Suits You Sir

While we’re unsure if its possible to reinvent the wheel, students at London College of Fashion have proved that it is possible to reinvent another great pillar of modern civilisation – the tuxedo.

To celebrate the garment’s 150th Birthday, about 20 LCF Bespoke Tailoring students have teamed up with Savile Row tailor Henry Poole & Co, the inventors of the original tuxedo.

The project saw students pair up with thespians from the drama centre at LCF’s sister college Central Saint Martins. This meeting of creative young minds meant not only did the fashion students have muses and models, LCF, they also have a new pal.

A spokeswoman at LCF, says, ‘We picked actors who are different shapes and heights so that it was challenging. There’s a nice synergy between actors and tuxedos so it seemed like a really nice fit.’

The project is supported by New York’s Tuxedo club – the jacket’s namesake. The collection will make its public debut in the city, and will then move to Harrods in Knightsbridge, London, before it makes its way to the Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly.

A book documenting the collection and its fruition accompany the exhibition, which is being designed by the college in-house. All the photography is by LCF director of programmes, Edward Barber.

It will also feature sartorial types sporting their favourite tuxs, including Gordon Richardson, design director of Topshop; supermodel Marie Helvin; Harrods’ fashion and beauty director Marigay McKee and, er, Mr Hudson.

Different elements of the collection will be on display concurrently in Harrods Menswear Department, 87– 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge London, SW1X ,  and in the Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly W1 from 10 -22 September