Remembering our colleague and friend, Patrick Lee Yow

Central Saint Martins mourns the loss of beloved fashion tutor Patrick Lee Yow on 24 April, following a short period of illness. Alistair O'Neill, Professor of Fashion History and Theory, shares a dedication to Patrick.

It is with sadness that I write to mark the passing of our colleague and friend, Patrick Lee Yow. Patrick was a well-known and well-loved member of academic staff in the Fashion programme, teaching the craft of pattern-cutting for fashion design to generations of students.

Patrick started his training at London College of Fashion, where he was taught pattern-cutting by Lily Silberberg. He then studied on the MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins, before teaching on the course during Professor Louise Wilson’s tenure. He went on to teach widely at the college, as Course Leader for Innovative Pattern Cutting for Graduates and Professionals, and for Fashion Folio; as well an Associate Lecturer on the Fashion Print and Fashion Knit pathways of BA Fashion.

Patrick also participated in the recent AHRC funded research project, Exploding Fashion, which looked at the role of pattern-cutting in twentieth century fashion, also involving Esme Young, Professor Caroline Evans, Liam Leslie, Isabella Coraça, and myself. A key part of the project was to capture the conversations we had about pattern-cutting and the approach we employ at CSM. Patrick was not only brilliant at explaining his practice-based craft through his hands, but also through his words. He believed passionately in thinking through making and he will be missed:

The 2023 BA Fashion show will be dedicated in memory of Patrick.