Clothes Make the MAN

 

Contrary to popular belief, men's enthusiasm for fashion has persisted across the centuries. Clothes Make the MAN explores how men's clothing decisions have been shaped by vanity, practicality and, of course, the ever-elusive masculine ideal. This major exhibition takes a penetrating look at the trends and traditions in men's fashion over the past three hundred years. 

The McCord Museum has selected a wide variety of outfits and accessories from its extensive collection of clothing, many of which have never before been exhibited. Exceptional items have also been borrowed from Parks Canada and private collections. Visitors can view, among other things, a Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater worn by Guy Lafleur and items from the wardrobe of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, generously loaned by the Trudeau family for this exhibition. Clothes Make the MAN also explores the fascinating transformation of men's clothing production from homemade to handmade to ready-made with the help of artifacts from the Montreal tailoring firm Gibb & Co.