BRITISH CLOTHING DESIGNERS

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Photo by iqons / Wikimedia Commons

BRITISH FASHION: HISTORICALLY
Historically, until the 1960s, London was the fashion underdog to Paris, but still, even during those early years, Savile Row always kept London on the fashion map.  Savile Row, the London street housing the nation's most impeccable and expensive  bespoke tailors, has been--and continues to be--a destination for clothing of distinction.  


BRITISH FASHION: 1960s
London finally stepped into the limelight in the 1960s.  "Swinging London," became the epicenter of modern culture.  Boutiques on Carnaby Street and King's Road in Chelsea dished up hip, counterculture styles--and British models Twiggy ("The Queen of Mod") and Jean Shrimpton ("The Face of the '60s") wore the clothing.  

Of particular note, British designer Mary Quant helped introduce the mini skirt, and British designer Tommy Nutter (of conservative Savile Row, no less!) introduced bell-bottom pants.  When Nutter began serving the likes of Mick Jagger, Bianca Jagger, and Elton John, the rest of Seville Row took notice.  Many followed suit  and updated their offerings, often times fusing modern with traditional, but always retaining the highest quality.  


BRITISH FASHION: 1970s
In the 70s, two British Designers became household names: Vivienne Westwood, and her polar opposite, Laura Ashley.

Vivienne Westwood began her career by catering to the Punk subculture.  She designed "alternative" clothing, incorporating safety pins, razor blades, chains, spiked dog collars, and other such paraphernalia, and sold it at her boutique, SEX, on King's Road.  She soon became a Punk icon--on both sides of the pond.  (Yet more cultural cachet: Sid Vicious once worked at her clothing shop.)   As Vivienne's styles evolved, she also became a darling of the runway crowd.  This highly creative British designer, of working class origins, now has work in London's world famous Victoria and Albert Museum.  Find V&A's links about Vivienne HERE and HERE.   

Meanwhile, as Vivienne sold spikes and razor blades, Laura Ashley, a Welch designer, produced lovely, tradition fabrics, replete with floral graphics, and oftentimes, ruffles.  Her clothing and household fabrics (from wallpaper to blouses, and most things in between) are reminiscent of Victorian times, English gardens, and good manners.  Designs that suggest all things genteel and traditional.  
 

BRITISH FASHION: TODAY
Today, many clothing designers hail from Britain, with Stella McCartney (Sir Paul's daughter) being a particular darling of the fashion world.  Listed below are some of the major British fashion designers with links to their sites, where you can see current designs.

See Stella McCartney's Fall/Winter 2017-2018 collection!
TOP BRITISH CLOTHING COMPANIES & RETAILERS
OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS: 
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge: Photo Gallery

This photo gallery contains 76 of Kate's most dazzling looks--from jeans to formals.  Breathtaking! 
SEE PHOTOS HERE
HRH Queen Elizabeth, a style icon? Really?

Well, yes--it's true!  The queen has had a memorable wardrobe over the years.  Check out this slideshow to see for yourself.  I had forgotten just how lovely the youthful queen was.   SEE SLIDESHOW HERE
Staying Abreast of British Fashions

To stay up-to-date with British fashions, follow the British Fashion Council on its Youtube channel.  The organization's mission is to promote British fashion designers, and it  organizes the twice-yearly London Fashion Week.

VIDEO: HIGHLIGHTS FROM LONDON FASHION WEEK, FEB. 2017
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