National Museums Liverpool explores ‘What Artists Wear’

While iconic designs by Vivienne Westwood, Mary Quant and Laura Ashley are being showcased at Walker Art Gallery in Creating Visions: Women Designers 1900-2000, an online series takes you inside the wardrobes of local artists

Streaming exclusively on the National Museums Liverpool YouTube channel, What Artists Wear delves into the unique style of six creatives living and working in Liverpool – exploring the personal stories and thought processes that go into crafting their ideal outfits.

From comfort and practicality to supporting upcoming designers, the series takes an in-depth look at what makes us tick when it comes to our personal style.

Among the diverse group of creatives featured are Felix Mufti, the star of Netflix’s Sex Education, who spills on the perfect behind-the-scenes outfit.

He talks about how to wear what you want, regardless of other people’s opinions, and the freedom that gives. And we hear about a pair of boots inspired the creation of a pink sparkly cowboy.

Felix said:

“There’s a lot of connection with me as a creative and how I express myself in my outfits. My work can be outrageous and say things other people wouldn’t say so with my style I like to wear things that other people maybe wouldn’t wear or wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing in an everyday setting. I wake up and I want to be pink and sparkly and comfy and cute.” 

Also featured are RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni Sister Sister, who shares stories from the early days of her drag career and finding her own personal drag persona through comedy and satire, and illustrator and designer Liz Harry, who discusses the pressures of dressing seriously and why colour is so important to her life and work.

Painter Sumuyya Khader shares how comfort is a key element to her outfit choices whilst also trying to support as many black-owned businesses as she can. She also talks about her unique shoe collection and how she became a Croc convert.

Contemporary artist Millie Toyin Olateju talks about how music is reflected in her fashion choices and how her preference in colour can be found in her paintings and clothes. And photographer Daniel de la Bastide, a well-known face in the music and club scene in Liverpool, breaks down three completely thrifted looks that show off his grandad style and reference inspirations like Tyler the Creator.

Each episode chronicles three unique looks, curated for different settings – whether it’s what they wear to the studio, during a performance, or when relaxing off-duty.

Ellie Field, Digital Content Producer at National Museums Liverpool, said:

“What Artists Wear aims to put some of Liverpool’s most exciting creatives centre stage, showcasing the variety of fashion styles that our city is renowned for. Fashion is not governed by standards and rules, and this new series reflects that. 

“From our popular Museums Sessions series to the National Museums Liverpool podcast, What Artists Wear is a fantastic addition to our ever-growing output of digital experiences, giving our audiences even more insight into our seven museums and galleries no matter where in the world they are.”

Visit the National Museums Liverpool YouTube channel to view the series in full.

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