Aaron Challis

A London based creative with training in womenswear design, specialising in dress- making. My background has been focused in creating one off’s and made to measure garments as well as experience in teaching fashion, textiles and costume and as a visual merchandiser. 

I am specifically inspired by design, fashion and lifestyle from the mid to late 1900's which I translate through a specifically romantic stylised lens but have an interest and knowledge in many historical and contemporary references that I utilise in my work.

I am a highly motivated person with ex- ceptional interpersonal and communication skills with significant experience working within a team and individually. I have a wide skillset including excellent making skills including sampling, pattern cutting and toiling, fitting and construction.

I am eager to develop my career and to continue utilising my skillset and find new challenges. I have a sound knowledge of costume and understanding of references with strong hand and machine sewing skills and am excited to learn more about the industry. Throughout my past experience I striven for excellence through precise attention to detail achieved with high energy, enthusiasm and an eagerness to both deliver and develop.

Visual Merchandiser - Elys of Wimbledon - October 2022- now
As a key member in the visual team, my main duties are to help create, install and maintain window displays as well as instore areas. This in- cludes styling and dressing, painting, prop creation, illustration, set desion and still life dressing. I love building characters through styl- ing in the window and display schemes to create an emmersive visual that has a clear point of view and cohesive storyline. My references for these characters are broad but often originate in things I’ve seen in cinema and performance; a 30s femme fatale or 70s student for example.

Sessional Lecturer (formerly GTA) - UCA Canterbury/ Rochesster - September 2018 - March 2023
I provided tutorials, presentations & lead in pattern cutting, con- struction, sewing & illustration workshops to foundation and degree fashion students as well as assessing submissions. I was able to deliv- er and explain information & ideas on design, historical and contem- porary pop-culture & cite relevant references. Problem solving was a key part of my role, helping find solutions to issues across different projects, garments and tasks with ease and to an exceptional standard, achieved with clear knowledge of process, fabric

Intern - RICHARD QUINN - December 2020
Hand sewing embellishment to garments to help finish the new collection. A fast paced working environment that allowed me to put into practice both technical and organisational skills leading to deadline success.

Intern/ Freelancer – HERMIONE DE PAULA - March - August 2017
Beginning as an intern & progressing to freelancer, my main duties were to develop & draw embroidery design for both bespoke bridal gown orders & new collections onto pattern pieces & oversee the team of interns at the studio to delegate tasks. I would assist on hand sewing, creation and finalisation on embelishment & embroidery as well as pattern devel- opment & fabric cutting for new collection & custom orders.

Senior Sales/Supervisor - TFG London - September 2018 - October 2022 Overseeing sales & customer experience on behalf of a brand within a department store as well as attending brand events & meetings.

KINGSTON UNIVERSITY LONDON, 2018 - 2020, MA fashion design

UNIVERSITY FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS, EPSOM, 2015-2018, BA fashion design -pattern cutting, tailoring, drape, shirt construction and corsetry techniques. Completed 8 design projects including research & concept building, hand drawn design development, 3D design practice, toiling & fit- tings as well as final construction on garments incl. a 6 outfit collection. 

UNIVERSITY FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS, CANTERBURY, 2014-2015, foundation diploma

MAPLESDEN NOAKES SECONDARY SCHOOL, 2007-14, 4 A levels A*-B/ 9 GCSE’s A-C