GCU London makes Sustainable Fashion statement
The British School of Fashion, based at GCU London, is boosting its expertise in Sustainable Fashion with the appointment of a leading academic. Dr Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas is bringing considerable international experience in research and teaching to the School, where she has taken up the position of Reader in Marketing and Sustainable Business.
Welcoming the appointment, GCU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, said: "Dr Radclyffe-Thomas will be fulfilling our commitment to researching the relationship between sustainability, ethical business and profitability in a number of key domains. I am looking forward to seeing this area thrive under her dynamic leadership and how the potential for a unique creative partnership with our Director, Cara Smyth, at our Fair Fashion Centre at GCNYC in New York may unfold."
Dr Radclyffe-Thomas was partner in award-winning luxury childrenswear fashion label Miss Fleur before becoming a full-time academic teaching at the London College of Fashion. She then spent several years working in Asia and North America before returning to the Fashion Business School launching the innovative flagship BA Fashion Marketing course incorporating global luxury fashion branding and sustainable business and communications. Her work internationalising the curriculum was recognised with her appointment as the University's inaugural Senior Teaching Scholar and her research expertise includes responsible business and management, international marketing and brand strategy and cross-cultural creativity.
Speaking of her excitement at joining GCU London, Dr Radclyffe-Thomas said she was attracted to Glasgow Caledonian University because of its commitment to sustainable development and the strength of its business and fashion programmes in Glasgow, London and New York. She said: "Sustainable fashion is a rapidly expanding area which is ripe for scrutiny. Policy makers, industry bodies, companies and politicians need credible research to inform policy making and legislation, and I'm looking forward to helping GCU deliver leadership in this area."
The Dean of GCU London, Professor Antony Morgan, said the creation of the post will build on the success the British School of Fashion has already enjoyed. He said: "Dr Radclyffe-Thomas is already bringing a breath of fresh air to our campus and we are very pleased she has joined us. She is a National Teaching Fellow with a keen interest in cross-disciplinary research. I am confident this new position will help the School develop its connections and collaborations, and I know she is looking forward to meeting and working with colleagues across our University."
Headed by Director Tim Jackson, the British School of Fashion inspires and contributes to social change through the delivery of education, knowledge and thought leadership in purpose-led fashion and luxury. Dr Radclyffe-Thomas will be conducting cross-disciplinary research on sustainability including fashion, luxury and health; promoting innovative policy in sustainability, international marketing, ethical business and fair trade; delivering global values-based teaching and promoting sustainability literacy.
Dr Radclyffe-Thomas would welcome anyone interested in her work to get in touch by email.