World of Costume Design Takes Centre Stage at Special NFTS x V&A Event with Sandy Powell and Annie Symons
Last week, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) celebrated the launch of its new Costume Design for Film and Television MFA with a special sold-out event at the V&A in London, bringing together two of the industry’s most acclaimed costume designers.
Three-time Academy Award® winner Sandy Powell, official ambassador for the new NFTS MFA, joined award-winning costume designer Annie Symons for The World of Costume Design: Careers, Craft and Collaboration, an evening exploring the creativity, craftsmanship and collaboration behind some of film and television’s most memorable costumes.
Hosted by NFTS Director Jon Wardle, the conversation saw Sandy and Annie reflect on their extraordinary careers and offer an insight into the vital role of the costume department in bringing characters and stories to life.
Sandy’s remarkable career spans films including Gangs of New York, Carol, Velvet Goldmine, The Aviator, Cinderella, Mary Poppins Returns and The Wolf of Wall Street, while Annie’s acclaimed work includes Mary and George, Down Cemetery Road, Worried About The Boy, for which she won a BAFTA TV Award, and Emmy-winning Great Expectations.
The evening concluded with a drinks reception in the V&A’s spectacular Silver Gallery, where Sandy and Annie generously spent time meeting and talking with aspiring costume designers.
The event marked another exciting moment ahead of the launch of the NFTS Costume Design for Film and Television MFA, which will welcome its first cohort of students in January 2027.
Led by Rebecca Duncan, the new two-year MFA has been developed in response to industry demand for highly skilled costume designers and will be based in the School’s new Cubby Broccoli Building in Beaconsfield. Students will also benefit from the support and expertise of industry partner Angels Costumes, alongside Sandy’s involvement as course ambassador. The Sandy Powell Scholarship has also been established to help to support the next generation of costume design talent to train at the NFTS.
