Waterproof and windproof fabric specialist GORE-TEX is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special pop-up archive exhibition next weekend, under the title of ‘The Lattice Works’, at 19 D’Arblay Street in London’s Soho.
Running across Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, it will mark the first time the GORE-TEX brand has opened its archive to the public in the UK, with walk-in visitors able to explore (for free) a selection of rare, collectable and “grailed” outdoor and lifestyle garments spanning the brand’s history.
Featuring products from brand partners including Arc’teryx, Berghaus, Mountain Equipment, Palace, Henry Poole and more, the archive spans five decades of fabric innovation.
The company was founded by Bill and Vieve Gore, under the business name of W.L. Gore & Associates, who introduced the GORE-TEX membrane commercially in 1976.
Catriona Shearer, Account Marketing and PR Specialist at W.L. Gore & Associates, said: “For 50 years, GORE-TEX products have set the standard for durable protection and responsible performance.
“The Lattice Works is our way of bringing that history to life. Opening our archive to the public lets fans discover the stories and innovations behind the products.”
The Lattice Works exhibition takes its name from Gore’s first retail store, opened in Newark in the US in 1983. The name was inspired by Gore’s lattice culture, built around connection and collaboration.
Members of the public will also be able to sign-up for complimentary product repairs via the GORE-TEX Gear repair station, available throughout Saturday (10am – 3.30pm) and Sunday (10am – 5pm).
In addition to the public exhibition, The Lattice Works will host a series of invite-only sessions for press, partners and industry guests, including an exclusive screening of ‘Going Further, Together’, GORE-TEX’s official 50th anniversary film, on the evening of Friday 2 October.
Then, from 6pm on Saturday 3 October, there will be an archive panel discussion with industry experts, including GORE-TEX Brand Archivist, Nedda Moqtaderi, Senior VP Brand and Product at Berghaus, Charlie Pym, founder of Greater Goods, Jaimus Tailor, Professor of Fashion Design at the University of Westminster, Professor Andrew Groves, and writer, creative and renowned outdoor clothing collector, Neil Summers.