The fashion talks in London to book now: Spring 2019

Dior: From Ferré to the future with Alexander Fury

The esteemed fashion journalist and author of Dior: Catwalk examines the role Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri have played in keeping the house of Christian Dior alive, and making it one of the most important and relevant luxury fashion brands operating today.

Photo credit: Adrien Dirand

Fashion, Utopia and 60s counter culture

To coincide with the current exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London Bridge, fashion stylist and collector Angie Smith will host a talk exploring the influence of cosmic couture and 1960s counter culture on fashion. Looking at the fantasy and 'cosplay' aspect of 1960s fashion, as well as the King's Road 'flaneur' as well as era-defining boutiques such as Granny Takes a Trip, Hung On You and The Beatles' Apple Boutique, Angie will explore the role that London played in the creation of the Swinging Sixties.

This event is free with the purchase of a ticket to the exhibition

Feminism in Fashion, a Fashion Revolution Sustainability Panel

If you've ever wondered who made your clothes, the answer is probably a woman, as Fashion Revolution has found that the vast majority of garment workers in China (70 per cent), Bangladesh (85 per cent) and Cambodia (90 per cent) are women. Fashion Revolution recognises the huge impact that the fashion industry has on the lives of women, and is aiming to educate us to ensure that it is as positive as possible.

Panelists will include Sarah Neville and Sophie Slater, the founders of socially conscious clothing Birdsong, Aisling Byrne, founder of the Nu Wardrobe (a clothes sharing fashion company), and Charlotte Instone, founder of Know The Origin.

Photo credit: Photographer Lulu Ash, Model Coral Kwayie wearing Naushad Ali

Sir Paul Smith: RA Festival of Ideas

When it comes to British brands, Paul Smith is one of the biggest with devotees the world over flocking to his signature stripes and redefined tailoring. Part of the RA's Festival of Ideas, this talk will see him discuss his sources of inspiration with Eliza Bonham Carter, Curator and Head of the RA Schools. There'll also be a Q&A and book-signing.

Standard tickets £20, concessions £12

Nailed It: Marian Newman, Nick Knight and Mimma Viglezio

Nick Knight is one of the most innovative photographers working in fashion, but he'd be nothing without his collaborators. Here the founder of SHOWstudio is joined by expert nail artist and long-time collaborator Marian Newman, whose book 'Nailed It: Nails Fashion Technique' marks three decades in the industry. They'll also be joined by SHOWstudio contributing editor Mimma Viglezio for a discussion on creative collaborations within the world of fashion.

Tickets cost £18, under-26 concessions £15

Photo credit: Raquel Zimmermann/Viva London, © Nick Knight

Lunchtime Lecture: Christian Dior and the Avant Garde

The V&A is such a gem. Where else would you be able to listen to Dr Alison Bancroft one of the world's leading fashion theorists examine the links between avant garde thinking in art and the fashion of the house of Dior, tracing the link from past to present? And all for free.

A Tale of Two Streets: King’s Road & Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street and King's Road are synonymous with Swinging London and the 'youthquake' of the 1960s. Alistair O'Neil (co-curator of major fashion exhibitions on Valentino, Isabella Blow and Guy Bourdin at Somerset House) will talk about the role these locations had to play in shaping the landscape of British fashion.

Tickets £15, student concessions £12

Fashion Roundtable Presents: Q&A and workshop with Vicki Sarge

From dancing the night away at Studio 54 to creating all the jewellery for The Favourite, costume jeweller Vicki Sarge has lived quite a life, and she'll be sharing the details with Fashion Roundtable CEO and founder Tamara Cincik in an intimate Q&A at her Belgravia flagship. The evening will also include a bespoke jewellery making workshop led by Sarge and her team.

Photo credit: Claire Lawrie

Tickets £75, student and early bird concessions £65

Vogue Essentials: Lingerie and Heels

When it comes to fantasy fashion purchases, lingerie and heels must be high on most women's wish lists. So, it's fitting that they're the subject of two new tomes from British Vogue. Join authors Gail Rolfe (Heels) and Anna Cryer (Lingerie) in conversation as they explore the power of high heeled shoes and the evolution of lingerie. They'll be sharing how they delved into British Vogue's archive of fashion photos to find the rich material for their books.

Tickets £15 (includes exhibition entry)