Biography

Glasgow-born James has wanted to study fashion at Central St Martin’s for as long as he can remember. He studied textiles and surface design at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, from where he graduated with a first-class degree.

While an undergraduate, James was a finalist in the UK Knitting Association Student Competition and received an Arts Vacation Scholarship from The Cross Trust to undertake research in Sri Lanka. In his final year he won the Society of Dyers and Colorists design competition.

After graduation, James went on to work as UK colourist with Berluti, London, where he impressed with his maturity and grasp of colour. He worked on developing new colours for their product collection shoes and accessories. He has also worked for Mumo, a fair-trade fabric company as a textile and product stylist and consultant.

James has had his work shown on the catwalk at the Clotheshow Live and Dressed to Kilt event in New York, hosted by Sir Sean Connery. He was offered a place on the masters degree course at Central St Martins which will allow him to show his first major fashion collection as part of London Fashion Week.

How the Award Helped