Fine Sewing and Fashion in London

Details

Day 1, May 3

Welcome to London: Tour members arrange their own transportation to the Hilton London Heathrow T4. Get to know your fellow participants and hosts with dinner at the hotel (included in the tour price).

Day 2-3, Sunday & Monday, May 4-5

Immerse yourself in a glove-making master class with Riina Õun, luxury leather specialist at her studio. You’ll discover the intricacies of custom leather gloves, and learn the cutting, fitting, and stitching methods that yield gloves of the highest quality. In this workshop, you will create one glove, and complete the pair on your own. Both evenings, we’ll dine at our centrally located hotel, Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria.

Day 4, Tuesday, May 6

The finest in haute couture textiles await you at Joel & Son Fabrics. For more than 70 years, this exclusive retailer has maintained connections with textile supplies from around the world, including Italy, France, Switzerland, and India. You’re sure to find the perfect fabric for that special project you have in mind. We’ll follow up with a trip to London’s fabric district along Goldhawk Road, where many smaller shops offer a wide assortment of fabrics, too.

Day 5, Wednesday, May 7

For fashion and sewing inspiration, we'll get an inside glimpse of Angels Costumes. Since 1840, seven generations of the Angel family have provided wardrobe for film, television, and theater, amassing more than a million items, and eight miles of hanging costumes. Wear comfortable walking shoes for this two-hour tour! Then, we'll move on to the Victoria and Albert Museum,to view a special exhibition of jewels by the famed house of Cartier. We’ll debrief over a traditional tea at Fortnum & Mason.

Day 6, Thursday, May 8

Hand & Lock, established in 1767, provides embellishment services to the Royal Armed Forces, top European design houses, and the British Royal family, among other clients. We’ll visit their incredible atelier and spend the day learning some of their hand embroidery techniques. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the rich tradition of English embroidery through hands-on exploration. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

Day 7, Friday, May 9

Step into the world of bespoke tailoring with a private walking tour of Savile Row and Jermyn Street, led by an expert tour guide. We’ll find out why all these masters set up shop in this area of London, and we'll visit tailoring houses to see their finely cut and sewn garments. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to roam; the fabulous Liberty London is a short walk away, so plan to spend time there.

Day 8, Saturday, May 10

Departure from London. Participants arrange their own transportation back to Heathrow or on to their next destination.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore the craftsmanship and heritage of British textile traditions. Secure your spot today. Places are limited.

Four-Star Lodging & Comfortable Coach Travel

Hotel Accommodations:

Each evening, we will retire to the comfort of four-star accommodations.

May 3:  Hilton London Heathrow T4
May 4-8 :  Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
May 9: Hilton London Heathrow T4 

Transportation while on the tour:

For trips within the city, we will use public transportation, primarily the London Underground. In some cases, we will take taxis. There will be substantial walking on some days, so be prepared to cover 2 to 3 miles a day on foot. If participants wish to visit destinations other than those included in our itinerary, they may use any transportation, at their own expense.