The Divine Bobby Hillson

When fashion historians look back on the 20th Century to assess the factors that established London as a primary source of inspiration and creativity in the industry known as 'fashion', then the name Bobby Hillson will stand proud amongst the rabble.  Indeed, if asked to put together a time capsule of names that epitomised cutting edge fashion of the 1980's and 1990's, then Bobby Hillson's proteges would ride 'chic to jowel' alongside such luminaries as Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano.  As the instigator of the  fashion MA at St. Martins (now CSM), Ms Hillson  introduced the first-ever commercial sponsorship of British fashion students and persuaded the BFC to allow St. Martins MA fashion students to take to the London Fashion Week catwalk.  Although the catwalk show is now scheduled in June outside of LFW, Central St. Martins remains a cornerstone for creativity and the annual fashion show is on the agenda of every UK fashion journalist and buyer worth their salt.    Bobby can also lay claim to having recognised and nurtured the talents of a young 'master' who did not enjoy the usual credentials for acceptance on the MA programme at CSM, but on whom she intuitively and professionally took a risk.  A young man named Alexander McQueen.  The fashion industry salutes you Bobby Hillson.

Amongst her many talents, Bobby is also a consummate fashion illustrator having started her career as a fashion illustrator at Vogue.  She has generously given The Fashion Bloggers permission to use her illustrations from time to time to adorn the blog.  Thank you!  Please contact us if you would like to see more of her work.