Sustainable Horizons - Sustainable business in practice alumni event
- Written byGiada Maestra
- Published date 07 January 2026
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Date: Thursday 29 January 2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Location: LVMH Lecture Theatre (E003), Central Saint Martins
The UAL Sustainability Alumni Network is excited to host this event, bringing together UAL alumni and the wider creative community for an evening of honest conversation, lived experience, and practical insight into what sustainable business looks like beyond theory.
This event explores the real journeys behind sustainable ventures — the challenges, trade-offs, failures, and breakthroughs involved in embedding sustainability into business models, production systems, and organisational culture. From circular design and ethical supply chains to emerging materials and inclusive practices, our speakers will share what they’ve learned first-hand while working at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and responsibility.
Expect thoughtful talks, candid reflections, and an engaging Q&A, hosted in the spirit of knowledge-sharing and community.
What to expect
- Short keynote-style talks (10–15 minutes each)
- Honest insights from founders and practitioners
- A moderated Q&A with space for audience questions
- An opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives, alumni, and changemakers
Meet the speakers
Chris Bellamy - Biodesigner and Engineer | MA Biodesign, Central Saint Martins
Chris is a biodesigner and engineer whose career spans automotive innovation, footwear, and living materials. After studying engineering at the University of Cambridge, he worked at Jaguar Land Rover on the development of the Jaguar I-Pace. He later moved into footwear and apparel, developing customisable and recyclable shoes to address the environmental impact of over 20 billion pairs produced annually.
Recognising that incremental improvements to plastics and metals would not be sufficient to meet climate targets, Chris shifted his focus to working with living systems. His research explores how living materials can be integrated into everyday life by combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research.
Sabinna Rachimova - Founder and Creative Director, SABINNA | BA Fashion: Design with Marketing, Central Saint Martins
Featured in Forbes, VOGUE, ELLE, WWD, Eco-Age, and more, Sabinna Rachimova is a Central Saint Martins graduate and a forward-thinking designer whose work challenges the conventions of the fashion industry. Prior to launching her label, she worked at Christian Dior and Mary Katrantzou.
Sabinna’s brand has been recognised for its innovation at the intersection of fashion, technology and sustainability, including awards from the British Fashion Council and participation in pioneering VR fashion experiences. As an immigrant woman, public speaker, and consultant, Sabinna is deeply committed to inclusivity, education, and shaping a more responsible future for the fashion industry.
The Host
Katie Kubrak - President, UAL Sustainable Alumni Network | BA (Hons) Product Design, Central Saint Martins
Katie Kubrak is a CMF, sensory and sustainable design specialist with over 10 years’ experience working across fashion, consumer electronics, FMCG and packaging. Known for her material-driven approach, she bridges design, sustainability, innovation and production to help organisations build the brands and products of tomorrow.
Katie has worked with global brands including Burberry, Pangaia, Philips and Bodyform and other industry leaders. She is a frequent speaker, thought leader and writer on sustainable and sensory-led design.
