Fashion in Motion: Hardy Amies
April 2006
Fashion in Motion is a series of live catwalk events presented at the V&A. Featuring some of the greatest designers of our time, Fashion in Motion brings catwalk couture to a wider audience by modelling it against the beautiful backdrop of the Museum.
Hardy Amies, the great English couture house celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
The company was founded by an extraordinary man, the late Sir Hardy Amies. Although best known for being Queen Elizabeth II's official dressmaker for 50 years, his impact on fashion history extends far beyond society dressing. In his application of menswear tailoring techniques to the female form, Hardy Amies was among the first to practise 'power dressing'.
Hardy Amies was also one fo the founders of ready-to-wear clothing for men. In 1961, he made fashion history by staging the first men's ready-to-wear catwalk shows, at the Ritz Hotel in London.
Following Sir Hardy's retirement in 2001, his protégé Ian Garlant inherited the title of Creative Director, giving both continuity and a new impetus to the house.
The strength of Hardy Amies' style continues to grow, with Garlant's refurbishment of 14 Savile Row, the creation of the new Eau de Parfum for women and the development of the latest couture, bespoke and ready-to-wear collections for men and women. Work has also begun again on designs for home furnishings.
Hardy Amies is now one of Britain's only true couture houses, with garments designed, made, shown and sold at 14 Savile Row.
British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age
31 March–12 August 2012
Showcasing over 300 British design objects, this exhibition celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘Austerity Games' to the summer of 2012.
More detailsShop online
Motion Blur 2: Multidimensional Moving Imagemakers
A celebration of the new generation of filmmakers who are exploring the evolving possibilities of motion graphics, broadcast design, digital film effects and animation.
Buy nowEvent - Henry Holland
Fri 23 March 2012 19:00
EVENING TALK: Discover fashion designer Henry Holland's London look which is constantly inspired by the variety of cultures, attitudes and mindsets that exist in the capital. Now firmly established on the international fashion scene, he discusses his ideas and recent work.
Book online
