Graduate Spotlight: 3D and Digital Product Design Manager Georgia Featherstone
13 November 2024
Since graduating from Fashion Design BA(Hons) in 2021, Georgia Featherstone has made an impressive rise through the ranks at British retailer Marks & Spencer. Starting her journey as a Design Intern, Georgia spent a few years working as a Design Assistant in childrenswear, before taking up an exciting new role as 3D Academy Manager.
We chatted to Georgia about her experience studying fashion at Falmouth where her graduate collection was a Childrenswear Award finalist at Graduate Fashion Week. She shared insights into her career journey so far and offered advice for aspiring fashion designers.
When did you first discover your love of fashion and design?
Fashion is the pinnacle of artistic problem solving. I’ve always loved art, but the added complexity of construction and technology combined with creative freedom is what drew me into the world of fashion design.
Why did you choose Falmouth as your university?
It only took one visit to Falmouth to make me completely hooked, and even though I’ve left Cornwall to work in London I still visit every six months. The location, the university and the creative community is so vibrant and rich, with the added bonus of being so close to nature; it made complete sense for a creative arts student.
What was the highlight of your time studying Fashion Design at Falmouth?
The course itself is nestled in a building full of possibilities from 3D design to natural dyes. You are constantly surrounded by outstanding creative projects and an abundance of first-class machinery that helped bring my creative visions to life. Creative freedom and space are the pinnacle of the Fashion Design degree.
You started as an intern with Marks & Spencer and are now managing the 3D Academy. Can you tell us about your role, what it entails and what you most enjoy about it?
I started my career as a childrenswear designer for two years, and throughout this time I developed my understanding of the full product development process – from the design stage all the way through to production. After driving the use of CLO3D within my department (a skill I learnt during my time at Falmouth), I got propelled into the world of tech and transformation.
Today, I manage the 3D Academy, where we train and engage all areas of the business in new digital workflows and strategies. I cover a range of applications from CLO3D to virtual mock store environments and even Ai. The goal of digital product creation is to make better product decisions earlier, reduce sampling and increase efficiency.
The most rewarding thing about my work is seeing my teams grow in confidence and unlock new technologies which transform their departments, as well as positively contributing to the Marks & Spencer sustainability targets.
What advice would you give to current students looking to get their foot in the industry door?
My advice to students is to take every chance you get to be seen by industry specialists. I got my first role by meeting the Marks & Spencer Head of Design at Graduate Fashion Week. I didn’t win the competition, but I got the role because she saw potential in me. It’s not just about the work, either; it’s about how you position yourself as a person and a young designer in the industry. My passion and values have always been centred around sustainability and new technology, and that has really helped propel me forward in my career.
What are your ambitions for the future?
My ambition for the future is to continue to drive new processes to make the industry less damaging to the environment and make consumers more aware of the impact of garment production. I see a future where technology can provide a greener path for fast fashion companies, and I want to be at the centre of that change.
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