Tuesday 26 July 2011

5 Day Courses

Who doesn't love handbags and shoes? Because I clearly cannot buy enough of either. You know what would be a dream come true... to design my own!

The FTM is hosting two 5-day introductory courses in handbag and shoe design in August.

Each class is an affordable £195 but will be a priceless experience. Spaces are limited, so sign up now! To book your place, call the FTM on 020 7407 8664 or pay online


Introduction to Handbag Design
August 15-19, 10:00-16:00
This one week course provides the opportunity to learn about the handbag design process - from sketching out your ideas, to choosing materials, to designing a range of bags and finally producing your own handbag block.

This is an excellent opportunity to use your ideas and skills under the tutoring of Ann Saunders, who has extensive experience in the fashion industry. As design co-ordinator for Laura Ashley she specialised in accessories and was also responsible for styling, arranging shoots, staging fashion shows and the mail order catalogue. Anne is also a visiting lecturer at the London College of Fashion and runs her own accessories company.




Introduction to Designing Shoes
August 22-26, 10:00-16:00
We all love shoes- but where do all those fabulous styles come from?
This introductory course takes you through the fascinating history of footwear from the bejewelled pumps of Elizabeth I to the bejewelled pumps of Jimmy Choo.

We will look at how shoes are made and learn how to design and illustrate our own ideas. The course ends with a practical design exercise following the stages taken by professional designers to produce a range of shoes. This will include illustrations and 3D mock-ups. Lead by Chris Hill who has been designing shoes for over twenty years, some of her students are now household names – Jimmy Choo, Emma Hope and Patrick Cox.

Monday 25 July 2011

Wedding Bell Swoon

If you know me at all, you know I am addicted to wedding blogs. From my hours spent clicking through pages of 5-tiered wedding cakes and embossed invitations, I already know I want peony and hydrangea bouquets, 3 bridesmaids in tea length dresses, and Veuve Clicquot champagne served in crystal flutes at my reception. Dream big right? And yes, I might be a tad ahead of myself. But one thing I have not nailed down is the wedding dress. Oh and Mr. Right…

What about something vintage inspired?

A traditional black tailcoat with gray and black pinstriped pants for him?

And a flowy ivory organza gown with delicate pleats for me?




Just like Christopher Vane Percy’s classic morning suit designed by Tommy Nutter and Lady Linda Grosvenor’s ethereal dress by Zandra Rhodes when they were married at the Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair in 1973.

Come visit the FTM to see this match made in heaven wedding ensemble, and, if you like, we can chat about cake flavours and party favours over tea at Teapod.

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Freeload Accessories

This week our featured designer is Freeload Accessories. The creation of London designer Debbie MacPherson, is a line of fine leather bags and accessories. Everything is crafted with love in East London out of supple Italian leather.

The Shop@FTM is the only boutique where you can purchase these luxurious leather goods.

I have been gushing over the brand new i-Pad case (although I have no i-Pad, hint hint), and have seriously dreamt about the Carly Luxury Shopper bag in camel (another hint…when’s my birthday again?).





Come stop by the Shop@FTM and I bet you won’t leave without splurging on one of Freeload Accessories’ gorgeous pieces.

Tuesday 19 July 2011

Vintage@Southbank

Following our success at last years Vintage@Goodwood Festival, the Fashion and Textile Museum will be setting up a pop-up shop in the vintage village marketplace as part of the Vintage@Southbank Festival. We are so excited to participate again! The designers coming along with us include:

Beyond Fabrics
Catherine Hammerton
CLEAR
FrillybyLily
Michelle Lowe-Holder

We will also be taking a fabulous selection of the books we stock in the Shop@FTM and some of our vintage inspired Horrockses products.

Vintage at South Bank will be held Friday, July 29th through Sunday, July 31st. There will be music, dancing, film, art, fashion, and much much more. This mod party is not to be missed! Order your tickets here! And be sure to stop by the FTM pop-up shop! Hope to see you there!

Models in Horrockses Fashions from last year's Vintage@Goodwood

Monday 18 July 2011

Excuse me Sir...

Excuse me Sir Elton John, but who designed that dashing suit?! Tommy Nutter of course!




The black and white jacket, trousers, and bow tie were a key look in his 1984 “I’m Still Standing Tour.” And he could not have looked more dapper. Nutter produced a whole iconic wardrobe of suits for Sir John’s tour. Check out Elton sporting Tommy Nutter’s two-toned masterpiece singing one of my favorites “Bennie and the Jets” live at Wembley Arena.

Friday 15 July 2011

A special offer for our followers

Do you love Tommy Nutter? Because we sure do here at the FTM, and we would love for you to come see the exhibit this Saturday!


For one day only – this Saturday 6th July – we will offer half price tickets to all followers that come to the museum and mention the password "I LOVE TOMMY NUTTER!"

Can't wait to see of your beautiful faces!

Thursday 14 July 2011

Hey you! Yeah, you!

I've got secret for you....

Be sure to check our facebook, twitter, and blog tomorrow because we have something special coming your way!

Be sure to tell all of your friends! :)