Sequinology is dedicated to the sequin, in all its shiny and shimmering glory. A sequin is a small, perforated, usually disc-shaped, dress ornament. This small exhibition explores how sequins have been used within fashion, fine art and costume from the 16th century to the present day.

The display draws upon the PhD research and innovative fashion practices of designer Richard Sorger, Associate Professor at Kingston University whose works are also exhibited. Alongside Richard Sorger, the display is curated by guest curator Amy de la Haye from London College of Fashion.

Visitors will encounter diverse objects including a 16th century raised embroidered picture; 18th century pocket books; a 1930s Whiteface Clown costume by Maison Vicaire; a self-portrait figure by artist Delaine le Bas; gender neutral, sequin decorated, shredded denim fashion by Ashish and an iconic photographic portrait of Leigh Bowery by Fergus Greer. There are examples of metal, plastic, recycled plastic and new research into sustainable sequins made from bio-plastic and plant-based cellulose by Rachel Clowes from the Sustainable Sequin Company.

About the curators and creators

Amy de la Haye is Professor of Dress History & Curatorship at London College of Fashion; contributor to SHOWstudio and serves as curatorial consultant for the Museum of British Folklore. Formerly a fashion curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Amy is collaborating with the Fashion and Textile Museum as a guest curator of a series of displays in the Museum’s Small Gallery. The Material Heart: Front Line to Home Front was the first in this new series and Sequinology is the second.

Richard Sorger is the Associate Professor and Course Leader for the Fashion MA at Kingston University. Sorger completed his practice-led PhD in March 2023, and his research explores the notion of fashion embellishment, primarily the use of sequins, as a spatial and theoretical concept through its relationship with the body, fashion and dress. Between 2006-2011, Sorger designed and produced his eponymous fashion label of ready-to-wear womenswear. He exhibited his collections in London, Paris and Milan, and showed his work on the catwalk during London Fashion Week, Spring/Summer 2008 to Spring/Summer 2011.

This display in our Small Gallery runs alongside the exhibition Ossie Clark + Celia Birtwell that explores the iconic duo whose visionary designs and prints shaped 1960s and early 1970s fashion. To find out more about Ossie Clark + Celia Birtwell and to book tickets click the button below. Entry to Sequinology is free with a main exhibition ticket.