As a lover of stamps for as long as I can remember, I loved seeing the new stamps released by the Royal Mail in Britain. They have released a series of 10 stamps paying homage to some of their most famous British Fashion Designers.  Menswear is well represented by one of my favourite designers, Paul Smith, which features a Prussian blue two-button wool suit.  Another favourite is Tommy Nutter, who famously dressed Ringo Starr of The Beatles.

Fashion photographer Solve Sundsbo was responsible for the shoot, working with live models and deciding not to use their facial expressions to fully enhance the garments themselves.  Whilst Tommy Nutter’s suit was recreated especially for the shoot, others relied on the use of the actual original clothes – either obtained directly from the designers or meticulously sourced from specialist vintage fashion stores.

Royal Mail spokesman Philip Parker said: “Britain is famous around the world for the creative vision of its fashion designers. From the glamour and sophistication of Norman Hartnell, the punk influence of Vivienne Westwood, through to the world-class designs of Alexander McQueen… it is an honour to be able to pay homage to some of the designers who made the industry what it is today.

The full list of designers: Paul Smith, Tommy Nutter, Zandra Rhodes, Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Hardy Amies, Norman Hartnell, Granny Takes a Trip, Ossie Clark with Celia Birtwell and Jean Muir.

The Beatles, Ringo Starr in a Tommy Nutter check suit

Solve Sundsbo – http://www.solvesundsbo.info/