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.
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.
Design Studies PhD November 17 2014
Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.
Research is the life blood of a University and at Northumbria University we pride ourselves on research that makes a difference; research that has application and affects people's lives.
Find out what life here is all about. From studying to socialising, term time to downtime, we’ve got it covered.
Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Northumbria University, has been…
A Northumbria University academic has received levelling up funding to help creative and cultural…
Over one hundred registered nurses have now been added to the region’s NHS workforce through…
An Architecture student at Northumbria University recently achieved a series of industry accolades…
In this article originally written for The Conversation, Victoria J E Jones, Associate Professor…
A learning centre designed to help young people from under-represented backgrounds in Newcastle…
Northumbria University
-
Coach Lane
-
Lecture Theatre 002
-
Back to top
