March has been quite the spectacle at Tate Britain, thanks to John Singer Sargent and his sartorial wizardry. Around 60 pieces turned the gallery into a historical fashion runway, where Sargent played the role of both artist and fashion designer, merging clothing with identity in each brushstroke.
Notably, the exhibition features the original garter, emblazoned with “Hon y soit qui mal y pense,” a real-life accessory to history and chivalry. This isn’t just a fashion item; it’s a narrative thread to Britain’s most elite club, the Order of the Garter, making the exhibition not only a visual feast but a historical treasure trove.
Strutting through the exhibition, my Wellington boots adorned with a blue garter, I felt connected to a lineage of chivalric fashion. This playful nod to the past echoes the legendary motto, “Shame be to him who thinks evil of it,” and brings to life the story from 1348, where a dropped garter at a ball led to the founding of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III.
So, if you’re into a blend of art, fashion, and medieval drama, Tate Britain’s Sargent exhibition is a must-visit. And with the actual garter on display, it’s a chance to step directly into the canvas of history. Make sure to catch this fashion-forward journey through time before it wraps up on July 7, 2024.
By Dr Olga Roh