Both you and Manolo Blahnik call Bath home. Why does the city hold such appeal to fashion folk? The city has always been a fashionable destination. In the 18th century, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire said: “We come to Bath to get away from London and the whole of London comes to Bath.” As a teenager in the 1970s, I read about London’s art/fashion set in the gossip column of Ritz newspaper and how they would party in Bath. The city seduces creative people.
What are your favourite Bath haunts?
The Saturday Walcot Street market has a mix of bric-a-brac, antiques, clothes and records. My favourite clothes stall belongs to Suzanne. She has the odd Ossie Clark dress alongside tremendous army surplus. The Vintage Market at Green Park Station can also turn up some gems, and Vogue To Vintage is a must for retro fashion. Of course, the Fashion Museum is one of my favourite haunts, as is the Holburne Museum. Its dynamic glass and ceramic extension is a symbol for the city – embedded in its rich past and yet forward-looking. I like to sit in the cafe and watch the seasons change in the one-time Pleasure Gardens.
What makes Bath in Fashion different from other fashion festivals?
Bath in Fashion celebrates fashion in all its forms, from retail to haute couture, social, cultural and historical. Fashion is much more than just frocks! The event attracts experts, from designers to commentators, makers and artists, who all share a love of fashion and are excited to share their passions.
What’s so special about the Fashion Museum’s Dress of the Year?
Each year, a fashion expert picks a designer outfit that embodies the moment. This began in 1963 with Mary Quant and includes all fashion’s leading names, from Alexander McQueen (smokescreen “wedding dresses” for the 2011 royal wedding) to Versace (as worn by J-Lo at the Grammys). This year’s selector is stylist and LOVE editor Katie Grand. I can’t wait to find out which designer she has nominated.
You will discuss your new book with Lou Stoppard of SHOWstudio during Bath in Fashion 2015. Tell us about the book and the inspiration behind it?
The book showcases a collection of over 300 fashion show invitations and associated ephemera (show notes, programmes and odd gifts). To coincide with the publication of the book I have curated an exhibition at Somerset House (until 22 March) that showcases the objects featured in the book. I have also collaborated with fashion retailer Jigsaw to design a unique Fashion On Tour T-shirt and bag, along with a set of New York, London, Milan, Paris badges inspired by trips to the international collections.
Bath in Fashion - highlights
Celebrated designers, influential writers and style pundits are heading to Bath in Fashion (21-29 March) to discuss and debate, celebrate and champion the world of fashion. In partnership with Jolly’s department store, one of the oldest department stores in Europe, the week offers talks, catwalk shows, hands-on knitting and jewellery workshops, fashion films, a vintage fashion fair and exhibitions. Front-row guests include designers Anna Sui, Roksanda Ilincic (pictured) and Holly Fulton, plus super-blogger Susie Lau. Style.com editor-at-large Tim Blanks will discuss the work of Alexander McQueen with Grazia’s Susannah Frankel. Embellishment is a theme as The Royal School of Needlework discusses embellishing fashion and tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta talks about embellishing bodies.
Bath offers a leading fashion design course at Bath Spa University and is home to a world-class Fashion Museum – as befits one of the most stylish and elegant cities in Europe.
For more information on planning your trip to Bath, see visitbath.co.uk
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