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Kayla Owen

Liverpool School of Art and Design

Faculty of Arts Professional and Social Studies

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Kayla Owen is an Academic, Fashion Designer and PhD researcher who has worked in the fashion industry and academia for almost twenty years, both in the UK and abroad. Currently working as Programme Leader for MA Fashion Innovation & Realisation at Liverpool John Moores University. Kayla is a member of the International Textile and Apparel Association and Fashion Research Network and is a Fellow of the HEA. She has designed and manufactured fashion collections, shown on catwalks and exhibited 2D and 3D work nationally and internationally. Most recently presenting a paper on 'The Wearer as Designer' philosophy at the Universita Iuav di Venezia, Venice, Italy.

Kayla has established a firm collaborative relationship with the international ethical textiles company Plexus Ltd. as well as playing a key role as International Mobility Co-ordinator for Art & Design at LJMU. Building links with International partnership institutions, enabling international mobility for students and staff and visiting and working with the Chang-Shu Institute of Technology and Shanghai University of Engineering & Science as part of the LJMU China Summer School programme. She is also working at an International level with colleagues from Shanghai University of Engineering & Science as part of a joint research project exploring Sensor-Technology for Sportswear. Interaction and synergies between design and technology feature extensively throughout this research.

As a PhD candidate and practice-based researcher. Cross discipline aspects of materials, techniques and processes have been central to Kayla's practice. She is currently working predominantly with leather. Exploring the notion of ‘Second Skin: Deconstructing the Fashion Leather Aesthetic’. Investigating the interface between new advancements in leather production, developments in garment manufacture processes, the desire for the unique via restoration, customisation and conversion, and the obsessive sub-cultural groups associated with these practices. Kayla seeks to develop new ways of thinking and seeing our garments at consumer level, to achieve new ethical and sustainable philosophies and approaches to our wardrobes. The development of archival records as a place to preserve and nurture this artisan craftsmanship is central to her research.

@kayla_owenstudio
www.owenstudio.co.uk

Languages

English

Degrees

2009, Birmingham City University, U.K., MA Fashion
1997, Salford University, United Kingdom, BA Hons, Design Practice - Fashion
Liverpool John Moores University, U.K., PhD

Certifications

2016, Liverpool John Moores University, U.K., Mental Health First Aid Certificate
2015, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, FHEA

Academic appointments

Programme Leader MA Fashion Innovation & Realisation, Fashion, Liverpool John Moores University, 2019 - present
Senior Lecturer Fashion, Fashion, Liverpool John Moores University, 2013 - 2019
BA Fashion & Textiles Programme Leader, Fashion & Textiles, University of Wolverhampton, 2009 - 2013
BA Fashion Programme Leader, Fashion, Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (Associate College of DMU), 2005 - 2009
Programme Leader ND Fashion, Fashion, Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (Associate College of DMU),, 2002 - 2006
Lecturer, Art & Design, Fashion, Solihull College, 2001 - 2002

Postgraduate training

PhD Fashion, U.K., Liverpool John Moores, 2016 - present
MA, United Kingdom, Birmingham City University, 2007 - 2009
PGCE, United Kingdom, University of Wolverhampton, 2001 - 2002

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