I am a Senior Design Expert focused on building bold brands through design, with a passion for sustainable fashion and a deep knowledge of garment construction. I combine trend research with practical design solutions to deliver high-quality, market-ready ranges that drive growth and brand equity. Over the past 15 years I have collaborated with European start-ups and established retailers, traveled to trade fairs, and built partnerships with cutting-edge factories and technology providers. I am committed to mentoring teams and continually exploring more sustainable ways of working in the fashion and apparel sector.…

Helen Welch

I am a Senior Design Expert focused on building bold brands through design, with a passion for sustainable fashion and a deep knowledge of garment construction. I combine trend research with practical design solutions to deliver high-quality, market-ready ranges that drive growth and brand equity. Over the past 15 years I have collaborated with European start-ups and established retailers, traveled to trade fairs, and built partnerships with cutting-edge factories and technology providers. I am committed to mentoring teams and continually exploring more sustainable ways of working in the fashion and apparel sector.…

Available to hire

I am a Senior Design Expert focused on building bold brands through design, with a passion for sustainable fashion and a deep knowledge of garment construction. I combine trend research with practical design solutions to deliver high-quality, market-ready ranges that drive growth and brand equity.

Over the past 15 years I have collaborated with European start-ups and established retailers, traveled to trade fairs, and built partnerships with cutting-edge factories and technology providers. I am committed to mentoring teams and continually exploring more sustainable ways of working in the fashion and apparel sector.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Designer at MyProtein
December 31, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Designed alongside in-house buying team an active and leisure collection; supported relaunch of the product range in 2017 across women's and men's lines, including body-conscious seamless styles.
Head of Design at sweatyBetty
December 31, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Led the design of sweatyBetty’s first own-brand ski and running range; introduced an own-brand swimwear and beach collection, with sales surpassing the previous branded range in the first season; created sweatyBetty’s strong, feminine signature and integrated technical fabrics still used across the range; contributed to significant turnover growth.
Trend and Design Consultant at Footasylum (Womenswear Design Consultancy)
January 1, 2008 - November 26, 2025
Advised Footasylum on womenswear trends and own-brand range development as part of a design consultancy. Conducted market analysis, created trend reports, seasonal mood boards, and collaborated with product teams to translate insights into viable garment concepts.
Trend and Design Consultant at Helen Welch
January 1, 2008 - July 31, 2025
• Working with a design consultancy to advise Footasylum on their womenswear own brand ranges and trends within the womenswear market. Following on from this work I have been asked for more insights. • Working within a team of 7 at Castore. Led the design and development of the women’s ranges, including fabric, trim developments, garment fits and organising a wearer trial process to gain feedback. Building on a small, newly created collection to establish a handwriting & quality fit for the brand. In 2024 womenswear sales grew by 30%. • Researched & facilitated partnerships for Castore with cutting edge factories and technology partners. Mentored younger members in the design team, giving them fabric and storytelling guidance and the product development team, with factory, fit and fabric suggestions. • Working with new start-up Emello, created brand direction with Head of Product, designed jersey and knitwear collections, created complete factory packs including size specifications, BOMs and all trim artwork. From start to launch within 10 months. • Working with founders at Silou, London, to establish a consistent look and price point, resulting in the range being stocked in new retailers, including Selfridges. New seamless collection introduced to support their strong yoga following. • Designed alongside inhouse buying team an active and leisure collection for MyProtein, helping them relaunch the brands product range in 2017. Women’s and men’s ranges covering essential branded collection, body conscious seamless and trend led collections. • Working with Blacks Outerwear own brand team, designing Peter Storm, Technicals and Brasher womenswear, total outdoor revenue increased by £5m. Re-invigorated Technicals outerwear with new fabrics and styles.
Senior Designer at Actif Group – Elle Sport license
December 31, 2005 - December 31, 2005
Led a team of 3 designers across sport, swim and nightwear; developed new sport ranges that opened stockists in the UK and Europe, including sweatyBetty; designed Elle Sport skiwear sold into Harrods.
Designer at Diadora
December 31, 2002 - December 31, 2002
Designed sport and lifestyle apparel for the brand.
Designer at Baird Clothing
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2000
Designed for London-based fashion lines; contributed to mid-late 90s collections.
Assistant Designer at Baird Clothing
December 31, 1998 - December 31, 1998
Assisted in design and development for the range.
Designer at Baird Clothing
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1999
Took over the design and development of the department when Design Executive left.

Education

MSc by Research in Fashion and Textiles at University of Manchester
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2022
Fashion and Sustainability at London College of Fashion / Kering
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
BA Hons Fashion Design with Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997
MSc by Research in Fashion and Textiles at University of Manchester
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2022
Fashion and Sustainability at London College of Fashion / Kering
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
BA Hons Fashion Design with Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1997

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Retail, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Manufacturing