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! :)

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Daydreaming of a career in fashion?

Have I mentioned how fashion obsessed I am? I am constantly researching the latest trends, shopping for the perfect outfit, and swooning over designer labels and haute couture. My mind seems to always wander away from the current task at hand to visions of tailored shift dresses, daring high heels, and sparkly jewels.

If you fancy fashion as much as I do you must also be dreaming of a career in the fashion industry. And I have just the thing for you to help you pursue your fashion fantasy: The London Fashion Foundation Diploma.

If you’re ambitious and want to work in the fashion industry, then this unique, high quality and affordable fashion course is the course to help you confirm your career ambitions and full potential.



Based at Newham College’s fashion production workshops and the Fashion and Textile Museum in central London, the London Fashion Foundation Diploma is a one year intensive fashion experience that will develop your core analytical, creative and technical fashion skills. The course will also help you increase your understanding of the fashion industry, allow you to gain specialist expertise and knowledge, and support you in making your first steps towards a successful career within the industry.
The diploma at a glance

 The diploma will allow you to specialise in the following disciplines; Menswear, Womenswear, Accessories and Styling (Fashion Branding and Identity)
 You will build an individual portfolio of fashion work tailored to your future career ambitions.
 You will receive regular advice and guidance regarding UCAS applications and the interview process
 A high level of teaching and expertise guidance from industry experts and practitioners.
 Learning will be undertaken in a variety of ways including visits to museums and exhibitions, master classes, lectures and presentations from industry experts






Due to demand limited numbers of students will be enrolled on the London Fashion Foundation Diploma. To become one of them, contact us now!

For further information check out our facebook page or contact Chris Hall by phone (020 8522 5727) or email (chris.hall@newham.ac.uk) to arrange an interview.


Make your dreams come true!

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Shop@FTM: Suicide Blonde

If you haven't visited the Shop@FTM you are missing out on some beautiful merchandise.

Our featured designer this week is Suicide Blonde, a London based company started by Estelle Lordonne, specializing in high-end, handmade leather accessories.

Check out their vintage inspired, edgy, and cool pieces that would spice up anyone’s accessory collection. Perfect for casual, everyday or a night out to remember clubbing.






Suicide Blonde features coin purses, wallets, handbags, holdalls, weekender bags, and laptop cases. Check their website out and come pick up your new favourite accessory at the Shop@FTM! Better hurry in!

Monday 11 July 2011

Special Event: In Conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Everest


Thursday, July 14 · 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Our exhibition's guest curator Timothy Everest worked with Tommy Nutter. What many people don't know is that he was interviewed for that job by his now wife, Catherine, who was Tommy Nutter's PR person at the time.

Please join us for this light-hearted evening and hear tales and anecdotes of the London scene at that time from Mr and Mrs Everest and how Nutters was at the heart of what was going on with its celebrity clients and rock and roll appeal.



Spaces are limited and filling up quickly! Therefore, advance booking is strongly recommended.
To book your place, call the FTM on 020 7407 8664 or pay online at http://www.ftmlondon.org/events/


Cost: £12 / £9 concessions, including a glass of wine

I hope to see you there!

Wednesday 6 July 2011

Calling all 16 to 19 year old fashionistas! FREE courses designed just for you!


Hello fellow fashionistas! The FTM and Newham College is holding their LAST 2010/11 session for FREE* Fashion Fusion Courses for 16 to 19 year olds. You DO NOT want to miss out on this fun and fashionable experience. Classes are popular and spaces are filling up quickly, so please snag your spot now!

There are 5 chic courses to choose from, including Fashion Career and Fashion Media!Due to the overwhelming demand, we can only offer one free course per student**, so pick one that’s perfect for you!

Fashion Career
Sat 16 & Sat 23 July, 10am-3.30pm
Mon 25 - Tues 26 July, 10am-3.30pm (FULLY BOOKED)
Wed 27 - Thurs 28 July, 10am-3.30pm
Due to popular demand we are running additional Fashion Career Courses this summer. The world of fashion is exciting, fast-paced and competitive. If you are interested in a career in fashion and want to find out what it really involves, this course is for you. This course will provide you with up-to-date information about working in fashion and will help you develop your abilities towards a successful fashion career.


