Ambitious and detail-driven Fashion Design graduate (University of Salford, July 2026), specialising in conceptual tailoring and the artisanal atelier process. As a British Fashion Council x Barbour competition finalist, I’m experienced in pitching high-level collection concepts to industry panels and bringing them to life under tight time constraints. I have hands-on experience across pattern cutting, technical sewing on industry-standard machinery, fabric sourcing, and 3D scanning/printing (SLS nylon). I’ve also delivered custom looks for clients, supported runway presentations, and worked as a studio assistant producing and refining portfolio-ready garments showcased internationally.

Charles James

Ambitious and detail-driven Fashion Design graduate (University of Salford, July 2026), specialising in conceptual tailoring and the artisanal atelier process. As a British Fashion Council x Barbour competition finalist, I’m experienced in pitching high-level collection concepts to industry panels and bringing them to life under tight time constraints. I have hands-on experience across pattern cutting, technical sewing on industry-standard machinery, fabric sourcing, and 3D scanning/printing (SLS nylon). I’ve also delivered custom looks for clients, supported runway presentations, and worked as a studio assistant producing and refining portfolio-ready garments showcased internationally.

Available to hire

Ambitious and detail-driven Fashion Design graduate (University of Salford, July 2026), specialising in conceptual tailoring and the artisanal atelier process. As a British Fashion Council x Barbour competition finalist, I’m experienced in pitching high-level collection concepts to industry panels and bringing them to life under tight time constraints.

I have hands-on experience across pattern cutting, technical sewing on industry-standard machinery, fabric sourcing, and 3D scanning/printing (SLS nylon). I’ve also delivered custom looks for clients, supported runway presentations, and worked as a studio assistant producing and refining portfolio-ready garments showcased internationally.

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Work Experience

BFC and Barbour Finalist (Tartan competition - developing design concepts) at British Fashion Council (The Strand, London) / Barbour
January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
Developed three new Barbour design concepts for the BFC x Barbour Tartan competition under tight timelines. Interviewed at The Strand London (BFC building).
Bespoke Tailors Internship at Carl Stuart Bespoke Tailors
May 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025
Completed tailoring internship tasks including basting/taking-down of ~100 garments, canvassing suit jackets and waistcoats by hand and machine, and training on industry machinery (Automatic Pocket Welting Machine for SB/DB jetted and welt pockets, buttonhole machines, top-stitch machines). Supported constructing fabric ranges and patterns with line/stripe matching. Assisted with pressing and learned pattern drafting basics (rolled hems, darts, adjustments for body types/shoulder slants).
Studio Assistant (MA collection for Bethany Meyers) at University of Salford
March 1, 2025 - April 30, 2025
Pattern drafted, cut, and adapted two final looks. Produced toiles for construction and portfolio, drafted garments from the stand, and toiled dresses for crit. Attended and aided in final critiques by taking notes and recording adjustments.
Custom Freelance (Bespoke fashion look for promotion) at DJ Baobei
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Collaborated with DJ Baobei to design and construct a bespoke promotional look for the release of the single ‘Morning’, using 100% recycled materials.
Team Leader (Curating Level 4 Runway Group presentation) at Level 4 Runway Group (The Alan Hotel)
April 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024
Created the collection storyline and wrote show notes. Sourced fabric and managed finances as treasurer of the team budget. Designed and produced two cohesive runway garments under a short time constraint. Curated the venue interior layout including lighting and props, and assembled a playlist for smooth show run-through.
Dresser / Styling Assistant at V.A.LE (Lookbook photoshoot) / University of Salford (BA’24 runway presentation)
March 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024
Styled final BA collection garments to meet the designer’s visual brief. Unpacked and quality-checked garments onto rails, dressed models on location, and ensured safe, secure setups within tight time constraints. Communicated with building owners to meet ongoing needs of models throughout the day.
Runway Designer at RAK Runway (University of Salford)
January 1, 2024 - January 31, 2024
Designed and constructed a garment for the UoS ‘RAK’ runway, with accessories finalised for presentation. Organised garment transport and discussed garment technicalities with other designers. Presented and filmed in Marrakech, Morocco.
Studio Assistant (Third year collection for Bethany Meyers) at University of Salford
January 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024
Supported research sourcing for the portfolio, performed pattern blocking/manipulation to match garment designs, and draped complex toiles using fabric and paper. Sewed complex garments using multiple seam types. Conducted 3D scanning with an SLS nylon device, programmed/edited files, printed, and completed quality control. Assisted in critiques with tutors/external personnel, taking notes and adjusting garments for the designer. Helped manufacture final collection garments using industry-standard machinery.
Fabric Sourcing / Research (Market research) at Antwerp (MOMU Fashion Museum / local fabric company)
October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Conducted fabric research including a response research visit to the ‘Echo: Wrapped in Memory’ exhibit at MOMU Fashion Museum (Antwerp). Visited a traditional fabric company in Belgium to research and source materials for upcoming projects.

Education

BA (Hons) Fashion Design at University of Salford
January 1, 2023 - July 1, 2026
UAL Level 3 Diploma Foundation Art and Design at Bournemouth and Poole College
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023
UAL Level 3 Diploma Art and Design at Bournemouth and Poole College
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2022

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Manufacturing

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