
Caroline Gration, MA
Director
"I was a very arty kid who loved style, but I couldn’t sew, and this frustrated me as I couldn’t manifest all of the designs I drew onto paper. Subsequently, I thought I could never be part of the fashion world I dreamed about.
The Fashion School is now 10+ years old, and my passion is based on my experience as a little girl. The concept danced around in my head for 10 years prior to opening in the back of my flat, while I worked within the industry as a designer, illustrator, design production manager, and consultant. My career spans over 35 years, plus another 6 years of education. Yep, that long! Much of that time was also spent as a senior and visiting fashion lecturer. I enjoyed the mix of industry and education and brought this ethos to the Fashion School. Creativity! Skills! Knowledge!
My children are both very grown up: Betty is a haematologist, and Céleste is a graphic designer at The Financial Times. I’ve always felt at my happiest now that they’ve grown, surrounded by the laughter of your children and teenagers as they build upon their skills, learning to sew, pattern cut, and make their sustainable ideas a reality. They help steer my ideas as we move forward together. Fashion means something different to each of your glorious young creatives, and I celebrate their individuality. Thanks to you, I have the best job ever."

Jasmine Broadhurst, BA (Hons)
Operations & Studio Manager, Tutor
"Hello, I am Jasmine! I am the manager and a tutor here at The Fashion School.
As a past student of The Fashion School myself during my teen years, I fell in love with fashion. Caroline and the fashion family have been amazingly supportive through the years. With their encouragement, I gained a place at my dream university, Central Saint Martins, where I graduated in Fashion Design with Knitwear!
Having been in the student’s position myself, it is rewarding to be a part of their fashion journeys. Whether their goal is to study fashion at university or just to make a really stylish dress for a party, I love helping bring ideas to life!
I especially love working on creative and innovative projects, with my own practice spanning realms of textiles, computing, and technology. You can often find me fixing the machines or helping our students turn their drawings into digital embroidery!"

Ava Casali
Tutor and Studio Assistant
"Hi, I’m Ava! I originally joined The Fashion School as a student, where I developed many of the skills I use now in my role as a tutor and studio assistant. I love being able to pass on what I’ve learned to help students grow in their fashion journey.
During the week, I work on Savile Row! Finishing trousers, and gaining valuable experience in high-quality tailoring and garment construction. Before that, I studied fashion, having graduated from the Fashion Retail Academy in 2025 with a diploma in Fashion Design.
One of my favourite things about teaching at The Fashion School is helping students bring their own ideas to life, whether that’s through sewing garments, experimenting with design, or building confidence with machines and patterns.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about sustainable fashion. In my spare time, I upcycle and create garments, which I share on social media, focusing on giving new life to existing materials and promoting a more conscious approach to fashion."

Elena Leshcheva, BA (Hons)
Tutor
"Hello, I am Elena. I'm a recent graduate of Westminster University who has an obsession with pattern cutting!
Since I was young, I have been surrounded by fashion, as my mum (a tailoring teacher) has always involved me in the process. But my deeper fashion journey only really began at college, where I found a true passion for learning everything about fashion and all it has to offer.
I am eager to make dreams a reality through the power of pattern cutting! Whether for a perfectly fitting dress or an ambitious experimental project.
In my own work, I often explore historical garments and unusual materials to create special garments unique to each wearer. I am also passionate about individuality and inclusivity within fashion, as everyone should feel comfortable and confident in their clothes!
I am very excited to help the next generation to make their fashion dreams come true!"

Ardriani Sutara, BA (Hons)
Tutor
"Hi, I’m Ardriani! I’m a maker working with sustainable fashion and bespoke accessories, with a love for using vintage materials.
I’ve always been artistic, and my creativity started early, learning to knit with my Nan and sisters and sewing at school, which led me to study fashion. I’ve since worked across fashion design, production, and retail, creating handmade pieces and working closely with others, and I enjoy sharing my skills and creative process.
Alongside my creative background, I’ve studied mental health, and I thoroughly enjoy helping young people build confidence through creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment."

Jodie Glen-Martin, BA (Hons)
Threadheads/Quilting and Art Tutor
"Hi, I’m Jodie, an artist and maker with passion for colour, print and pattern. My career started in conservation working on historic design and artworks before moving to Tate where my focus changed to contemporary art.
During this time I was also creating my own work with my background inspiring me to combine traditional techniques and design with contemporary ideas and materials. My paintings and sculpture have been exhibited and sold across the world through galleries, art fairs and my website. I have also worked on commercial projects producing artwork for ceramics and premium skin care products.
More recently my journey with pattern and colour moved away from canvas and more towards textiles and my lifelong passion for quilting grew into an obsession. When both my cats had a patchwork cushion I started Threadheads, a beginners quilting group around my kitchen table. It became so popular I had to turn people away so I was thrilled to join The Fashion School in 2022 to introduce my skills and share my passion to a wider number of people.
In our beautiful quilting studio upstairs at The Fashion School we now run several introduction to quilting courses for adults and run quilting workshops with schools.
We have also set up The Chelsea Quilt Club where graduates of our courses as well as any other keen quilters, can drop in and meet like minded souls and swap tips, stories and fabric."

