Award winning Nicci James is the current Designer in Residence at Heathfield School, Ascot. Graduating from Manchester School of Art, Nicci’s debut collection won Gold at The Phoenix World Cup, International Fashion Design Grand Prix in China.

Following the success of her collection, Nicci began working with London-based knitwear company Unmade. The first on-demand knitwear platform, Unmade remain leaders in the made-to-order fashion market. In her role as their first full time designer, Nicci was integral in creating and producing Unmade’s debut collection and collaborations with Christopher Raeburn and Selfridges.

Nicci takes a playful approach to design through the skillful handling of materials and with an emphasis on texture and colour. Her illustrative style and love of experimentation translate into visually rich garments featuring elements of knit, screen-print and embroidery. Her consistent inspirations come from classic menswear garments and re-imagining traditional fabric pattern.

Nicci draws on her progressive approach to design in the mentoring of her students. An adept problem solver, Nicci cultivates individual creativity and encourages expression within the classroom, raising questions and finding solutions as to what fashion can really be and do.

Her most recent achievement was producing the first Heathfield Expressive Arts Showcase. Unsatisfied with the traditional format of music recital and fashion show, she transformed the annual event into a dynamic and progressive performance integrating elements from all creative subjects including Art, Photography, Music and Drama. Attended by industry professionals from Mulberry and London college of Fashion, the show was a huge success for the school, featuring in Tatler Bystander.

With a love of team work and an inquisitive approach to process and design Nicci is a strong advocate for co-creation. She keen to work on more interdisciplinary projects, believing that the most interesting ideas tend to emerge at this confluence.

Nicci’s work has been featured in various publications including The Skinny, F*cking Young Online, Modeconnect, Cake magazine, Kaltblut Magazine, Ballad of Magazine and Sicky Mag.