The Westminster Menswear Archive (WMA) at the University of Westminster has contributed several key garments from its collection to Blitz: The Club That Shaped The 80s, a new exhibition opening at the Design Museum in London.
The exhibition will be the first to explore the Covent Garden nightclub that ran for 18 months from 1979 to 1980 but quickly became the birthplace of a cultural movement that reshaped fashion, music, art and design throughout the decade. Known for its flamboyant style and creative energy, the Blitz Club nurtured the talents of Boy George, Spandau Ballet, Steve Strange and many others who went on to global fame.
Over 250 objects will be on display, ranging from clothing and accessories to photographs, magazines and rare film footage. Among them are garments from the WMA that were originally worn to the Blitz. These pieces were donated anonymously by individuals who attended the club, ensuring that authentic material from the scene is preserved while protecting the privacy of those who contributed. Photographs of selected garments will feature in the exhibition and accompanying publicity, allowing visitors to see these rare pieces while respecting the confidentiality of their donors.
Professor Andrew Groves, Director of the WMA, said: “The Blitz Club embodied a moment when creativity and self-expression were at the centre of British youth culture. We are delighted to loan pieces from our collection that reflect this radical energy and to support the Design Museum in telling the story of how the Blitz scene transformed menswear and wider cultural life. Our role as the UK’s national menswear archive is to ensure that such histories are preserved and made accessible, and this exhibition is a powerful example of that work.”
The exhibition runs from 20 September 2025 to 29 March 2026 at the Design Museum in Kensington, London. Tickets can be purchased on the Design Museum website.
Learn more about the Westminster Menswear Archive at the University of Westminster.
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