As a kind of counter-exhibit to the room after room of Mapplethorpe’s male nudes–which not all of which are suitable for publication, at least in this blog–the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is exhibiting men’s clothing since the 1700s. Most of the recent items in the exhibition are works by famous designers.
Pearlie Kings commoners’ clothing
There is, however, one example of clothing that was worn by the man on the street: a Pearly King vest. The Pearly Kings and Queens were members of the working class who did charitable works beginning in the early 19th Century in London. I remember that as I child I was fascinated by photographs of them I saw in magazines. And they still exist. In fact, one Pearlie group marched in the opening of the 2012 Olympics.
(Tomorrow: an astonishing video I almost missed!)
