Darla-Jane Gilroy

Biography

Professor Darla-Jane Gilroy is a Reader in Knowledge Exchange and Programme Director in the School of Design Technology at London College of Fashion. She studied fashion at Central Saint Martins and has a career that spans design, consultancy, and education. She has built a successful fashion label, worked as a brand strategist and cultural analyst. She has contributed to fashion exhibitions at the V&A, participated in the ICA’s Talking Clothes fashion seminars and been a keynote speaker at the Louise Blouin Foundation.

Darla has a long involvement and commitment to design education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, initially as Course Leader of the BA (Hons) Cordwainers Footwear and Accessories course, Subject Leader in Fashion at Winchester School of Art, and Senior Tutor in Footwear and Accessories at Royal College of Art before became Programme Director for the Craft Courses at LCF in 2012.

Darla is a Visiting Fellow at INNOVATIONRCA, Practitioner in Residence for the Student Enterprise Team at LCF and on the awards panel for Cockpit Arts social enterprise. She is also on the LCF Knowledge Exchange Committee. She is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman to The Worshipful Company of Curriers.

Darla recognises the importance of the student journey and design education as a powerful transformational force. In her role as programme director, she is committed to inclusive pedagogy and inclusive curriculum to support attainment. She has introduced initiatives on her program to support feedback literacy, and is keen to contribute to UAL initiatives to support diversity and inclusion.