Adjoa Essel MA, the new Designer in Residence at Heathfield School, Ascot – an independent secondary boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, rated ‘Excellent’ across all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate – is all set to ensure the students are au couran with the very latest from the fashion industry. British Ghanaian Adjoa will be bringing her expertise in design development, illustration, research, garment construction and pattern cutting to further Heathfield’s already impressive fashion heritage.
A hive of creativity, the school has previously nurtured the talent of famous figures such as Isabella Blow, fashion editor and close friend of the late Alexander McQueen, Tamara Mellon OBE co-founder of Jimmy Choo, model and actress Sienna Miller, model Amber Le Bon, and fashion stylist Charlotte Stockdale whose credits include styling and fashion direction for British Vogue, i-D, and GARAGE, as well as shows for Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, and Viktor&Rolf. The school also enjoys a close relationship with the London College of Fashion, a unique collaboration with Parsons Paris and a partnership with Falmouth School of Art.
New Designer in Residence, Adjoa, followed her BA(Hons) in Fashion Design from De Montfort University specialising in menswear, with an MA in Textile Design, Technology and Innovation. Commenting on her appointment, she said, ‘I’m very excited about taking on my new role – not only am I helping to develop the next generation of Heathfield fashion designers, but it’s also a chance for me to gain new experiences and broaden my own skills.
‘In fashion there are unlimited possibilities, and inspiration can come from many sources. I want the girls to have as many opportunities as they can, to explore this. Inspiration can come as part of the process of making, or from your environment, culture or experience of the world.
‘For instance, I discovered my love of menswear during my very first BA project, and experimented with shape and size through pattern cutting and using different mediums. My love of the beautiful prints and textiles from Ghana, began with trips to the fabric shop with my mother who is a seamstress.
‘All of this is reflected in my own work, showcasing my culture and identity. The students will be exploring what influences them, and how these can become part of their own distinctive styles. Collaboration and co-building of ideas is also important in the design process, and the girls’ are a great creative team.
‘We will also look at the work of other designers, the themes in their collections, and what draws us to certain pieces. Design generation is a key skill – identifying the main elements that could be used throughout a collection, and having a clear vision of what you aim to achieve.
‘One of my favourite menswear designers, Ozwald Boateng, Saville Row, creates collections that are exquisitely designed and tailored. The finishing of a garment is equally important as its design, and I’ll be helping the students hone their skills, because for a garment to be great, it must look as good on the inside as it does on the outside.
Commenting on the new appointment, Sarah Rollings (née Wilson), Headmistress, said, ‘We’re delighted to have Adjoa join our arts and fashion programme as Designer in Residence here at Heathfield. It’s an exciting opportunity for students to gain expert insight into fashion design and let their unique creative talents flourish.’
Categories: Heathfield School School News
