In the bustling district of Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, an intimate exhibition revealed the rich story of workwear and its often overlooked economic and cultural narrative—a textile showcase that transcends fabric and function.
Showing pieces from the archives of London-based collectors The Vintage Showroom, the Hong Kong Design Institute-organised exhibition “The Beauty of Workwear” represents more than a nostalgic display of old workwear garments. Rather, it is an exploration of global industrial design and sartorial evolution. Co-founder Douglas Gunn curated the exhibition that traces both the economic and practical origins of garments from the 19th century to the present day.
From the robust linen jackets of French agricultural workers to the extreme-condition coveralls worn by Antarctic industrial workers, each piece tells a story of human adaptation and resilience. These are not merely garments, but economic artifacts that reflect the changing nature of labour, technology, and design.
The exhibition’s particular genius lies in its demonstration of how functional workwear has evolved into a significant design influencer. Eight local Hong Kong designers have reinterpreted these utilitarian pieces, creating contemporary menswear that speaks to both heritage and innovation.
Mr Gunn and co-founder Roy Luckett’s London-based archives represent a critical resource in understanding the global trajectory of menswear. Their collection is not just an archive, but an intellectual repository that maps the intersection of industrial necessity and design aesthetics.
By bridging East and West, the exhibition challenges the conventional narrative of fashion archiving—which has traditionally favoured women’s haute couture—and positions workwear as a serious subject of cultural and economic discourse.
In an era of rapid technological transformation, this exhibition serves as a nuanced reminder: true design excellence emerges not only from pure aestheticism, but from a deep understanding of utility, context, and human necessity.
