Tuesday 7 October
9.00-10.00pm BBC TWO
BBC Two flies the flag for British fashion design in a major new five-part documentary series this October.
A landmark series for BBC Two, British Style Genius takes a fascinating look at what makes British fashion and style so distinctive – and so influential.
In Paris, one of the most important couture houses is headed up by a Brit - John Galliano. In Tokyo, Paul Smith and Savile Row are the touchstone of gentlemanly style. And around the world British fashion icon Kate Moss stares out from magazine covers and billboards.
Across five one-hour programmes, British Style Genius examines the looks and trends that have come to define British style, from the high street to high-end couture, from bespoke tailoring to street style, from fashion rebels to traditionalist Sloanes.
We meet the designers and models, the stylists and stars, the retail movers and shakers, who together have created a major industry.
The British look is eclectic, a mix of tradition and transgression, as much inspired by the consumer as by the catwalk.
From the glamour and artifice of high fashion to the cutting edge creativity of street style, British Style Genius covers it all with the help of contributions from among others: Kate Moss and Twiggy, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander MacQueen, Michael Caine and Roger Moore, Paul Smith and Oswald Boetang, Philip Green and Stuart Rose.
British Style Genius - Episode 1: A Fashion Democracy – The High Street Look
15 Sep
Posted by admin as Episodes
“The British do have a style genius. I think we have some of the best designers in the world. We changed the way fashion was in the 1960s. We have some of the best high street stores in the world. And there should be a programme celebrating it.” Twiggy, in British Style Genius
British Style Genius begins by telling the story of the story of British High Street Fashion, in which fashion icon Kate Moss makes a rare TV appearance whilst working on her new line of clothes for the British High Street. Read the rest of this entry »
British Style Genius - Episode 2: A Cut Above - The Tailored Look
15 Sep
Posted by admin as Episodes
British tailoring – from Savile Row to Paul Smith and Tommy Nutter to Ozwald Boateng - goes under the fashion-spotlight in the second film of British Style Genius.
A Cut Above delves into the history of tailoring and Savile Row, tracing its roots in military and aristocratic dress, featuring contributions from: Paul Smith; Ozwald Boeteng; Timothy Everest; Michael Caine; Roger Moore; Edward Sexton; John Pearse; Twiggy; Salman Rushdie; and Richard James. Read the rest of this entry »
British Style Genius - Episode 3: Breaking The Rules - The Fashion Rebel Look
15 Sep
Posted by admin as Episodes
Breaking The Rules celebrates the 1976 punk fashion revolution instigated by Vivienne Westwood.
In London the unique collision of art schools, nightclubs, street style and multiculturalism forged a microcosm of radical fashion cultures and a new creative expression in clothing had begun.
Westwood was the trailblazer in the “rebel” look. This episode features key figures associated with that look including Vivienne Westwood; John Galliano; Alexander McQueen; Malcolm McLaren; Siouxsie Sue; and Stephen Jones. Read the rest of this entry »
British Style Genius - Episode 4: By Royal Appointment - The Country Look
15 Sep
Posted by admin as Episodes
By Royal Appointment examines the essence of classic country clothing - embodied throughout modern history by the Royal family. From Queen Victoria to King Edward VIII to our current Head of State, HM Queen Elizabeth II.
As sported by the royal family, it is a quintessential British style which continues to influence fashion designers around the globe.
Traditional “country” clothing is full of class connotations but it also transcends them to become a symbol of a certain kind of British spirit.
Garments are practical, durable and perfectly designed to deal with the ever changing British weather.
From the waxed jacket, to tweed and floral - these British staples are constantly being redesigned for modern fashionistas.
As the doyenne of fashion journalists, Suzy Menkes says, “the love of floral is an entirely British thing.” Read the rest of this entry »
British Style Genius - Episode 5: Loud and Proud - The Street Look
15 Sep
Posted by admin as Episodes
It is often said that British style is restrained and conservative. Over 50 years our street styles have proved that theory to be a cosy myth.
Teds, Mods, Skinheads, casuals and chavs have created a tradition that is loud, proud and in your face.
The final episode of British Style Genius explores the styles created on the street, for the street.
It explores these extraordinary style sects and their passionate desire to impress, to show off and to self express.
The film considers the emergence of the Ted. The look was edgy, dangerous, disrespectful, brazen and uniquely British; and even though its origins lay in the posh post war Edwardian revival the style was seized on by some of the poorest kids in Britain and turned into something that oozed sweat and sex. Read the rest of this entry »
This major landmark series looks at what makes British fashion and style so distinctive – and so influential. Brits such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen now head up exclusive Parisian couture houses. In Tokyo, Paul Smith and Savile Row are the touchstone of gentlemanly style. And around the world British fashion icon Kate Moss stares out from magazine covers and billboards.
British Style Genius examines the looks and trends that have come to define British style, from the high street to high-end couture; from bespoke tailoring to street cool; from fashion rebels to traditionalist Sloanes. The series features the designers and models, the stylists and stars, the retail movers and shakers, who together have created a major industry.
The British look is eclectic, a mix of tradition and transgression, as much inspired by the consumer as by the catwalk. From the glamour and artifice of high fashion to the cutting edge creativity of street style, British Style Genius covers it all with the help of contributions from, among others: Kate Moss and Twiggy, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, Michael Caine and Roger Moore, Paul Smith and Ozwald Boateng, Philip Green and Stuart Rose. A dedicated website, with content that will reflect and enhance the series, will also be available.
