Stamford College Fashion Students Explore Iconic "Costume Couture" at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum

Our Level 3 Fashion and Textiles students recently travelled to London for an immersive visit to the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey.

The trip centred around the acclaimed exhibition, “Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop,” which celebrates the incredible artistry behind some of the most famous period costumes in film and television. From the elegant gowns of Downton Abbey to the iconic tailoring seen in Peaky Blinders, our students were able to see firsthand the level of detail and historical accuracy required to bring characters to life on screen.

The Fashion and Textile Museum itself provided a fantastic backdrop for the day’s learning. Founded by the legendary British designer Zandra Rhodes, the museum is a world-renowned hub for contemporary design and textile innovation. 

The museum’s mission is to inspire the next generation of creatives, making it the perfect environment for our students to transition from classroom theory to professional-grade garment analysis.

During the visit, students studied the intricate construction techniques used by Cosprop, one of the world’s leading costume houses. By examining sketches, fabric swatches, and finished couture pieces, they gained valuable insight into how costume designers balance historical silhouettes with modern durability. 

The wealth of primary research gathered during this trip is now being funnelled into the students’ Final Major Projects. As they begin to design and construct their own unique collections for their end-of-year showcase, the technical skills and creative inspiration found at the museum will be instrumental. 

We are incredibly proud of how our students engaged with the professional industry and look forward to seeing their couture-inspired final pieces come to life!