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Dr Alana James

Associate Professor

Department: Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries

Dr James is an experienced fashion designer, educator and researcher focused on creating sustainable change in the future of the fashion industry. She believes that garments should not be beautiful at the expense of people and the planet and through innovative design approaches aims to embed responsible values throughout the fashion product lifecycle. 

From a research perspective Dr James engages in challenge-led investigations that reflect contemporary societal issues. From an educational perspective she encourages students to think differently, creating ambitious sustainable solutions. 

Approaching complex issues from a multi-stakeholder approach, her strengths include engaging with fashion consumers and applying design strategies to encourage small shifts in behaviour towards large-scale sustainable change. 

Alana James

Dr James' research explores responsible social and environmental practices in the fashion supply chain from a design perspective. Working closely with key stakeholders, in particular fashion consumers and brands, her work investigates how a collaborative approach can aid in moving the industry forward to a more sustainable future. 

Since the publication of her PhD in 2015, entitled Influencing Ethical Fashion Purchasing Behaviour, lines of inquiry have continued to explore the diverse approaches possible in the implementation of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Examples include: utilising zero-waste pattern cutting methods to lead the creative design process, engaging fashion consumers in a transparent business model, the inclusion of people in the product lifecycle in the consideration of ethics, the role of consumers and retailers in the application of sustainable values in fashion, how higher education contextualises sustainability as a key design tool and the challenges facing the adoption of circular principles in fashion. 

  • Sophie Wetherell How to learn from redesign to design a technical sportswear garment for multiple life cycles, exploring repair and remanufacturing. Start Date: 07/12/2023
  • Kenny MacRae Camo, Colour and Craft: a modern exploration of the craft of camouflage printing, taking in the development, use and application of the Denison camouflage pattern, reinvigorating the practice and saving the techniques for prosperity. Start Date: 01/10/2023
  • Shuoying Hong The future sustainable development and innovation of Chinese sportswear - Emphasizing the role of co-creation from the perspective of designers Start Date: 01/10/2023
  • Xin Gao Repurposing post-consumer textile waste: creating a maker culture framework for modular design opportunities in the circular economy Start Date: 01/10/2023

Design Studies PhD November 17 2014


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