Icons of Men's Style mini

Icons of Men's Style mini by Josh Sims examines how menswear evolves over time, unlike womenswear, which progresses rapidly as women readily embrace the radical or outrageous. In contrast, menswear evolves slowly, often based on items that were ‘first of their kind’. These definitive items, frequently designed by a single company or brand for specialist use, form the basis for all subsequent versions and have become collector's items in the vintage market.

The T-shirt, originally an everyday item, exemplifies this evolution. It was created by the American company Hanes for US Navy personnel at the turn of the 20th century and was later adopted by sportsmen and bikers. Many other garments were initially designed for sport, farm work, or protection before becoming part of everyday wear.

Icons of Men's Style mini takes a garment-by-garment approach to explore the most significant and iconic products in menswear. It delves into their provenance and history, the stories behind their design, the brands or companies that initiated them, and how these items have shaped the way men dress today.