The Ritual Year WORKSHOP’s:
Join me at my Bloomsbury studio for series of informal, seasonal, seminars, aimed at the design practitioner and curious alike.
Five sessions devised to take you through the ‘Ritual year’ challenging your creative practice (or ways of thinking) Offering an insight into aspects of the design process, from the perspective of an independent designer and teacher.
A series of informal, seasonal seminars aimed at the design practitioner and curious alike.
In an era where advances in technology have opened countless opportunities while rendering some traditions obsolete, the culture of consuming has forever changed. Instead of merely making products, we believe in crafting stories.
This workshop series is devised to respond to the needs of the creative through the unfolding seasons, year on year, offering a unique insight into the maker's process.
Coming: March 2026
1. TIME & Long Term Thinking
February Session: Date TBC
Topics Covered:
a. Mapping a Pathway: The Circle of the Seasons
b. Slow Time
c. Long Term Thinking
d. Sustainable - Ethical Manifesto
2. R&D: pt 1. Research
March Session: Date TBC
Topics Covered:
a. Meaningful (Research) Referencing
b. Sourcing & Palette
c. Development - Communication
d. 2D -3D
3. MARK MAKING: Drawing as Inquiry
May Session: Date TBC
Topics Covered:
a. Experimenting with Media
b. Observational Mark making
c. Rough to Development Sketching
d. When does a sketch become an Illustration
4. R&D: pt 2. Design development
June Session: Date TBC
Topics Covered:
a. From Doodle to Design
b. Observing Life
c. multimedia
d. Illustration
5. CRAFT: The Architecture of Cutting
Session 1: Lammas Session: Date TBC
Session 2: Mabbon Session: Date TBC
Topics Covered:
a. Working With Your hands
b. Creating On & Off The Body
c. The Architecture of Cutting
d. Repurposing Craft Skills
6. STORYTELLING: Folklore & Other Falsehood
October Session: Date TBC
Topics Covered:
a. Creators (compendium) File (for the coming year)
b. Folklore & Other Falsehood
c. Defining a Grand (er) Narrative
d. Offering Small Scale Resistance
Studio Visits are bookable, for individuals or groups.
MENTORING
Offers the opportunity of Individual tuition and support of an industry professional.
From my London studio or via Zoom: you will be advised on methods to advance your design process from initial concept to the final product (folio) of a fully resolved collection line-up. We will cover diverse R&D (research & design) techniques, as you generate well-explored, creative and relevant design outcomes…
Now accepting applications for 12025/6
FEE: £55 Per Hour
(min 1 Hr per booking)
Services are fully bespoke to your personal needs:
* Folio Development for application / job
* Collection building
* Brand Consultation
First Consultation Fee: £90
To establish your needs and develop a personalised plan for future sessions (documented for you)
£55 Per Hour thereafter
Fee can be paid on the day (before session commences) or previously by transfer on demand…
Ian is a brilliant tutor / mentor! Not only does Ian possess a deep-seated knowledge of the fashion industry, he is incredibly experienced in his field and, most importantly, is a designer/practitioner himself with his own brand. Ian communicates and teaches in an inspirational and also entertaining way. He likes to challenge existing thinking constructively to try and get the best ideas and original concepts. He does not tolerate mediocrity and is very honest in his approach. I have learned a huge amount and benefited a great deal from Ian's teaching. I would have no reservations whatsoever in highly recommending him to any designer wishing to launch their own fashion brand or anyone who might need expert consultancy with any aspect regarding fashion design. Ian's refined aesthetic and understanding of the industry, coupled with his very positive and helpful approach will not fail to improve or enhance a design collection.
Gemma Street
hesterbly.com
‘An inspiring and knowledgeable tutor. Organised and highly skilled. What Ian doest know about Fashion, isn't worth knowing!! Expert in portfolio building, advice and translating creative methodologies into practice..’
Jane Frances: Parsons New School
Professor of Design, fashion: NY-USA
SHORT COURSES
Join one of my design workshop.
Sign-up with the legendary Central Saint Martins or The Creative Dimension (for young learners only) Bookable directly with the institutions: LINKS Provided
Pattern Making / Classic tailoring
Have you ever wondered what goes into the cutting and making of high fashion garments? This course will guide you through the techniques used by designers to make inspiring 3D details in cloth. Exploring experimental pattern cutting methods popularised by the Japanese designers of the late 20th century, classic tailoring methods mastered by Savile Row London and haute couture stitching methods used by the Paris houses, you will design, cut and make a "toile 'sampler'.
Venue: Cockpit Arts, Bloomsbury, London
Monday -Friday: 17 - 31st October 2025
Introduction to Fashion Design
Have you ever wondered what a fashion designer actually does, whether it is the right career for you, or how designers come up with a fresh collection every season? This introductory course was specifically designed with the beginner in mind. It will guide you through the fashion design process. You will work from a set brief through an extensive research process to generate and develop ideas for
Venue: CSM Campus, Kings Cross, London
(10 days) Mon - Fri x 2: 04 - 15 Aug 2025
Building a Fashion Collection
A collection can be any number of different garments, from a few exclusive pieces with different design elements to a large selection of varied styles. More important than the number of pieces is the point the collection is making its fashion statement.
Venue: CSM Campus, Kings Cross, London
(5 days) Mon ti Fri: 18 - 22 Aug 2025
About
A graduated of Saint Martins and The Royal College of Art. A London-based artist and bespoke maker of mens accessories & fibre art hangings.
A well-respected and inspiring teacher, Ian has taught fashion design at Saint Martins for over twenty years, while lectures internationally, setting up and delivering courses & Seminars in Paris, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Riyadh and China to students and industry professionals.
PGCE Qualified
DBS Cert: 2024
"Working with Ian was a transformative experience that ultimately led to my acceptance into Central Saint Martins (MA) Through his guidance, I learnt how to organize my chaotic mind and translate my ideas into a cohesive portfolio that showcased my design potential. This involved refining my design process, identifying my strengths, and also developing a stronger sense of myself as a designer. This self-awareness proved crucial for both the portfolio and the interview.
Ian's direct and honest approach, coupled with his humour, made our sessions both productive and enjoyable. He challenged me to stay true to my design values, helping me curate work that reflected my unique perspective. He was dedicated to understanding my design background and my goals, tailoring his advice to ensure it was truly relevant and provided the most beneficial support. “
Barbara Hornok: Central Saint Martins fashion MA