Stamps to feature fashion designers

Some of the country's best known fashion designers and examples of their work are featured on a set of new stamps which go on sale tomorrow.

The 10 first class stamps include work by designers including Zandra Rhodes, Ossie Clark and Paul Smith.

The images were shot by fashion photographer Solve Sundsbo and include Tommy Nutter's suit for Beatle Ringo Starr and Vivienne Westwood's 1993 Harlequin dress.

Philip Parker, Royal Mail stamps spokesman, 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.

"British fashion has grown to become a major national industry. It employs about a million people and contributes directly some £21 billion to the UK economy. So it is an honour to be able to pay homage to some of the designers who made the industry what it is today."

Claire Wilcox, senior fashion curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), said: "The V&A has the national collection of fashion in the UK and remains a source of inspiration to many fashion designers. Britain's contribution to fashion has never been stronger. We were delighted to advise on the Royal Mail series of stamps to celebrate many of our most influential designers."

PA