Where in the world is Fashion Girl?

Get ready to be heavily inspired by one of the coolest places on the planet! Fashion Girl is traveling across the pond to jolly old England to discover how the fashion and entertainment industries rely on this great nation to produce some of the world’s major talent.

Considered the shopping capital by many, some of the best shopping on earth takes place in London. Start at cult fave Topshop, for which local beauty Kate Moss designed a collection, then check out Harrods, the world-renowned department store located in London’s chic Knightsbridge, which offers everything from pianos to perfume. Plus there are plenty of weekly flea markets, including famed Petticoat Lane Market and Portobello Road Market (featured in the film Notting Hill), peddling vintage clothes, antique furniture, jewelry, and more.

It’s no wonder London is considered one of five global fashion centers—England has been seriously stylish since 1856, when a young Thomas Burberry (yep, that Burberry) founded his eponymous luxury fashion house. Since then, dozens of the world’s top fashion designers have hailed from the Kingdom, including celebrity favorite Matthew Williamson, politically punk rock Vivienne Westwood, and a certain Beatles fan named Stella McCartney.

And speaking of The Beatles, it’s hard to imagine a world without them or any of the other great musical story tellers to come from England—from the throaty, doo-wop stylings of Amy Winehouse to the sweet, lullaby lilt of Corinne Bailey Rae. And let’s not forget about legendary rock bands The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and The Smiths; great punk band The Clash; acid jazz and funk group the Brand New Heavies; plus Coldplay, The Arctic Monkeys, and tons more!

Whether it was a hijinks-filled flick from director Guy Ritchie (Madonna’s British husband) or a Jane Austen adaptation starring the lovely Keira Knightley, it’s highly unlikely that you’ve never seen a British film, or at least a movie starring a British actor. Many of the film industry’s most accomplished players come from the UK, and just as many American actors join forces with British directors and thespians to make some of the movies we love best!

Did you find yourself drooling over Keira Knightley’s dresses in the film Atonement? If you love going to the movies, but can barely keep your eyes off the beautiful costumes, maybe it’s time you looked into a career as a Costume Designer for film or television. FIDM can help – click here to learn how.