Icons of Men's Style

Icons of Men's Style

Icons of Men's Style is a carefully selected piece from Somerset House Shop. "Women are into fashion, men are into style, style is forever" Domenico Dolce Womenswear progresses in leaps and bounds, fuelled by the readiness of women to wear what may at the time be perceived as the radical or outrageous. Not so menswear -menswear evolves, slowly. But from what? Behind nearly every item in the modern male wardrobe is a 'first of its kind' - the definitive item, often designed by a single company or brand for specialist use, on which all subsequent versions have been based (and originals of which are now collector items in the booming vintage market). The T-shirt, for example, may now be an innocuous, everyday item, but was created by American company Hanes for US Navy personnel at the turn of the 20th century and was subsequently adopted by sportsmen and bikers. Other items have been designed for sport, farm work, protection and made their way into everyday usage. Icons of Men's Style examines, garment by garment, the most important and famous of these products - their provenance and history, the stories of their design, the brand/company that started it all and how the item shaped the way men dress today. About the Author Josh Sims is a UK-based freelance style writer, contributing to The Financial Times, Esquire, GQ, Wallpaper* and i-D. He is also the author of Cult Streetwear, Vintage Menswear, 100 Ideas that Changed Street Style and The Details.

Ideal for readers, collectors and anyone building a thoughtful art, design or culture library. Chosen for its connection to art, design, fashion and contemporary culture, this product works well as a considered present or as a distinctive addition to your own collection.

Shop Icons of Men's Style online for a product that reflects the creative spirit of Somerset House. The design, subject matter and presentation make it easy to enjoy at home, share with someone special, or keep as part of a wider collection of books, objects and accessories inspired by creative practice.

Each item in the shop is curated to sit alongside exhibitions, makers and cultural stories. Icons of Men's Style offers an accessible way to bring that point of view into everyday life, whether you are browsing for yourself, choosing a gift, or looking for something with a strong visual identity.