Founder of luxury brand Ellipsis launches live student project

The founder of one of the UK’s up-and-coming sustainable luxury brands is returning to GCU to host a live industry project with students.

Nicole Christie, the creator of womenswear brand Ellipsis, credits a day-release course she attended at GCU when she was at school with sparking an interest in the business side of fashion.

She went on to become one of only four British trainees to gain a place on The Modern Artisan, a unique training programme, run by The Prince’s Foundation and the Yoox Net-a-Porter Group, which aims to strengthen textile skills training and equip trainee artisans in the UK and Italy.

Nicole, who creates handmade luxury womenswear made from locally sourced silk and fabric from her base in Glasgow, will challenge students on GCU’s MSc International Fashion Marketing programme to design a sub-brand as part of a module on Strategic Fashion Brand Management.

She said: “GCU definitely gave me a head start. I learnt about the business of fashion and competitor analysis from an early age.

“I have always loved fashion but there was no opportunity to study it at school. The only time I got to do fashion was when I came here.

“I’m really excited to be working with the students. I would love to be in a position to expand my business and give opportunities to other young people."

Dr Louise McBride, programme leader, said: “We are delighted to be working with Nicole and her brand Ellipsis.

“The live assessment provides students with the opportunity to work on a project with real world application, making the learning experience much more meaningful for them and helps build industry-relevant skills. The brand also benefits from the engagement with students and the creative solutions they present.”