Fashion: Grit, Glamour and Guts is a vibrant celebration of fashion as storytelling, where every garment, accessory, and stitch hints at who we are.
From evening gowns to work boots, this exhibition brings together striking artworks, compelling garments, three talented local designers, and over 25 community members to show how what we wear shapes and reflects who we are. Whether it’s for work or celebration, sports or self-expression, our clothing helps us navigate the world, speak our truth, and connect with our culture and community.
Drawing from Museum London’s rich collections and community contributions, Fashion: Grit, Glamour and Guts showcases over 100 garments and accessories that span textiles and styles. You’ll find everything from 19th-century pieces to contemporary carnival costumes, worn-in shoes to custom tailoring and eveningwear. Alongside these artifacts are powerful works by leading Canadian artists such as Greg Curnoe, Esmaa Mohamoud, Camille Turner and Camal Pirbhai, exploring themes of gender, rebellion, and identity through the lens of what we wear.
Fashion: Grit, Glamour and Guts isn’t just about clothes, it’s about the stories woven into them. As you move through the gallery, you’ll encounter outfits that feel familiar, surprising, joyful, and bold. Some will spark memories; others might spark ideas. But all of them reveal something about the many ways we express ourselves, with grit, glamour, and guts.
Image: Alma College – Group Photo (detail), 1886, Courtesy of Elgin County Archives.
