Behind every item in the modern wardrobe is a 'first of its kind' - the definitive piece, often designed by a single company or brand for specialist use, upon which all subsequent versions have been based (and originals of which are now collector items in the booming vintage market). 

The T-shirt, for example, was created for US Navy personnel at the turn of the 20th century and was subsequently adopted by sportsmen and bikers, spiking its evolution into a wardrobe staple for all. Other items have been designed for sport, farm work or protection, and made their way into everyday use.

Icons of Style examines, garment by garment, the most important and famous of these products - their provenance and history, the stories of their design, the brand or company that started it and how the item has shaped the way we dress today.

Measures 10.2 x 8.1 x 1.4 in