Rudolf Nureyev’s Pyjamas

In 1976 I secured my first job at Angels costumiers. There are many stories about this wonderful chapter in my life which directed me in making a career in textiles. Here’s one of them.

My first task at Angels was to make a pair of pyjamas for Rudolf Nureyev in his title role of Valentino, a film by Ken Russell. The heavy silk brocade in crimson red, adorned with bursts of gold and white chrysanthemums, was cut and marked ready to be sewn. The knowledge that each stitch would puncture the heavy fabric meant it was vital to keep to the chalk lines.

After a few hours of meticulous sewing and pressing (remembering to remove ALL the pins!) and, convinced I’d be sacked on my first day, I handed the garment to the fittings department and awaited my fate. The call came back….they fitted…I was hired and the rest, as they say, is history.