V&A\RCA Alumni in Conversation

From mounting displays at the V&A to inspiring the next generation at Central Saint Martins, we will get some very special insights into their exciting careers. Remember the blockbuster Fashioned from Nature? How about Somerset House’s Valentino show? Our illustrious alumni were at the heart of these major exhibitions and more. Join us as we explore all things fashion history, with a focus on how design historical thinking has shaped their impressive trajectories.

Alistair O’Neill is a writer, curator and professor of fashion at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London). He is the author of Faye Toogood: Drawing, Material, Sculpture, Landscape (Phaidon, 2022), Exploding Fashion: 2D-3D-3D Animation (MoMu/Lannoo 2021), and London: after a fashion (Reaktion Books, 2007); and recently curated A Hard Man is Good to Find! (The Photographers’ Gallery, London, 2023). Alistair sits on the editorial board of Fashion Theory, writes regularly for Aperture magazine, and is currently completing catalogue essays for the National Portrait Gallery and Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge.

Connie Karol Burks is curator of Textiles and Fashion Since 1900 at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. During her eight years at the V&A Museum, Connie has co-curated two major sell-out exhibitions, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams in 2019 and Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto in 2023 and contributed to V&A exhibitions Fashioned from Nature, Africa Fashion and Plastics: Remaking Our World. Before entering the museum sector, Connie studied at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London) and had a practical background in textile weaving as co-founder of the London Cloth Company.

This event will be hosted by Cas Bradbeer and Charles Saumarez Smith. Cas (MA 2023) is Heritage Officer at the London Borough of Newham. Charles was one of the first course tutors in 1982, later taking on leadership roles at the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery and the Royal Academy.

The V&A\RCA History of Design Alumni Network organises these events to bring together vocations, locations and generations of alumni. It's a perfect chance to get inspired, connect, and learn directly from the creative minds behind some incredible projects. Don't miss out—grab your virtual seat and be part of the conversation!