"The Lore of LOVERBOY," this landmark exhibition examines the story of Scottish-born designer and illustrator Charles Jeffrey – one of Somerset House Studios’ original artist residents. The exhibition includes the full spectrum of his prolific output as well as iconic collaborations, celebrating 10 years of LOVERBOY. For the first time, audiences have the chance to explore the origins of LOVERBOY from its inception in the eponymously named club night, through Jeffrey's early development as a student at Central Saint Martins, to the trailblazing titan it is today, favored by fashion icons around the world. On display are his early works inspired by style icons such as Andy Warhol and Vivienne Westwood - figures who influence the playful spirit of the label today, as well as more recent dazzling and creative LOVERBOY pieces. Highlights include outfits worn by famous faces such as Harry Styles, Charli XCX, Tilda Swinton, Faris Badwan of The Horrors, and K-pop star Mino.

Inside the exhibition
The exhibition tells the story of Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY through three distinct spaces: Initiation, Ritual, and Manifestation, conveying different ways of interpreting the creative energy at the heart of the brand. Each room in the exhibition highlights LOVERBOY’s collaborative practices and characteristic use of pattern and color. The rooms also reference Jeffrey’s Scottish heritage, which remains a constant source of inspiration – clearly seen in a selection of garments created using LOVERBOY’s signature tartan. The first room, ‘Initiation,’ introduces artistic inspirations in an all encompassing immersive experience; lifting the curtain as we dive into what makes the label today. Contextual objects augment chosen garments, but also allow the visitor to understand not only Jeffrey's development of LOVERBOY but how, crucially, this journey has been one where collaboration, process, community, and ritual are at its heart. Sketchbooks, tattered club night posters, personal photographs, hand-written scribbles, and intimate stories - all unique items from the vast LOVERBOY archive. Early collaborative work with the likes of visual artist Jack Appleyard and artist/designer Joshua Beaty, as well as Jeffrey's love of cinematic references, all feed into the brand’s early work. The development of LOVERBOY’s hallmark gender dismantling is also explored in this space marking a shift in contemporary cultures, as discourses of queerness and performativity reach a new point of amplification and visibility. This is exemplified by the original sketch of a jumpsuit (silver jumpsuit 2017), later worn by Harry Styles and presented in the last room. The second room, ‘Ritual,’ takes a closer look into the development of Jeffrey's craft. It unpacks the design process as a ritualistic method – from actions, behaviors, to methods that are performed at specific stages which help complete the task at hand.

LOVERBOY’s pattern cutting table – just like the one the atelier team uses daily in the fashion house’s home in Somerset House Studios, situated only two floors below the exhibition space – is recreated. Fabric swatches, research sketches, and mood boards are on display, as visitors see how LOVERBOY continues to challenge fashion norms and gender stereotypes. This room culminates with a showcase of sophisticated and stylized garments inspired by historicism, heritage, and folklore, in a space revealing the design process itself, the business development, and creative work made within the building of Somerset House, and demonstrating how Somerset House Studios also supports this creative journey.
Culminating in the final room, ‘Manifestation,’ this space celebrates LOVERBOY’s most iconic and extravagant designs. Included are custom designs and one-off runway pieces, such as the famous silver jumpsuit (2017) worn by pop star Harry Styles, and armor created using distinctive Wedgwood ceramics, a result of LOVERBOY’s collaboration with the iconic British brand. Included is also the custom-made outfit designed for actress Tilda Swinton for The British Fashion Awards 2022.

"The Lore of LOVERBOY" is a scintillating celebration; a joyous and surprising tour through a fashion label that effortlessly transcends disciplinary boundaries across art, design, and music.