John Gore Studios has acquired Angels Costumes, the world’s longest-established professional costumier.
The acquisition marks a strategic expansion of John Gore Studios’ integrated model – spanning heritage IP and catalogue acquisition, development, production, restoration and global distribution. It also safeguards one of the industry’s most important costume archives.
Over its 185-year history, Angels has evolved from a London tailoring business into one of the most comprehensive costume houses of its kind, supporting major Hollywood films, premium television, West End productions and international touring shows. Today, it houses more than one million costumes and accessories on over 10.5 miles worth of clothing rails, making it the largest privately owned collection of costume for film, theatre and television anywhere in the world.
Working across every historical period and genre, Angels has collaborated with some of the most distinguished filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Powell and Pressburger, Richard Attenborough, Alan Parker, Anthony Minghella, Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, Sam Mendes, Guy Ritchie, Guillermo del Toro, Wes Anderson, Edgar Wright, Matthew Vaughn, Yorgos Lanthimos, Greta Gerwig and Chloé Zhao.
Its work has featured in major global franchises including James Bond, Star Wars, The Crown, Pirates of the Caribbean, Peaky Blinders, Mission Impossible and Harry Potter and has received numerous BAFTA and Academy Award nominations and wins for Best Costume Design, including Hamlet, Doctor Zhivago, Star Wars, Chariots of Fire, Braveheart, The English Patient, Shakespeare in Love, Sleepy Hollow, The Duchess, Anna Karenina, Gladiator, The Great Gatsby, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Cinderella, The Danish Girl, Bridge of Spies, Little Women, The Lady in the Van, Frankenstein, Poor Things, Wicked, Cruella, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Great.
This legacy is further enhanced by the addition to the collection of a historic portfolio of iconic film and television costumes already owned by John Gore Studios, including classic Hammer pieces, Peter Falk’s Columbo raincoat, William Shatner’s original Captain Kirk tunic from Star Trek, and John Travolta’s white suit from Saturday Night Fever.
In 2016, Angels was honoured with a special BAFTA for its Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.
It also serves as an resource for fashion designers. The collection at Angels provides a rich source of inspiration for contemporary design and seasonal collections. Fashion houses that have worked with Angels include Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Tom Ford, JW Anderson, Off-White, and Dries Van Noten. Notably, given John Gore Studios’ upcoming film The Queen of Fashion featuring fashion designer Alexander McQueen’s rise to fame, McQueen worked at Angels as a costumier in the late 1980s.
A seventh-generation family business, Angels has most recently been led by Chairman Tim Angel CBE, former Chairman of BAFTA and a Governor of the BFI, alongside directors Emma Angel, Daniel Angel and Jeremy Angel. Tim will now pass leadership to Emma Angel, who will continue to guide the company into its next chapter as part of John Gore Studios.
Under John Gore Studios’ ownership, Angels will retain its creative identity, and continue to operate as a centre of excellence for costume design, craftsmanship and archival preservation while benefiting from expanded global networks and production opportunities.
Executive Chairman of John Gore Studios, John Gore, said: “Angels is an extraordinary institution whose legacy is woven into the fabric of theatre, film and television around the world. Bringing Angels into the John Gore Studios group is about both protecting that legacy and investing in its future. The artistry, craftsmanship and historical knowledge held within Angels’ archive are invaluable to the storytelling industries, and we are proud to help ensure that this remarkable resource continues to inspire and support generations of creators to come.”
Hilary Strong, CEO of John Gore Studios, said: “Angels represents the very best of the creative ecosystem – where heritage, craftsmanship and innovation come together to support world-class storytelling. This acquisition reflects our studios’ commitment to safeguarding the cultural infrastructure that underpins the entertainment industry, while creating new opportunities for collaboration, production and global reach.”
Tim Angel, Chairman of Angels Costumes, said: “As I step back from leading Angels after many rewarding years, it is a moment of great pride to be handing the reins to the next generation of the Angel family. Becoming part of John Gore Studios is the beginning of an exciting new era. Their global vision, creative leadership and long-term investment in the industry will help create new opportunities for Angels to continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Emma Angel, Director of Angels Costumes, said: “For generations, Angels has been dedicated to preserving the artistry and history of costume, while supporting the designers, performers and productions that bring stories to life. Joining John Gore Studios marks an exciting new chapter for our company. Their commitment to the creative industries, combined with a deep respect for heritage and craftsmanship, ensures that Angels can continue to evolve while safeguarding the extraordinary archive and expertise that have defined us for more than a century. We look forward to working together to build on this legacy and continue supporting the productions and creative talent who rely on our resources and expertise.”
The acquisition was led by Chief Acquisition Officer, Jonathan Lack, for John Gore Studios.
Jon Creamer
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