FEL Confirmed as Major Partner on Threads of Elegance Project with Westminster City Archives

Fashion-Enter Ltd is thrilled to be a major partner on the Threads of Elegance, Conserving the Legacy of Beale & Inman Tailors, project. Led by Westminster City Archives, this 2-year project aims to conserve and celebrate the legacy of Beale & Inman tailors, while engaging the local community.

Activities including beginner sewing workshops, craft events, sustainability talks & clothing swaps, guided walks, exhibition visits and hands-on activities through crowdsourced conservation days, where volunteers help preserve the collection.

A key focus is a career taster programme for SEN students, introducing them to the textile industry. By reviving the legacy of the historic Beale and Inman tailors, the project fosters intergenerational learning, enabling young people to gain hands-on experience in textile design, historical research and sustainable practices. 

The Beale and Inman Project is a pioneering community engagement initiative that bridges heritage, education and sustainability through fashion and textiles. The project not only preserves local history but also empowers diverse communities, promoting inclusivity, skill development and social responsibility. By bringing together schools, universities and local groups, it strengthens community ties and champions sustainability in fashion, ensuring a lasting legacy.

Furthermore, the project will extend Westminster’s rich archival heritage beyond London, reaching communities in Yorkshire and sparking conversations in the heart of Britain’s textile industry. As part of this effort, the Beale and Inman Project has been invited to collaborate in the biennial WOVEN festival in Kirklees, to showcase the project in both the 2025 and 2027 editions. This encourages connection with the public, celebrates the legacy of textiles, and inspires new perspectives on heritage and craftsmanship.

Established in 1828 on New Bond Street, Beale & Inman was a renowned tailor serving European royalty and British high society, including Charles Dickens, Sir Winston Churchill, Neville Chamberlain etc. Known for its bespoke craftsmanship during the golden age of British fashion, the firm played a pivotal role in shaping the modern suit. The Beale & Inman archives, spanning from 1828 to 1980, house a rich collection of historical records, including sales ledgers and fabric samples, providing an invaluable insight into British tailoring heritage.

The initiative will culminate in a public exhibition at Westminster City Hall in summer 2027, showcasing participants’ skills and reinterpreting this historic legacy.

Major Partners, along with Fashion-Enter Ltd / FashionCapital / FCFTA include: The V&A Museum, the London College of Fashion, ANCESTRY, The Textiles Skills Centre, Thorny Island Society.

More on this project soon.