Charting Fashion and Textiles

The V&A holds one of the largest collections of textiles and fashion in the world. Tapping into the ingenuity of global makers, these objects represent both traditional and innovative designs as well as manufacturing techniques. This vast sourcebook, with designs from 3000 BC to the present day, provides inspiration to future makers.

Here you can see east London designer Rahemur Rahman's block-printed denim suit. West Bengal and Bangladeshi textiles from the V&A collection inspired his design, which was produced in Bangladesh by fair trade company Aranya.

Written by: Serenella Sessini, Assistant Curator of V&A East Storehouse
Published: May 2025

Collecting Stories

Museum Number
T.296-1977
Title/Description
Rug
Artist/Maker
Joel, Betty
Location
Tianjin
Date
1935-1937
Materials/Techniques
Wool, Bast, Cotton, Knotting
Object information
Museum Number
T.2457:1-2021
Title/Description
Suit
Artist/Maker
Rahemur Rahman
Location
Dhaka
Date
2021
Materials/Techniques
Denim
Object information
Museum Number
T.2457:2-2021
Title/Description
Suit
Artist/Maker
Rahemur Rahman
Location
Dhaka
Date
2021
Materials/Techniques
Denim
Object information
Museum Number
T.97-2018
Title/Description
Star pleat ensemble
Artist/Maker
Phoebe English
Location
London
Date
2015
Materials/Techniques
Linen, Silk organza
Object information
Museum Number
FE.30-2015
Title/Description
Dress
Artist/Maker
Miyake, Issey
Location
Japan
Date
2014-2015
Object information