a bit more experimental. A grey sweater, customised with long trunk and large ears protruding from the hood, form part of a collection by young designer Aitor Throup entitled When Football Hooligans Become Hindu Gods – a commentary on a racist attack by football fans.
If you’re into your bling head to the final section, where you’ll find diamond encrusted shoelaces, a Paul Smith snowboard and a Chanel surfboard. There’s even a pair of Nike Air Force 1s, made from anaconda and crocodile skin stitched together by hand.
Gear like this is worth thousands. With everyone feeling the pinch of the credit crunch, perhaps the Cameron camp should be advising it’s middle class supporters to ‘Mug a Hoodie’.
Fashion V Sport runs from 5th August 2008 - 4th January 2009 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
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