Claudine Rousseau

Profession

Dean, School of Design and Technology

College

London College of Fashion

Person Type

Staff

Biography

Claudine Rousseau has returned to LCF as newly appointed Dean of School of Design and Technology, just in time for the college's move to East Bank. After graduating from LCF in 1990, Claudine has since gone on to pursue a highly successful career with high fashion, sportswear and education working in tandem.

Interview

What inspired you to take your new role at LCF?

Heading up the atelier at Rapha for five years, my focus was on solving fit for performance challenges. This involved extensive exploration and testing of ideas using 2D and 3D pattern cutting software, work closely with all teams particularly materials and apparel design to push innovation and precision. Given the urgency of the climate crisis and increased scrutiny on the fashion industry, I recognize the transformative role of education. LCF has consistently led in addressing crucial issues affecting fashion in diverse contexts, making it a proactive leader in driving positive change through innovative initiatives. So, when the role of Dean of School of Design and Technology was advertised, and I read the UAL strategy, I was excited and inspired to be part of that journey for shaping creativity for the future.

Where does your specialism lie and what are you passionate about?

Although I have specialised in precision pattern cutting for performance clothing, seeking and testing new approaches, it is people that I am really passionate about. Very little gets done in isolation and I see the true value in collaboration, having human compassion to give space for people to be their best selves, openness to explore and challenge ideas, be ambitious and steer the purpose.

Professionally, I am primarily interested in the body in motion, how clothing can enhance performance from both physiological and psychological perspectives. A noteworthy project was to create the fastest time trial suit in the world, aiming to enhance performance through advancements in thermoregulation and strain reduction. Drawing on the theories of drag reduction research, I honed in on fit optimization, recognizing it as the key opportunity for substantial gains. This undertaking was a collaborative effort, involving internal teams at Rapha and external partnerships with two universities.

Where do you see the future of fashion design heading in the next 5 years – are you noticing any particular advancements or innovations coming through?

I think in the next five years fashion design will witness more of a dynamic interplay of AI and human creativity, a continued heightened focus on sustainability, social responsibility, and a conscious effort to preserve finite resources. There will be a continued integration of traditional craft skills and new technologies and real and virtual experiences. The role of designer will continue to evolve.

Have you had any interesting interactions with students since you have been in your new role?

I have had engaging interactions with students in various settings since taking on my new role. Taking the stairs in the new building has provided opportunities for informal conversations with students and staff and it inspiring to see students using the space, working physically on their products in early, raw forms. Attending an MA Womenswear toile crit showcased the exciting progress of their final major projects. Additionally, I've connected with students from across the school through the student/dean forum and course committees, gaining valuable perspectives of the student experience.

In your opinion, why is LCF's move to Stratford so significant? What opportunities will this enable for both staff and students?

Being all on one site, is significant in bringing together the full breadth of fashion in all its disciplines and strengthen connections between the schools and centres at LCF that provide this spectrum. In addition to exploring their subject specialism, students will have more opportunity to collaborate with others and understand how their focus is part of the interconnective fashion landscape. Just being in the same canteen and shared student open spaces gives opportunity for organic conversations to ignite.

As part of East Bank, there is potential for exciting projects to flourish with our immediate partners such as the V&A, UCL and Sadlers Wells and with the wider longstanding established community in Stratford. I am looking forward to seeing how we can connect meaningfully to inspire through creative collaborations.

Photography by Wig Worland

Links

Claudine Rousseau

Biography

Interview

Links

London College of Fashion

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