The U.K.’s National Film and Television School (NFTS) has unveiled a new partnership with Angels Costumes and John Gore Studios to support the renowned college’s new costume course.
The two-year costume design for film and television postgraduate degree — developed in response to growing demand from across the screen industries for skilled costume designers, supervisors and department heads — will welcome its first cohort of 10 students in January.
Following the new partnership with Angel Costumes — the world’s longest-established professional costumiers, founded in 1840 and recently acquired by John Gore Studios — students will gain access to its expertise, resources and industry knowledge and given opportunities such as professional placements at its London headquarters. Students will also benefit from access to costumes and specialist resources to support NFTS productions they’re working on, with Angels supporting selected productions with costume hire and contributing to the course’s industry advisory panel.
The costume design course was announced earlier this year, alongside the appointment of three-time Oscar-winning costumer designer Sandy Powell as its ambassador. Powell has worked closely with the NFTS on the development of the course, helping shape a program the school says “reflects the creative, technical and leadership skills required of contemporary costume designers.” The NFTS also launched The Sandy Powell Scholarship to help ensure the training accessible to talent regardless of financial background.
Powell recently served as costume designer on “My Duchess,” directed by Mike Newell and starring Dame Joan Collins and Isabella Rossellini, and also the first major feature film from John Gore Studios.
“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,” said Jon Wardle, NFTS director. “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.”
Added John Gore, executive chairman of John Gore Studios: “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.”
Angels Costumes director Emma Angel said: “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.”dent for the duration of their two years of training.