Ujjal Patel
Profession
BA Textile Design student
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Student
Biography
Ujjal is a final year student on BA (Hons) Textile Design at Central Saint Martins. She is originally from Blantyre, Malawi and her creative practice is strongly influenced by her Malawian and Indian heritage.
Interview
Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Textile Design at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
The art I learnt in school was Fine Art, but I wanted to work more directly with materials and the body, and textiles felt like the perfect bridge between the two. My work focuses on textiles, print, and material experimentation, exploring themes of movement, adornment, and cultural storytelling. I am particularly interested in how traditional craft and contemporary design can come together through surface design, embroidery, and constructed textiles.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?
One of the most interesting projects I have worked on is my project titled 'Rituals of Adornment'. This project explored how architecture and spaces are transformed during Indian festivals through flowers, garlands, colour, and decoration. What made this project so exciting was the way it combined cultural research with material experimentation. I worked with photography, print, embroidery, natural dyeing, laser cutting, and three-dimensional textile samples to create layered surfaces inspired by decorated gates, doorways, and floral symbolism. It allowed me to push my technical skillls while also telling a personal and cultural story through textiles.
Have you completed any work placements / internships whilst being on the course?
I completed my placement year working with three companies and took part in several collaborations. I started at Renata Brenha, which was a formative experience for my practice as a textile and fashion designer. I was drawn to Renata’s work because of her focus on handcraft, upcycling, and experimental textile processes, and I wanted to understand how conceptual ideas are translated into physical garments within a studio environment. During my time there, I worked across many different areas of the studio, from research and toile making to textile experimentation and sample production. I supported the team with material sourcing, textile development, garment preparation for production, and assisting with photoshoots.
Then, I worked with Liberowe, where I refined my skills in pattern cutting, garment construction, and textile development for new collections. The third placement was at New York Embroidery Studio, where I focused more closely on craftsmanship and surface design, working with embroidery machines, laser cutters, and specialist software.
These experiences helped me develop my technical skills while learning the importance of taste, reference gathering, and material sensitivity in professional studio practice. Overall, my placements taught me how to work both independently and as part of a team, and helped me build confidence in my design voice while gaining a deeper understanding of how contemporary fashion studios operate.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
I would say that this course is not a typical university experience, and what you put into it is what you will get out of it. Be open to experimentation and use your own experiences as inspiration, and experiment with everything, as that’s where the best ideas come from.
What has been the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
One of the biggest highlights of my CSM experience has been seeing my projects develop from initial research into fully realised textile outcomes. Another highlight has been meeting people from different cultures and creative disciplines. I met people through studio work, group projects, and the UAL Foundation course. Working closely with peers in the studio environment helped me build strong creative relationships and a supportive community. This sense of community, the people, and the access to specialist workshops have really expanded how I think about textiles and design.
What are your career aspirations?
I hope to have developed my own fashion and textile brand that works closely with Malawian and Indian artisans while drawing on my background in print and surface design. I want to create collections that combine traditional craft techniques with contemporary textile innovation, building a practice that celebrates cultural heritage through modern design. My aim is to establish a brand rooted in collaboration, craftsmanship, and storytelling, while
continuing to grow my design language through print, embroidery, and material experimentation.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
The most important thing I have learnt is to trust my creative process and develop a strong concept behind my work. CSM has taught me that design is not just about the final outcome, but about research, experimentation, and critical thinking. I have also learnt not to compare my work to others. As long as I have a strong concept and commit to the process, the project will develop in its own way.
Links
View Ujjal's portfolio to explore her work
Follow Ujjal on Instagram
Connect on LinkedIn