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Ian Griffiths, the Creative Director of Max Mara, has been honoured with an Honorary Professorship by Norwich University of the Arts. This recognition celebrates his substantial contributions to fashion design and fashion education.
Griffiths’ journey in fashion began as a student in Manchester during the vibrant post-punk music and club culture. Initially studying architecture, he later shifted to fashion, encouraged by his tutor, the legendary Ossie Clark, to apply to the Royal College of Art. One of his first design projects, a competition sponsored by Max Mara, led to his winning and subsequent hiring by the company after graduating in 1987.
Over three decades, Griffiths has shaped a vision of empowering fashion characterised by wearable modern classics, discrete luxury, and intelligent design, infused with a street-smart sense of cool. His iconic ‘Teddy Coat’ has sold hundreds of thousands and has been worn by numerous celebrities.
As Creative Director of Max Mara, Griffiths is dedicated to nurturing design talent. He has played a key role in establishing various scholarships aimed at enabling individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to enter the fashion industry.
Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice-Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, commended Griffiths, stating, “Ian Griffiths’ exceptional vision and dedication have significantly influenced both the global fashion industry and education. His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with an unwavering commitment to innovation, continues to inspire our community and shape contemporary fashion.”
Griffiths, a pivotal figure in fashion, has led Max Mara with creativity and elegance, shaping the brand’s prestigious reputation. His designs, known for their timeless sophistication, have set industry standards and garnered global acclaim.
Expressing his gratitude for his award, Griffiths remarked, “I grew up in the North and went to college in Manchester and London, but in 1981 my parents moved to near Norwich, and that’s when I fell in love with East Anglia. My sister did her foundation year at Norwich School of Art and through her I saw how good it was. I saw that it wasn’t just good then, it had been good for many many years. It’s historic; there something about Norwich that has always enabled students to find themselves. Norwich gives space for thoughtful creative exploration.
Many years later, when I was looking for a place where I could go to think undisturbed, I chose East Anglia without hesitation. Each collection I design is a story, and Suffolk is where I work those stories out whilst I plant bulbs in the garden or walk with my dogs on the warren. Fashion requires a lot of thought, and Norwich University of the Arts is the perfect environment for that. I am delighted to accept this honorary professorship and to have the opportunity to support Simon Ofield Kerr and his outstanding academic team.”
Norwich University of the Arts awarded four honorary professorships during this year’s summer graduations, where nearly 900 undergraduate and postgraduate students received their honours.
International •
Gresham Global will act as the University’s official representative in India, widening access to world-class creative education.
Institution •
Dr Ellie Nixon and Dr Kirk Woolford have been recognised for their significant contributions to knowledge and high levels of academic achievement.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts recognises two new professors
Alumni •
Richard Bracewell, Lecturer for BA (Hons) Film and Moving Image Production, worked with Norwich students and graduates to produce the Fens-based comedy.
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Alumni •
Norwich University of the Arts has been ranked among the UK's top two specialist creative arts universities — and the highest outside London — in the 2026 edition of The Complete University Guide
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts moves up 25 places in The Complete University Guide
East Gallery •
We are delighted to offer two opportunities to join the University as an East Gallery Fellow – Creative Practice, for twelve months from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026
Institution •
The UK games industry is now worth a staggering £7.82 billion, with East Anglia poised to become the next major growth cluster
Research •
Norwich University of the Arts presents a series of live performances and immersive video installations as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
Read more about Norwich University of the Arts at Norfolk and Norwich Festival
Winners announced in two age categories 11-15 and 16-19, and two theme categories ‘Responsible Production and Consumption’ and ‘Gender Equality’.
Institution •
Norwich University of the Arts is making a bold and exciting move toward a more sustainable future.
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BA (Hons) Illustration •
Gabriella discusses how her creative practice and wider University experience has helped to manage and communicate topics around mental health.
Read more about In conversation with Gabriella Mason, BA (Hons) Illustration
Research •
Norwich University of the Arts recently hosted a collaborative event showcasing projects funded by AHRC's Creative Research Capability fund, at its cutting-edge Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab (IVSL).
Research •
A groundbreaking new exhibition, Shape Shift: Reflections on Art in Mental Health Settings, created in partnership with Norwich University of the Arts, will open at The Fitzrovia Chapel on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
Read more about Shape Shift: Reflections on Art in Mental Health Settings
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication •
Cassie Muskett has been selected for the Chaos Design Bursary Award. She secured a two-week paid internship, along with a generous £800 bursary. We spoke to Cassie about her internship experience.
Read more about In conversation with Cassie Muskett, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication
Institution •
After dedicating his career to higher education in the creative arts, Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr, Vice Chancellor of Norwich University of the Arts, has announced his decision to retire in 12 months time.
Read more about Retirement Announcement: Professor Simon Ofield-Kerr
BA Animation and Visual Effects •
Staff and graduates’ work features in two-part special exploring the secrets of the Ice Age.
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BA (Hons) Textile Design student, Megan Merhar, shares her journey of incorporating AI into her creative process.
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Create original content and eye-catching campaigns that mirror the marketing strategies and visual communication skills driving the global fashion industry.