Hotels near Fashion and Textile Museum

The fashionista behind the Fashion and Textile Museum is Zandra Rhodes, the colourful designer who won the Designer of the Year award in 1972 and in 1974. Despite her flamboyant and out there designs she became a Royal Designer for Industry and was made Commander of the British Empire in 1997. She continues to design for retail and private clients and has also, appropriately - given her theatrical flair - designed for the stage. Wanting to give something back, Zandra founded this permanent museum so that the general public as well as students could enjoy fashion and textiles. The Academy @ FTM is part of Newham College, providing students with equipment, facilities and training. At the launch exhibition, seventy of the world's top designers from Alexander McQueen to Oscar de la Renta showcased their work choosing their favourite dress from one of their own collections. Following a two-year closure the museum re-opened its fashionably refurbished doors in December 2007.