British Fashion Celebrated with New Stamp Collection

May 15 sees the launch of the chicest set of stamps yet as Royal Mail pay homage to the greatest names in British fashion.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Four-time winner of the "British Designer of the Year" Award between 1996 and 2003, the late Lee Alexander McQueen designer started off pursuing a line of internships with renowned tailors and then theatrical costumiers: Angels and Bermans. This raven-style, black feathered number reminds Alexander McQueen fans of these roots.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Appointed 'Dame' in 2006 for her contribution to the British fashion industry, Vivienne Westwood's stamp sports her signature tartan prints and flaming red hair.

OSSIE CLARK Having designed numerous outfits for Mick Jagger, including a python skin jumpsuit worn during the Rolling Stone's 1973 tour, it's no doubt Ossie Clark's stamp, printed by Celia Birtwell, will add zest to any envelope.

JEAN MUIR Making her name in the 1960s, Muir created a reputation for well tailored, feminine clothing. Learning her seamstress skills at Dame Alice Harper girls' school, Muir's attention to detail is demonstrated here in miniature form.

ZANDRA RHODES Founder of the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey in 2003, Zandra Rhodes has designed for clients as diverse as Diana, Princess of Wales, Jackie Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and Freddie Mercury. This gold ensemble seen here illustrates the diversity of her talent as a designer.

NORMAN HARTNELL Sir Norman Bishop Hartnell designed the Queen Mother's entire wardrobe for her 1938 royal tour. The 30 dresses later inspired Christian Dior when he put together the flattering yet functional tailoring collection which became known as the 'New Look' in 1947. 

HARDY AMIES Best known for his work with the Queen Hardy Amies made fashion history in 1961 by staging the first men's ready-to-wear catwalk show in the UK, at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Designer Zandra Rhodes pictured behind-the-scenes adding the finishing touches to her creation in the studio.

Zandra Rhodes with the finished result, captured by fashion photographer Sølve Sundsbø.

The stamps can be bought from royalmail.com/stamps

 (Daily Telegraph U.K.)