Emmeline Child

In 2003, Emmeline completed a KTP with the Salvation Army Trading Company where she developed the upcycling label Emmeline 4 Re. Selling her collections in the UK and Europe, while establishing a sustainable boutique in London. The knowledge gained throughout this period has enabled her to become a pioneer in the field of upcycling, and the basis for her research to date. She is currently a PhD Candidate at UAL, developing design-led solutions to textile waste in the supply chain. Emmeline has presented her work in the UK and internationally through both exhibits and conferences.

Emmeline is a proficient educator and fellow of the Higher Education Academy for her embedded knowledge around teaching and learning. She is the programme leader for the Fashion and Textiles degree at the University of Northampton, runs workshops and lectures in interdisciplinary subjects in the UK and internationally, and externally she advises and examines on a number of profiled fashion courses.  

Emmeline utilises her commercial and academic experience to profile the barriers and opportunities in the industry pertaining textile waste in its current set-up, while developing guidelines and design prototypes that evidence the possibilities of upscaling product fallout.

 Emmeline seeks design solutions for dissemination to different market levels of the industry, the outcome of which will facilitate manufacturers and brands with the knowledge to embed more circular systems, while offering alternative revenue streams utilising textile waste. The research creates practical solutions and frameworks to support the streamlining of factory production, aiming to minimise the amount of waste in the process.

External examiner for Birmingham City University on the BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion Course

External examiner for The Retail Academy on the BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Branding

My research interests are around the circular economy in fashion, looking at ways to minimise the harmful impact of the industry through practice based research in textiles and fashion. I have a good understanding of market levels and can flex between these for small and mass consumer audiences. Particular specialisms in;

Upscaling

Upcycling

Remanufacture

End of Life Textiles