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Caroline Gration, MA

Director

"I was a very arty kid who loved style, but I couldn’t sew, and this frustrated me as I couldn’t manifest all of the designs I drew onto paper. Subsequently, I thought I could never be part of the fashion world I dreamed about.


The Fashion School is now 10+ years old, and my passion is based on my experience as a little girl. The concept danced around in my head for 10 years prior to opening in the back of my flat, while I worked within the industry as a designer, illustrator, design production manager, and consultant. My career spans over 35 years, plus another 6 years of education. Yep, that long! Much of that time was also spent as a senior and visiting fashion lecturer. I enjoyed the mix of industry and education and brought this ethos to the Fashion School. Creativity! Skills! Knowledge!


My children are both very grown up: Betty is a haematologist, and Céleste is a graphic designer at The Financial Times. I’ve always felt at my happiest now that they’ve grown, surrounded by the laughter of your children and teenagers as they build upon their skills, learning to sew, pattern cut, and make their sustainable ideas a reality. They help steer my ideas as we move forward together. Fashion means something different to each of your glorious young creatives, and I celebrate their individuality. Thanks to you, I have the best job ever."

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Ellie Crafter

Studio Manager and Tutor

“Hi, I’m Ellie and I'm the Studio Manager at Chelsea and Brighton, and Tutor at Chelsea!

My fashion journey started when my grandma taught me to hand sew at 6. I attended sewing classes for a few years, where I discovered my passion for designing and making clothes. I studied GCSE and A Level Fashion & Textiles and afterwards, I completed a Foundation Diploma in Fashion Design at Morley College, Chelsea.

For the last 4 years whilst studying, I have worked in various aspects of the fashion industry, from Buying and Merchandising, to Design, Retail and Marketing. In my spare time, I enjoy customising clothing, and up-cycling old clothes, which I post on social media. I enjoy teaching all ages at the Fashion School how to develop their sewing skills, and improve my own knowledge too! “

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Tshala Castle, BA (Hons)

Tutor

"Hi all!! My name is Tshala, I have a degree in Fashion design (pattern cutting/ garment construction that I obtained at University of Sussex in 2018. I also previously attended London College of Fashion where I studied Surface Textiles for fashion print.


I have a passion for garment construction and print which I like to bring art and fashion together analysing how to showcase art with fashion in the most eye capturing way, which I produce for my own brand which includes fine art, pen and ink hand drawn on fabric and my art prints on garments I make with intent to be viewed as my art gallery. I also am a seamstress for a theatre company where I alter and construct the making of the garments.


Being a part of the making of theatrical garments is very fun and exciting as it brings a sense of freedom, youthfulness and imagination which also works hand in hand as being a tutor for the fashion school, I cover many of the children’s classes that include making costumes. I enjoy seeing the children freely designing what comes to their imagination, helping them to be their own creators and making their imagination become a reality of how they vision themselves!"

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Tiana Esparon, BA (Hons)

Crochet and Sewing Tutor

I'm Tiana, a proud graduate of Kingston School of Art, with a specialization in knit and print. My journey in the world of design has been an exploration of color, texture, and bold fashion.This passion has led me to establish my own crochet brand called Sitrin, where I create a delightful array of funky crochet accessories, each reflecting my unique design sensibilities.Teaching is a calling that resonates deeply with me, as I'm driven by the desire to pass on my knowledge and ignite the creative spark in others.Join me on this exciting journey into the world of crochet, where we'll not only learn together but also revel in the vivid tapestry of color, the tactile beauty of textures, and the bold statements that fashion can make. Let's crochet our way into a world of boundless creativity and inspiration!

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Jasmine Broadhurst, BA (Hons)

Tutor

"Hello, I am Jasmine! I am currently a student at Central Saint Martins studying BA fashion design, specialising in both knitwear and creative computing.


