Laura Spinola
Laura joined NUA in 2017 and has delivered targeted sessions across all 3 years of the BA (Hons) Fashion course. She now focuses primarily on the year 1 experience. Laura’s industry experience underpins her teaching and she is passionate about amalgamating technical skills with creative curiosity to support students in developing a holistic understanding of the design and manufacturing processes.
My accumulated industry experience spans a range of roles and markets including designer and owner of a bespoke bridal and evening wear label, a product developer/merchandiser for niche and mass market brands; and academics – as a lecturer and external examiner. I have also expanded my skillset into the area of digital marketing to become a Certified Digital Marketing Professional, completing my studies in the top 3% of candidates.
Having studied the art of couture, I specialised in bespoke evening wear. My creative practice is therefore focused on traditional and contemporary pattern cutting with an emphasis on fit, finish and attention to detail. I am particularly interested in handcrafted design details which I continue to explore within my work. I aspire to preserve craftmanship skills and truly believe that practice and experimentation not only develops these skills, but it refines them.
Research and practice
2019: Contributed to an article for Your East Anglian Wedding magazine
2018: Contributed to an article for Your East Anglian Wedding magazine
2011: Dissertation research paper – “The effects of brand expansion on image and exclusivity – A marketing strategy”
2010: Exhibited graduate collection from 2009 at Johannesburg Fashion Week
2008: Exhibited a garment at Johannesburg Fashion Week
Other academic activities
2020: CDMP marketing
2018: Higher Education Academy – Awarded Fellow status
2012 – 2017: Villioti Fashion Institute – External examiner
