The National Film and Television School is partnering with Angels Costumes and Angel’s new owners John Gore Studios, to help train the next generation of Costume Designers through the School’s new Costume Design for Film and Television MFA.
With its first cohort of 10 students due to start in January 2027, the two-year course has been developed in response to growing demand across the screen industries for highly skilled costume designers, supervisors and heads of department capable of leading costume departments across film and television productions.
Students will gain direct access to the expertise, resources and industry knowledge of Angels Costumes, the world’s longest-established professional costumiers. Founded in 1840, Angels has supported thousands of film, television and theatre productions and houses one of the largest costume collections and archives in the world.
The collaboration will provide NFTS students with opportunities to learn from industry practitioners, undertake professional placements at Angels HQ in North London and engage with the working practices of a leading costume house. Students will also benefit from access to costumes and specialist resources to support NFTS productions, with Angels supporting selected NFTS productions with costume hire and contributing to the course’s industry advisory panel, helping ensure the course curriculum is aligned with current professional practice.
The Costume Design MFA was announced earlier this year, alongside the appointment of three-time Academy Award – winning costumer designer Sandy Powell as Course Ambassador. Sandy has worked closely with the NFTS on the development of the course, helping to shape a programme that reflects the creative, technical and leadership skills required of contemporary costume designers.Sandy has enjoyed a long-standing professional relationship with Angels throughout her career. She also recently served as Costume Designer on My Duchess, the first major feature film from John Gore Studios, directed by Mike Newell and starring Dame Joan Collins and Isabella Rossellini.
In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the craft and to help ensure world class training is accessible to emerging talent regardless of financial background, as possible, the NFTS has launched The Sandy Powell Scholarship, which will support future students studying Costume Design.
The course will be housed within the new Cubby Broccoli Building at the NFTS’s Beaconsfield campus when it opens in January 2027. The building forms the centrepiece of the School’s £21million expansion, made possible through support from government and industry partners including John Gore Studios.
Jon Wardle, NFTS Director said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Angels Costumes and John Gore Studios on this exciting new course. Angels represents an extraordinary resource for aspiring costume designers, combining generations of craftsmanship, technical expertise and historical knowledge with an unrivalled archive that has supported some of the most celebrated productions in screen history. The involvement of both Sandy Powell and Angels brings together some of the most respected names in costume design and craft, creating an exceptional learning opportunity for future students. Through this partnership, students will gain invaluable insight into professional costume design while developing the creative, technical and leadership skills required to build successful careers in the industry.”
John Gore, Executive Chairman of John Gore Studios, said: “Costume design is one of the most important storytelling disciplines in film and television, combining artistry, craftsmanship and historical understanding to bring characters and worlds to life. Sandy Powell’s extraordinary career demonstrates the power of costume to shape cinematic storytelling, and we are delighted to support her role as Ambassador for the NFTS Costume Design MFA and the launch of The Sandy Powell Scholarship.
“Our acquisition of Angels was an acquisition by design – bringing together a storied institution whose influence extends far beyond film and theatre with a future-facing creative vision. This partnership is a natural extension of that vision, helping to preserve an extraordinary legacy while investing in the creative talent that will define the future of our industry.”
Hilary Strong, Chief Executive Officer of John Gore Studios, said: “By bringing together Sandy Powell’s expertise, the NFTS’ world-class training, the unparalleled craftsmanship and resources of Angels, and John Gore Studios’ commitment to the film and television industry, this partnership demonstrates the power of developing creative partnerships to provide new opportunities for the next generation.”
Emma Angel, Director of Angels Costumes, said: “For more than 180 years, Angels has supported the costume designers, makers and craftspeople whose work helps bring stories to life on screen and stage. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with the NFTS on this new Costume Design MFA, which represents an important investment in the future of our industry. The opportunity for students to learn from leading practitioners, gain hands-on production experience and engage with the wealth of knowledge, craftsmanship and history held within Angels is truly exciting. Sandy Powell has long been an inspiration to costume designers around the world, and her involvement as Ambassador brings an exceptional level of creative insight and industry leadership to the programme. Together with NFTS and the support of John Gore Studios, we look forward to helping nurture the next generation of costume designers and ensuring that the skills, artistry and expertise at the heart of costume design continue to thrive for years to come.”
The NFTS Costume Design for Film and Television MFA will welcome its first cohort of students in January 2027. Applications are currently open. Aspiring Costume Designers are encouraged to apply for The Sandy Powell Scholarship, which will provide financial support to an outstanding student for the duration of their two years of training.
Photo credit: Kato Boels
Pippa Considine
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