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Fashion Design
Thomas, Ian, born 1929 - died 1993 - Enlarge image
Fashion Design
- Object:
Fashion Design
- Place of origin:
london (Likely, as Ian Thomas' couturier business was in Belgravia, made)
- Date:
20th century (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Thomas, Ian, born 1929 - died 1993 (maker)
- Materials and Techniques:
Drawn in pencil and ink then coloured in gouache, notes written in ink
- Credit Line:
Given in memory of Mr Ian Thomas by his executors
- Museum number:
E.2835-2016
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, room 503, case FD, shelf 8
Ian Thomas is most well known for having been the Queen’s dress designer for over 20 years until his early death in 1992. Born in Oxford in 1929, he went onto study fashion at Oxford College of Art. On graduating in 1952, he worked as an assistant designer to Norman Hartnell, where he worked on Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation robes.
After 17 years working for Hartnell, Thomas opened his own couture business in Lowndes Street, Belgravia, in 1969. Under his own label he dressed many members of the royal family, notably making day and evening clothes for the Queen. Thomas was awarded a Royal Warrant as dressmaker in 1973. His success, according to The Independent lay in the fact that the Queen and ‘many members of society appreciated the restrained and understated elegance of his clothes.’
