How design collaboration, networks, and narratives contributed to the establishment of a recognized English couture industry in the 1930s and 1940s. In the 1930s and 1940s, English fashion houses, spurred by economic and wartime crises, put London on the map as a major fashion city. In this book, Michelle Jones examines the creation of a London-based couture industry during these years, exploring how designer collaboration and the construction of specific networks and narratives supported and shaped the English fashion economy. Haute couture—the practice of creative made-to-measure womenswear—was widely regarded as inherently French. Jones shows how an English version emerged during a period of economic turbulence, when a group of designers banded together in a collective effort to shift power within the international fashion system. Jones considers the establishment of this form of English design practice, analyzing the commercial, social, and political factors that shaped the professional identity of the London couturiers. She focuses on collaborative activity that supported this form of elite, craft-based fashion production—from the prewar efforts of the Fashion Group of Great Britain to the wartime establishment of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers, modeled loosely after French fashion’s governing body, the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. It was these collective efforts by couturiers that established and sustained London’s place as an internationally recognized center for creative fashion.

Learn how fashion developed in Britain from the early 1970s, when designer fashion scarcely existed, to the present day, when London ranks alongside Paris, New York and Milan as a global fashion capital.

This book examines the emergence of modern working-class youth culture through the perspective of an urban history of post-war Britain, with a particular focus on the influence of young people and their culture on Britain’s self-image as a country emerging from the constraints of its post-Victorian, imperial past. Each section of the book – Society, City, Pop, and Space – considers in detail the ways in which working-class youth culture corresponded with a fast-changing metropolitan and urban society in the years following the decline of the British Empire. Was teenage culture rooted in the urban experience and the transformation of working-class neighbourhoods? Did youth subcultures emerge simply as a reaction to Britain's changing racial demographic? To what extent did leisure venues and institutions function as laboratories for a developing British pop culture, which ultimately helped Britain re-establish its prominence on the world stage? These questions and more are answered in this book.

A stunning exploration of fashion's premier art form with internationally renowned illustrator Megan Hess. Hundreds of hours, many expert hands and unimaginable metres of fabric: couture is truly wearable art, where creativity and craftsmanship collide. Megan Hess has spent her career documenting fashion's most beautiful people, places and pieces. In The Illustrated World of Couture, she brings to life its most important - and intriguing - art form, with fascinating insights and exceptional illustrations. Worn by only a handful of people worldwide, couture still has incredible influence, even beyond the traditional boundaries of fashion. In this unique collection, follow Megan through the intricate details, multifaceted inspirations and dramatic shows that define the couture experience. Let her introduce you to the generations of creators who conceive and craft these fantastical garments, and the collectors who treasure them. And travel with her to the exclusive ateliers and glamorous events of the world's fashion capitals to see how couture is both designed and displayed. Megan Hess invites you to discover The Illustrated World of Couture in this essential volume for all fashion devotees.

Fashion deals with a world of illusion on the one hand and a hard-bitten, multifaceted and multi-billion pound industry on the other. This stimulating book clarifies how fashion operates on all its levels: the mystery of haute couture is explained, the complexities of ready to wear are simplified, and the power of mass production assessed and evaluated. Fashion terms, their use and meaning are explained in plain words and the complicated stages of design, manufacture and distribution are described in detail. Also included are sections on bespoke tailoring, wholesale menswear, dressmaking, millinery and accessories, the fashion calendar and short biographies on the most influential designers. Every follower of fashion, whether at college or in big business, will welcome the information presented in this book.

The first book to consider the subject, Wholesale Couture: London and Beyond, 1930-70 seeks to revise the notion that wholesale couturiers were simply copyists and demonstrate the complexities of their design processes and business strategies. This term has fallen out of usage; however, it was used to describe the pinnacle of the British ready-to-wear fashion industry between the 1930s and 1960s. Companies within this sector have typically been recognised as creators of high-quality copies of French haute couture, using ready-to-wear techniques. Liz Tregenza traces wholesale couture garments from concept to usage, considering design, manufacture, branding, promotion, retail and export. She looks beyond the garments produced and investigates the people behind these firms, consequently demonstrating the significant role that largely Jewish immigrants played in the development and success of this industry. The book also considers the wider social and economic factors that affected manufacturers and consumers; the effect of austerity, rationing and the Utility scheme, and the pressing need for wholesale couturiers to export their products internationally. It demonstrates that 1946 was a critical year for re-building and re-imagining the London fashion industry and that wholesale couturiers were at the centre of these developments. Furthermore, it reveals the impact of changing consumer purchasing power, including the burgeoning youth market, for fashion manufacturers. Offering a new perspective on British fashion history, Wholesale Couture demonstrates that these couturiers were vital in cementing London's status as a ready-to-wear fashion centre.

