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Last night I caught the first episode of the Beeb’s new series ‘British Style Genius‘ I, like Susie at Style Bubble & I’m sure many more of the stylish bloggers out there, was really looking forward to a show with the focus on distinct British style, past & present, and not just another ‘What to not wear while looking younger &/or naked’-type show.

I rarely watch fashion/clothes shows on TV – I’m limited to Freeview/terrestial channels and most of the shows on offer don’t feel very relevant to me, although Trinny & Susanna and Gok have on occasion bestowed a new rule/guideline into my memory but I’ve never liked the idea of having your entire wardrobe imposed upon you by someone else – no matter who or how well dressed they are!

I caught an episode of ITV’s Fashion Show at the weekend and was unimpressed so I was a bit worried the Beeb wouldn’t live up to expectation either but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised last night and enjoyed the show. I even learnt a thing or two and came away with a craving for old skool Biba and Celia Birtwell prints (I somehow missed her collection for TopShop a few years ago and was kicking myself as I watched last night!) Did you see it, what did you think?

I’m pretty impressed with BBC’s sudden interest in Fashion shows -Twiggy’s Frock Exchange
has just launched too and there is also the new (to me) ‘What We Wore’ BBC Archive

In collaboration with the BBC’s British Fashion season, we bring you this unusual collection of programmes which reveal what it took to be stylish through over 250 years of British history.

Included here is the first colour series made by the BBC. Pre-dating colour TV by a decade, this is the first time it has been available to view as it was intended. It also features some surprising live models.

Witness the gradual democratisation of fashion through the ages and see how clothes began to throw off the shackles of class from the 1960s onwards.

It’s nice to see fashion being discussed and presented in a more grown up light again. They also have a monthly online fashion magazine called Thread which is ‘dedicated to bringing you the latest in eco-fabulous style’ & is really rather nice too. Good work Beeb!