As a past student of the fashion school, from the age 12, I fell in love with fashion. Caroline and the other tutors have been amazingly supportive through the years, and I gained a place at my dream university. Having been in the student’s position myself not too long ago, it is rewarding to be a part of their fashion journeys. Whether their goal is to study fashion at university or just to make a really stylish dress for a party.


In my own work I often explore digital tools, physical computing, and unique materials, taking a futuristic and experimental approach to fashion design.


Aside from my work at the fashion school I have experience interning for Ashley William’s knitwear department. As well as interning for a freelance designer creating custom garments for clients."

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Elena Leshcheva, BA (Hons)

Tutor

Hello, I am Elena! Currently, a student at the University of Westminister studying BA in Fashion Design. 

Since I was young I have been surrounded by fashion as my mum (a tailoring teacher) has always involved me in the processes and lessons. But, my journey only really began at college where I found true passion for learning everything about fashion and all it has to offer. 

I am particularly interested in pattern cutting as I believe it can help you achieve your dreams - whether that is a party dress or an assignment at university. 

In my own work, I often explore historical garments as well as unique materials to create special garments unique to each wearer. I am also passionate about individuality and inclusivity within fashion as everyone should feel comfortable and confident in what they are wearing! 

I am very excited to help the next generation to make their fashion dreams come true!

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Jake Horne

Studio Assistant

I'm Jake, and I started The Fashion School in 2019 as a student. I was taught skills from Caroline and all the amazing tutors in construction and designing. These skills have helped me along with my studies of which I've just finished an Extended Dipolma in Fashion Design at Morley College. I am now going on to start a UAL Foundation Course. 


In Summer 2023, I went from being a student at The Fashion School, to working here as a studio assistant and helping out with classes. I hope to be able to take all the skills I've learned here and pass them onto the students who attend now!

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Ava Casali

Studio Assistant

"Hey, I'm Ava, I am currently studying fashion design. I love creating new sustainable and inspiring garments. I love the creative proces of finding the perfect outcome to a creation. I have been at The Fashion School since 2020 where Caroline and all the tutors have taught me so many skills which I can now transfer to others. I work on the weekends teaching the younger students."

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Jodie Glen-Martin, BA (Hons)

Threadheads/Quilting and Art Tutor

"Hi, I’m Jodie, an artist and maker with passion for colour, print and pattern. My career started in conservation working on historic design and artworks before moving to Tate where my focus changed to contemporary art.


During this time I was also creating my own work with my background inspiring me to combine traditional techniques and design with contemporary ideas and materials. My paintings and sculpture have been exhibited and sold across the world through galleries, art fairs and my website. I have also worked on commercial projects producing artwork for ceramics and premium skin care products.


More recently my journey with pattern and colour moved away from canvas and more towards textiles and my lifelong passion for quilting grew into an obsession. When both my cats had a patchwork cushion I started Threadheads, a beginners quilting group around my kitchen table. It became so popular I had to turn people away so I was thrilled to join The Fashion School in 2022 to introduce my skills and share my passion to a wider number of people.


In our beautiful quilting studio upstairs at The Fashion School we now run several introduction to quilting courses for adults and run quilting workshops with schools.


We have also set up The Chelsea Quilt Club where graduates of our courses as well as any other keen quilters, can drop in and meet like minded souls and swap tips, stories and fabric."

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Millie Butler-Hiorns, BA (Hons)

Tutor

“I graduated in 2015 from Winchester School of Art with a BA (Hons) in Fashion and Textile Design, having been sewing and making from a very young age. Since graduating I have worked with various designers, covering a wide variety of creative processes, including working on accessories, crochet design for toys and clothing and printed textiles for fashion. My own work often explores upcycling and embellishing, with an attention to detail and always a focus on being fun and creative and with an emphasis on textile techniques for fashion. I also run my own small business ‘Pomilly’ where I make and sell embroidered and crocheted clothing through Etsy and at markets.


