18th Century Menswear
2024
This project analyzes Arthur Pond's 1745 portrait of actor David Garrick to understand 18th-century British menswear and social identity. Through primary source analysis, fabric identification techniques, and pattern reconstruction, the research explores how the rising 28-year-old actor used fashion to signal cultural refinement and social status.
Based on the historical research, a half-scale replica of the 18th-century coat was constructed using period-accurate techniques. The garment features the traditional curved front opening, side pleats, and detailed embroidery work seen in the original portrait. Hand-stitching methods, multi-layer interfacing, and traditional pressing techniques were employed to create an authentic reproduction that serves as both research validation and educational tool for museums and costume history studies.
½ scale 18th century style coat. Inspired by the life and career of actor David Garrick, Yuyuan Wei, 2025 MA Costume, Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL │ Photography by: Martin Del Busto
