This exhibition presents the building blocks of the modern man, the elements that have shaped and constructed masculinity over time. In the Milavida exhibition, men are dressed in uniforms befitting their status, boots reinforced with metal corners, tracksuits that emphasize freedom of movement, as well as bow ties and lunch suits that have already disappeared from the modern man’s wardrobe.

Men are presented in the exhibition through men’s fashion and clothing. What and why men have worn throughout history and how this is reflected in the present day? The clothing on display spans from 18th-century aristocratic fashion to today’s minimalist and more experimental styles.

Tailoring and its history form a separate section of the exhibition. Tailoring has played a significant role in the development of men’s fashion and is also strongly linked to the history of uniforms, for example. Classic men’s clothing as such is rare on the streets, but many elements derived from it can be seen. Clothes make the man, and even a lad can become a gentleman with the right outfit. And with a little extra attention, a gentleman can become a dandy.

The exhibition covers nearly 300 years of men’s clothing. The exhibition, which is mainly composed of items from the Tampere Historical Museum’s own collections, is complemented by items on loan from, among others, the Nordiska Museet in Stockholm and contemporary Finnish designers. Among them talented and internationally recognized and renowned designers such as Lauri Järvinen and Ervin Latva are featured on the catwalk.