Design as Future-Making brings together leading international designers, scholars, and critics to address ways in which design is shaping the future. The contributors share an understanding of design as a practice that, with its focus on innovation and newness, is a natural ally of futurity. Ultimately, the choices made by designers are understood here as choices about the kind of world we want to live in. Design as Future-Making locates design in a space of creative and critical reflection, examining the expanding nature of practice in fields such as biomedicine, sustainability, digital crafting, fashion, architecture, urbanism, and design activism. The authors contextualize design and its affects within issues of social justice, environmental health, political agency, education, and the right to pleasure and play. Collectively, they make the case that, as an integrated mode of thought and action, design is intrinsically social and deeply political.

The World of Fashion, 5th Edition is the essential resource for students seeking to understand the fashion industry. Starting with an introduction to fashion's history and its evolving role within the global marketplace, this book provides in-depth coverage of the design, manufacturing and merchandising segments of the fashion industry.

An illuminating introduction to the expanding influence of fashion from the perspectives of design, technology, sustainability, and business Fashion matters for the economy, to society, and to each of us personally. Faster than anything else, what we wear tells the story of who we are—or who we want to be. It is the most immediate form of self-expression. Yet even as fashion touches the lives of each and every one of us, its influence and the vast creative industry that it supports can seem mysterious to outsiders. In Why Fashion Matters Frances Corner, Head of London College of Fashion, guides readers into the dizzying world of this rapidly expanding, increasingly global, always exciting industry. In provocative and intriguing entries, Corner teases out the glorious intricacies and contradictions of an industry that simultaneously values technology and craft; timeless style and fast fashion; the bespoke and the mass-market; consumption and sustainability; cold, hard numbers; and creative expression. From “Shop 'til We Drop” to “The White Shirt” to “The One Trillion Dollar Business” each entry offers a unique avenue into fashion and its impact, both positive and negative, on lives around the globe.

Get ready to be swept away by the captivating allure of London, the majestic capital of the United Kingdom. Are you eager to explore its iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in its rich history, and indulge in its vibrant culture? Look no further, as we present to you the ultimate London travel guide, your passport to an extraordinary adventure. Discover London's Hidden Gems. Venture into the heart of the city and explore its diverse neighborhoods. Lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of Central London, where historic landmarks and modern marvels coexist in perfect harmony. Experience the vibrant markets of Camden Town. Stroll through the quaint streets of Notting Hill. Immerse yourself in the artistic vibes and street food scene of Shoreditch. And experience the elegance and royal connections of Kensington and Chelsea. Iconic Landmarks and Architectural Marvels. Prepare to be awe-inspired by London's iconic landmarks. Stand in awe before Buckingham Palace. Explore the medieval fortress and behold the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. Marvel at the Houses of Parliament and the resounding chimes of Big Ben. And ascend to new heights at The Shard for panoramic skyline views. Cultural Hotspots and Museums. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of London. Step into the world of art, history, and artifacts at the British Museum. Indulge in contemporary art at the Tate Modern. Dive into the realm of design and decorative arts at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Unearth the wonders of natural history at the captivating Natural History Museum. And admire masterpieces at the prestigious National Gallery. Immerse in London's Music and Entertainment Scene. Experience the pulsating beat of London's music and entertainment scene. Attend world-class concerts and events at the O2 Arena. Be enchanted by classical music at the Royal Albert Hall. Lose yourself in the magic of West End theaters. And explore London's vibrant nightlife with its pubs, bars, and clubs. Sporting Excellence and Outdoor Adventures. Visit Wembley Stadium, the home of English football. Explore Emirates Stadium, the iconic football ground of Arsenal. Engage in sports tours, whether it's cricket at Lord's or tennis at Wimbledon. And when you're craving outdoor adventures, London's parks, river Thames cruises, and sports facilities offer endless possibilities. Shopping, Dining, and Gastronomic Delights. Indulge in a world-class shopping experience on Oxford Street. Explore the vibrant Covent Garden. Uncover vintage treasures and antiques in Notting Hill. Delight your senses at Borough Market, a foodie paradise. And savor the flavors of the East End in Brick Lane. Day Trips from London. Visit Windsor Castle, a royal residence steeped in history. Marvel at the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge. Discover the historic university city of Oxford. And experience the charm of Cambridge with its punting on the river Cam. London beckons with its endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Let our London travel guide be your companion as you unravel the wonders of this mesmerizing city. Get ready for a journey of a lifetime!