I have always had a passion for spreading creativity and creative skills; from the age of 16, I have hosted craft parties, skill based workshops and one on one tutoring sessions for both children and adults. From crochet and knitting to bag-making and accessories, I love to give students the necessary tools to learn something new, or to improve upon their skills. It’s rewarding and a real pleasure when they achieve their goals.”

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Geri Li

Pattern Cutting Tutor

"Hi I'm Geri. I'm a creative senior pattern cutter with 12+ years experience working in luxury fashion for brands such as The Vampires Wife, Victoria Beckham and Halpern. I am passionate about teaching & mentoring as loves being able to pass my knowledge on and empower others in making their own clothes and advancing their skills whether they be hobbyist or professional within the industry. I created Pattern Wiz to focus on nurturing creativity, self-expression, and slow fashion in a way that supports well-being, sustainability, and personal growth.

My approach to teaching is explaining pattern cutting in a simple way making you feel safe and at ease in the process by reminding you nothing you do is ever 'wrong', it is all learning and part of the process!"

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Meg

Teaching Assistant

"I'm a retired primary school teacher helping at The Fashion School to teach young children and young people the knowlegde to enjoy the creative pleasure and wellbeing that sewing can give. I've been sewing since the age of 6 and it's been a life-long passion. I've made many patchwork quilts, clothes and soft furnishings over the years and I continue to love the craft and want to encourage our younger generations to enjoy all that sewing can offer. 

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Priscila Carey

Pattern Cutting Assistant

"I’m Priscila im a fashion designer and tattoo artist. My passion is drawing, panting and illustration - everything related to releasing your creativity. I think my biggest influence in working in fashion is my mother, she has a knitwear company, I grew up watching my mum work with knitwear, and I know a lot about it! I have a postgraduate degree in Fashion Design Technology from the London College of Fashion, a project for my own brand in progress, and I have future plans to study a Master Degree in Fashion Design. I help with workshops and pattern cutting at the Fashion School.

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Kamiah Espirit

Teaching Assistant

"Hi, I'm Kamiah, an assistant at The Fashion School!

I studied Art & Textiles in both GCSE and A-Levels, then completed a UAL Level 4 Fashion Diploma at Morley College, Chelsea. Now, I am a student at London College of Fashion where I study Fashion Pattern Cutting. 


My journey with fashion initially started with a long-winded fascination for modelling, taking part in my first runway at the age of 13. Shortly after, my interest altered to focus on the design and production of clothes. 


Being at The Fashion School, I aim to be the person I wish I had growing up. Someone to help fuel creativity, turn sketches into 3D garments and support aspirations."

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Lyla Mills

Teaching Assistant

"Hi I’m Lyla, I’m 14 and I’ve been studying at The Fashion School for 4 years. I’ve always loved fashion and I’m now able to bring my ideas to life. I’ve achieved my Silver Arts Award and I’m currently part of The Fashion Lab Careers class and also studying GCSE Textiles. I’ve experienced some amazing opportunities- attending workshops at Alexander McQueen and assisting backstage at LFW with Patrick McDowell. I love working at The Fashion School and really enjoy sharing my skills and passing on my knowledge to younger students."

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Join our Fashion Family

Internships

We’re always looking for talented tutors in Brighton to run our classes and workshops.

If you have a degree in Fashion/Textile Design and some experience teaching children, we would love to hear from you! Please email your CV and cover letter to Caroline.

The Fashion School are always welcoming young students who would like to take part in a structured internship programme.

You can take part in various roles, including:

  • Social Media

  • Public Relations

  • Marketing

  • Personal Assistant

If interested please email Caroline along with your CV and tell us what role you would like to take part in and why.

Teenage Work Experience

At The Fashion School, we have run work experience opportunities for over two years. We think that it is important that all students on our work experience scheme are kept busy with a varied agenda that will enhance their skills suited to their individual needs.

Please note: Some sewing machine experience is necessary to partake in our structured work experience programme.


You can either contact us direct or ask your school to do so. We have both public liability and employer’s insurance.

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