The new Lady High Sheriff of Greater London, Heather Phillips, the very first official ceremonial garment for High Sheriffs of Greater London which has been designed and created in collaboration with London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL, Making for Change and Fine Cell Work.
(Picture: John Clark Photography)A group of fashion students helped make history by creating a “visibility cloak” promoting the work of the Lady High Sheriff of Greater London.
The cloak, decorated with symbols of the City, is made to last 100 years and will be passed on as new office holders are introduced.
The role of High Sheriff dates back to before the Norman conquest in 1066 but is now used to support the justice system from the police to the prison service.
The office of High Sheriff of Greater London (HSGL) was only created in 1965 when Greater London was established and so did not have an official costume until a group of Lady High Sheriffs decided to create a ‘heritage garment of the future’ .
It was designed by three students from the London College of Fashion.
The intricate embroidery was sewn by serving prisoners in collaboration with the charity Fine Cell Work that teaches stitching skills in prison.
The result is a multi-coloured cape with symbols of the High Sheriff’s badge and messages in sign language and braille.
Heather Phillips, the new Lady High Sheriff of Greater London, said: “I am in awe of the skills of the student designers, embroiderers and craftsman who, in one year, have brought our idea to life.
“It also shows what London does really well, which is bringing together ideas, skills, tradition, innovation and people from across our great city to celebrate and reflect our diversity, culture and traditions.
“Bringing people together is very much a part of our role as High Sheriff of Greater London and I hope that the garment acts as a sustainable ‘visibility cloak’ that contributes to celebrating women in leadership roles like the High Sheriff. My first job is to visit everyone who helped make the garment a reality to say thank you and show them what they have helped to create.”
