Archives

One of the great things I experienced on my most recent trip to see suppliers in Europe was an opportunity to look through some of their Archival collections. The Thomas Mason Archive at Albini Group in Italy was an incredible resource and history of men’s shirting spanning 2 centuries. Liberty Fabric has an equally impressive collection.

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has always been a great place for designers to go to draw inspiration and late last year they opened the Clothworkers Centre.

The Museum holds one of the most important collections of textiles and fashion in the world, ranging from archaeological textiles to contemporary haute couture. The Clothworkers' Centre has been opened as a dedicated facility to study, conserve, and store the textiles and fashion collection.

Based at Blythe House in Kensington Olympia, the new Centre brings the V&A's extensive textiles and fashion collection together under one roof, providing appropriate storage to enhance the long-term care of the collection. It really is an incredible resource.