Breaking the Mould: How LCF alum Francesca Vosper-Carey is redefining accessories design

We recently caught up with London College of Fashion (LCF), UAL alum Francesca Vosper-Carey, a jewellery, bag, and homewares designer and developer with over 10 years of experience in the fashion and retail industry. With a creative vision as bold as her designs, Francesca shared her journey since graduation and the inspirations that shape her life and work. 

Can you tell us about your journey since graduating from LCF?

I completed my undergraduate degree in BA (Hons) Fashion Jewellery at LCF in 2012. Like many graduates, I was eager to step into the industry but quickly realised how challenging it would be to get my foot in the door, especially within the smaller area of fashion jewellery design. Still, I’ve never been one to take no for an answer. I took on two internships alongside a part-time retail job and worked 52 days straight before finally landing my first paid role with cult jewellery brand Tatty Devine.

While that role was in production rather than design, I was determined to pivot into the creative side. Through networking within the fashion jewellery industry, I eventually got my "big break" as an assistant jewellery and product designer for a high street supplier. I worked my way up to junior designer by saying yes to every design and development challenge that came my way.

In 2015, I returned to LCF to study MA Fashion Artefact and learned to craft leather accessories. It was during this time that I learned to design and craft accessories using leather, which gave me the confidence to transition into a career in accessories design. This led me to design kids' accessories. Later, I had the opportunity to work on a debut range of bags and accessories. Today, I'm a senior accessory designer at Stackers.com, a role I have had for seven years.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to shape a career that brings together creativity and product innovation."

What support did you receive from LCF during your studies?

I received support from various areas within the university, whether through my tutors, technicians, or other services. But what stands out most is the help I received from the academic writing support team while studying for my BA. They helped proofread my essays and final year written work and were always so helpful and patient. I’ve always struggled with grammar, so their support made a huge difference to my confidence and output.

I used this service during my master’s degree. They suggested I might have dyslexia. The university helped me with the official steps. This led to my formal assessment and diagnosis. It has improved my understanding of my creative and academic processes.

Another form of support I will be forever grateful for was the 3D and Material Science team, led by Peter Hill. For my final undergraduate collection, I decided to design and manufacture my pieces using 3D printing, back in 2012 when it was still relatively new in commercial design. Peter and the team were incredible. They taught me how to use 3D software and answered all my questions. Without their support, I couldn't have brought my final collection to life as I envisioned.

With over 10 years of experience in the fashion and retail industry, what sparks your creative vision and shapes your work?

For me, inspiration comes from a mix of curiosity, problem-solving, and storytelling. I’ve always been fascinated by how things are made, how an idea moves from concept to physical product, that process is a big part of what drives me creatively. I love getting stuck into research, whether that’s digging into trends, exploring materials, or understanding a customer’s lifestyle and how they’ll interact with a product day to day.

I’m especially drawn to the challenge of balancing creativity with practicality. It’s one thing to design something beautiful, but I get real satisfaction from making sure it works. This could be the fit of a bag, the clasp on a necklace, or the functionality of a homeware item. That’s why I enjoy guiding a project from start to finish. I oversee everything from trend research and concept development to technical specs, sampling, and production.

Material innovation and new design approaches inspire me. My background in jewellery and artifact design taught me to think creatively. I always seek ways to enhance a design while staying true to a brand’s handwriting and customer profile.

"I’m inspired by the idea that design can enhance the everyday. Whether it is a piece someone wears, uses, or gives as a gift, I love creating products that feel thoughtful, personal, and built to last"

Your laptop bag design has earned a prestigious spot in HELLO! Magazine's Top 6. What inspired this achievement?

I design for Stackers, a brand focused on “Life, Beautifully Organised.” This mission guides my team and me in every design we create. The laptop bag featured in this article draws from my experiences in London, both as a designer and a student at LCF. I understand the struggle of rushing around the city with a laptop and essentials. The laptop bags I found back then were plain and lacked style. I aimed to create a chic, classic bag that keeps your items organised and protects your laptop.

As well as HELLO! Stackers bags and products have featured in multiple publications including Stylist, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, and The Independent, just to name a few and I feel privileged to be able to contribute so significantly to an independent brand. I’ve designed multiple bags and lifestyle accessories including backpacks for parents, make-up bags for avid travellers, and jewellery boxes for personal treasures. To have my designs so well received by the public makes me feel proud and grateful to be appreciated as a designer.

What exciting projects are you currently working on?

The design team and I have some exciting new products in the works!

On a personal level, I’ve taken a bit of downtime while raising my family. I have two daughters, aged 1 and 4, who keep me busy outside of work. I love doing creative projects with them, and I hope I am inspiring them to pursue a creative path of their own one day.

Looking ahead, I would love to return to more artistic, hands-on design and I have the space to explore that side of my creativity again. I see it as a natural continuation of my journey, balancing commercial design with more experimental, personal projects.

What are your proudest achievements as a designer?

I have designed professionally in the retail sector for notable high street brands including Marks & Spencer, FatFace, and Mothercare, to name a few, which I feel proud of. However, what I’m most proud of are the exhibitions my personal work has featured in over the years, some while studying at LCF and others after graduating.

These exhibitions have taken place in amazing venues like the Museum of London, the People’s History Museum, the Louvre, and Buckingham Palace. Knowing my work has been showcased in prestigious places makes me feel immensely proud.

Finally, what three key pieces of advice would you give to our students and recent grads?

Connect with the right people. Seek work experience and internships whenever you can, especially in your desired industry. My internships were in high street design, and they helped shape my career. They introduced me to key contacts, and when job openings came up, I was recommended for them.

Always be curious. Make everything your business, whether that’s trends, what is happening online, street style, international affairs, or what is going on in the company you are working for. Ask questions whenever you can. I’ve always been a naturally nosey person who wants to know what’s going on in all aspects of life.

Curiosity has opened doors for me. It helps inform your decisions, shows your competency, and leads to stronger, more informed designs

Finally, work hard. Opportunity comes through a mix of luck and effort, but it is the hard work that really matters. When opportunities arise, you want to already be in their path, ready to seize them. But it is your work ethic that will solidify those opportunities, carry you through them, and lead you to the next one.

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