Ian Griffiths, Creative Director of Max Mara, awarded Honorary Professorship

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.