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Isn't Angels a fancy-dress shop?
Well, yes. If you recognise the name from your annual Halloween costume hunt that’s because this world-famous costumiers also runs a fancy dress shop on Shaftesbury Avenue. But its main business is making the clothes on the telly and the silver screen look picture perfect (and historically accurate).
So it's a huge wardrobe for celebs?
Not just huge, enormous. Its purpose-built premises in Hendon has eight miles of clothing rails, all packed with garments in every shape, size, colour, style and era. As well as a near infinite number of coathangers, the building houses design studios, a tailoring department, offices and a fridge full of fur.
A fridge?
Moths don’t like the cold. Of course.
So why would I want to visit?
Because it’s amazing. You’ll see dresses that were made in the nineteenth century, epaulettes designed especially for ‘Dad’s Army’, pretend chainmail, real chainmail, royal wedding replicas and hundreds of Santa suits. Try to spot the outfits that appeared in the 35 films that have won the company Best Costume Oscar – among them ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Titanic’ – or just enjoy the fact that Leonardo di Caprio wore something that’s now hanging in your vicinity.
Celeb sweat and sequins? When can we go?
Its fantastic tours run several times a month on selected weekdays and cost £20. Email tours@angels.uk.com for upcoming dates and to book your place.
Angels Costumes can be found at 1 Garrick Rd, NW9 6AA, the nearest station is Hendon rail.
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