Fashion Photoshop
Mon 25 - Tues 26 July, 10am-3.30pm
Learn how to use Photoshop from the beginning and produce a mini-collection of fashion designs. Photoshop is widely used by fashion designers – with Photoshop it’s quick to develop lots of different ideas, style variations and colourways. This introductory course will develop your fashion creativity and IT skills.

Fashion Collection
Wed 27 - Thurs 28 July, 10am-3.30pm(FULLY BOOKED)
Work with professional fashion designers to design your own ‘capsule collection’ to a given brief. The creative ideas you produce during the first part of the course will then be developed using IT to produce a range of fashion designs with different colourways and style variations

Fashion Sketchbook
Fri 29 - Sat 30 July, 10am-3.30pm(FULLY BOOKED)
This practical drawing course will develop your creativity and understanding of fashion by introducing different drawing techniques and media. You will produce a sketchbook of research drawings and studies that will inspire the development of your own fashion design solutions


Fashion Media
Fri 29 - Sat 30 July, 10am-3.30pm
Design your very own fashion magazine! We are all interested in the latest fashion news and look, and fashion magazines are big business. This fun IT course will introduce some of the different software used in fashion journalism, and you will learn how to create your own fashion magazine cover






You better act quickly, my darlings! I wouldn't want you to miss the opportunity of a lifetime! You can download the application on our website at http://ftmlondon.org/academy/business/training/detail/?ID=185
and start dreaming of your future posh lifestyle today!




*Courses available at no cost to those aged between 16 and 18 on 31 August 2010. Non-attendance may incur a cancellation fee. Proof of ID including age will be required.
**Students may only attend one free Fashion Fusion course per academic year. Additional courses cost £100

Tuesday 5 July 2011

Mad for Plaid

Tommy Nutter must have gone mad for plaid when desining this ensemble. But I beleive this quirky get-up would be the talk of London Town in 1975.

Plaid Jacket with Patchwork Vest, 1975
Plaid wool jacket and wool patchwork vest
Loaned by Neil Sedaka


The two peices could be worn fabulously either apart or together. Wouldn't the patchwork colors and patterns on the vest look charming with a light blue oxford shirt, navy trousers, and brown loafers? Helloooo handsome! Even with two complex patterns on the jacket, the neutral colors make it a staple in any stylish gentlemen's fall wardrobe.

This Tommy Nutter masterpeice may even inspire me to invest in something plaid and patchwork for my man! Come stop by FTM to decide how you would wear it!

Saturday 2 July 2011

Mind the Gap Y'all!

Hello hello! I’m Landis, the new social media intern for the Fashion and Textile Museum. There’s a lot happening here at the FTM and we need some help getting the word out.

I’m a southern girl from the University of Georgia (in a land far far away -- actually only 8 miserable hours on a plane) itching to get my hands dirty in the marketing and fashion industries.




I just started with the FTM, and I am excited to help expand their use of social media to alert more people about what the FTM offers. Of course I don’t exactly know where to start and need your help. Most importantly, visit the Fashion and Textile Museum if you have any interest in fashion, textiles or jewellery!

We’ll be utilizing Facebook, Twitter, and maybe a couple of blogs – but be sure to send me your ideas. Mind the gap y’all, I’m about to blow up your newsfeed.

I may not be a city girl, but boy do I love fashion -- anything and everything about it. The FTM is the perfect place to take a peek into contemporary fashion exhibits, learn more about the fashion industry by taking a FTM-sponsored workshop, or shop the FTM store for collections from up and coming designers. There’s even a great little restaurant (The Teapod) serving up a vibrant menu of goodies throughout the day. You should taste their quiches, they are always sooo good Have I mentioned I love working here yet?

The FTM is located in the coolest building right in the middle of fashionable Bermondsey Village. The building was designed by Ricardo Legorreta and is painted pink, orange, and blue – capturing the flavour of the area.




Our current exhibition should not be missed- Tommy Nutter: Rebel on the Row. The exhibit displays Nutter’s unique style and Edward Sexton’s tailoring of glamorous suits. Ladies and young, handsome British gentlemen come take a look (and meet me while you’re here)!