Patterned 'Kipper' tie, 1968
Mr Fish
polyester
Michael Fish is perhaps best known for creating the 'kipper tie'. These were excessively wide ties made in a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns. They were created during his time at Turnbull & Asser, when he started playing with the staples of classic menswear to create something new.
Playful shirts and ties became the foundation of his own business. These less dramatic garments appealed to the customers who wanted something subtly different, rather than shocking.
Michael Fish - Mr Fish. Michael Fish (1940-2016) was in the spotlight for six short years, famous for creating flamboyant menswear and a buzzing social scene.
Born in Wood Green, north London, to parents he described as 'very ordinary', Fish started his career at 15, cleaning countertops in a West End department store. He worked his way up to become a shirt maker for gentlemen's outfitter Turnbull & Asser, where he was valued for his distinctive flair. His own boutique opened in Mayfair in 1966, funded by Barry Sainsbury.*
From the exhibition
Fashion City
(October 2023 – July 2024)
How Jewish Londoners shaped global style
For the first time, this exhibition uncovered the major contribution of Jewish designers in making London an iconic fashion city.
Fashion City shone a light on the Jewish fashion makers who became leaders in their industries and founded retail chains still on the high street today. And also dressed the rich and famous: David Bowie, Princess Diana and Mick Jagger – to name just a few.
Key industry figures were featured, like wedding dress designer Netty Spiegel, milliner Otto Lucas, the iconic Mr Fish and legendary David Sassoon. These stories were brought to life by fashion and textiles, oral histories, objects and photography
[*London Museum]
Taken at Museum of London Docklands
Patterned 'Kipper' tie, 1968
Mr Fish
polyester
Michael Fish is perhaps best known for creating the 'kipper tie'. These were excessively wide ties made in a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns. They were created during his time at Turnbull & Asser, when he started playing with the staples of classic menswear to create something new.
Playful shirts and ties became the foundation of his own business. These less dramatic garments appealed to the customers who wanted something subtly different, rather than shocking.
Michael Fish - Mr Fish. Michael Fish (1940-2016) was in the spotlight for six short years, famous for creating flamboyant menswear and a buzzing social scene.
Born in Wood Green, north London, to parents he described as 'very ordinary', Fish started his career at 15, cleaning countertops in a West End department store. He worked his way up to become a shirt maker for gentlemen's outfitter Turnbull & Asser, where he was valued for his distinctive flair. His own boutique opened in Mayfair in 1966, funded by Barry Sainsbury.*
From the exhibition
Fashion City
(October 2023 – July 2024)
How Jewish Londoners shaped global style
For the first time, this exhibition uncovered the major contribution of Jewish designers in making London an iconic fashion city.
Fashion City shone a light on the Jewish fashion makers who became leaders in their industries and founded retail chains still on the high street today. And also dressed the rich and famous: David Bowie, Princess Diana and Mick Jagger – to name just a few.
Key industry figures were featured, like wedding dress designer Netty Spiegel, milliner Otto Lucas, the iconic Mr Fish and legendary David Sassoon. These stories were brought to life by fashion and textiles, oral histories, objects and photography
[*London Museum]
Taken at Museum of London Docklands