Tiana Esparon, BA (Hons)
Crochet and Fashion Tutor
"I'm Tiana, a proud graduate of Kingston School of Art, with a specialization in knit and print.
My journey in the world of design has been an exploration of color, texture, and bold fashion.This passion has led me to establish my own crochet brand called Sitrin, where I create a delightful array of funky crochet accessories, each reflecting my unique design sensibilities.Teaching is a calling that resonates deeply with me, as I'm driven by the desire to pass on my knowledge and ignite the creative spark in others.Join me on this exciting journey into the world of crochet, where we'll not only learn together but also revel in the vivid tapestry of color, the tactile beauty of textures, and the bold statements that fashion can make. Let's crochet our way into a world of boundless creativity and inspiration!"

Finn Feez, BA (Hons)
Tutor
"Hi, I'm Finn! I’m a multidisciplinary designer and product developer working across fashion, product, and sound.
I was raised in a creative household - my mother a fashion designer & lecturer, my father a graphic & product designer - drawing was my first language. and led to my lifelong obsession with creative practices.
I studied menswear bespoke tailoring in London, before gaining extensive materials knowledge whilst working at William Gee Haberdashery and in various roles as a pattern-cutting assistant. Later I pivoted into Product & Industrial Design, enrolling as a mature student at Central Saint Martins. There I combined my tailoring skills with innovative material and product development, creating projects with inclusivity and ethics at the forefront.
Alongside teaching, I work as a product developer for a fashion tech brand, developing garments and systems for people with a range of disabilities. I bring my passion for inclusivity into my teaching methods, ensuring everyone feels welcome and comfortable."

Geri Li
Pattern Cutting Tutor
"Hi I'm Geri. I'm a creative senior pattern cutter with 12+ years experience working in luxury fashion for brands such as The Vampires Wife, Victoria Beckham and Halpern.
I am passionate about teaching & mentoring as loves being able to pass my knowledge on and empower others in making their own clothes and advancing their skills whether they be hobbyist or professional within the industry. I created Pattern Wiz to focus on nurturing creativity, self-expression, and slow fashion in a way that supports well-being, sustainability, and personal growth.
My approach to teaching is explaining pattern cutting in a simple way making you feel safe and at ease in the process by reminding you nothing you do is ever 'wrong', it is all learning and part of the process!"

Meg Turner
Teaching Assistant
"Hello, I'm Meg. I'm a retired primary school teacher helping at The Fashion School to teach young children and young people the knowlegde to enjoy the creative pleasure and wellbeing that sewing can give.
I've been sewing since the age of 6 and it's been a life-long passion. I've made many patchwork quilts, clothes and soft furnishings over the years and I continue to love the craft and want to encourage our younger generations to enjoy all that sewing can offer. "

Ines Gaillard
Teaching Assistant
"Hi I’m Ines! I enjoy studying and tutoring fashion design over the weekend. I’ve been hooked on it since I was 6 years old, and I’ve spent the last seven years dedicated to learning everything I needed to know at this school. I haven’t just attended — I’ve genuinely thrived! All the core design skills and construction techniques, have led me to transition from a student to an active tutor.
My biggest focus is sustainable fashion; I try integrate this forward-thinking mindset into every project I lead.
Outside of the classroom, I recently launched my own label, Maison Gaillard, where I create customised tops and sweatpants for friends. I’m here to use my practical and entrepreneurial skillset to inspire the next generation of innovative designers.”

Join our Fashion Family
Internships
If you have a degree in Fashion/Textile Design and some experience teaching children, we would love to hear from you! Please email your CV and cover letter to Caroline.
"Caroline has built a strong management and tutor team - incredibly kind, caring and supportive. They've done so much for my girls' development - from teaching fashion techniques to being a safe and empathetic space for their emotions and worries. It's truly a beautiful and nurturing environment they've created. This dedicated team, led by Caroline, makes all the difference."
The Fashion School are always welcoming young students who would like to take part in a structured internship programme.
You can take part in various roles, including:
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Social Media
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Public Relations
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Marketing
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Personal Assistant
If interested please email Caroline along with your CV and tell us what role you would like to take part in and why.
Teenage Work Experience
At The Fashion School, we have run work experience opportunities for over two years. We think that it is important that all students on our work experience scheme are kept busy with a varied agenda that will enhance their skills suited to their individual needs.
Please note: Some sewing machine experience is necessary to partake in our structured work experience programme.
You can either contact us direct or ask your school to do so. We have both public liability and employer’s insurance.



















