V&A unveils new staff uniforms

New uniforms for V&A staff by award-winning British fashion designer Christopher Raeburn have been recently unveiled by Victoria and Albert Museum. Consisting of garments and bespoke accessories that can be mixed, matched and layered, and featuring a print inspired by the V&A’s collection, the new uniforms will be introduced at the V&A in South Kensington and Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green this week.

Christopher Raeburn’s fashion collection was featured in the V&A’s Fashion in Motion series in 2016 and has resulted in this collaboration to reimagine the staff uniform. Connecting directly to the V&A’s collection, the new print featured on many of the uniform pieces is formed from the silhouettes of 20 iconic objects. They include a 19th Japanese netsuke in the shape of a rabbit; a Spacehopper from 1970s Britain, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculpture Neptune and Triton (1622-3), and an 1870s rocking horse from France currently displayed in the V&A Museum of Childhood. The uniforms consist of a layering system, from t-shirts to a tote bag and rainproof parka with flexibility for staff to combine with trousers or skirts of their own choosing.

In a range of blues and oranges, the palette of the new uniform takes inspiration from Raphael’s The Miraculous Draught of Fishes on display in the V&A, and blends with Christopher Raeburn’s signature colours. All aspects of the uniform feature classic Christopher Raeburn touches, including parachute details and a layering system. Raeburn’s ethos of responsible design has ensured a focus on certified recycled and organic materials throughout.