This section looks at the way in which nautical styles have featured in recent mainstream and couture fashion. It demonstrates how designers have used and continue to use nautical styles in their collections and the way in which these have filtered down into affordable High Street fashion. Key objects include a CHANEL haute couture outfit by Karl Lagerfeld, a 1960s sailor dress designed by Mary Quant and a ready-to-wear outfit from KENZO's spring/summer 2006 collection.

© Archives KENZO Sailor-style outfit, 2006

Antonio Marras (b. 1961) for KENZO
synthetic jacket, trousers and top with cotton hat and silk scarf

This outfit is part of the spring/summer 2006 ready-to-wear collection for KENZO. It draws its inspiration from French naval uniform, combined with some of fashion's most enduring nautical motifs. The distinctive pom-pom cap recalls those worn by French sailors as do the wide-legged trousers, which have stylized anchor buttons.

KENZO

© Archives KENZO Drawing for the KENZO spring/summer collection, 2006

Antonio Marras (b. 1961) for KENZO
pen on paper

Antonio Marras lives and works overlooking the sea on the island of Sardinia. Inspired by his surroundings, he chose a strong nautical theme for the entire 2006 KENZO spring/summer collection. Striped jerseys and blazers featured alongside elegant patterned dresses that evoked the ambience of a summer cruise. This drawing was created at the beginning of the season to illustrate the collection.

KENZO