Alexandra Serafin has joined our BA (Hons) Fashion department alongside running a successful freelance garment development and manufacturing business, which she established after graduating from The Northern School of Art in 2020. Alex brings eight years of fashion industry experience to the course, working remotely from her studio. Her clients regularly collaborate with stylists across the globe. Many of the pieces she develops are worn by artists, performers and celebrities, including Florence Pugh, Megan Thee Stallion, Zara Larsson and FKA twigs.
Alex’s knowledge of pattern cutting, sampling and grading has allowed her to bring her clients’ designs to life, taking them from sketches to real-world garments. Her sewing and assembly skills are applied to her production runs, ensuring ethically made, beautifully finished garments are regularly supplied to each of the brands she works with.
Alex has stepped into this role to share her knowledge of industry-standard practice with students, ensuring they each have the understanding required to create beautiful garments, strengthening both their portfolios and their confidence. Alex’s industry practice ensures her knowledge and skills are constantly updated and remain relevant to current requirements.
Speaking of her background, Alex said, “I graduated from The Northern School of Art in 2020 with a first-class honours degree. Prior to that, I was studying Art and Design at the college campus, previously known as CCAD. I decided to specialise in fashion in my last year of college, as I was fortunate enough to be hired as a part-time seamstress for a vintage fashion shop local to me at the time.”
She continued, “After working as a part-time seamstress for Vintageous Rags during my last summer before university, I then took some time to focus solely on my coursework. Shortly after, I began sewing remotely as a freelance seamstress for the lingerie label With Love Lilly, which I did alongside studying for my degree. In both roles, I had been responsible only for manufacturing, sewing garments in small batches. In my final year of university, however, I started work as a garment developer and pattern cutter at an ethical studio based in Jesmond, Newcastle. After graduating, I became Head Garment Developer, alongside building my own personal freelance seamstress business and client base, beginning with festival label Jazzy Garms and then Rhi Dancey Ltd.”
Capitalising on her experience, she decided to develop her own business. She explains, “After a year of working full-time, I decided to go all-in on my business, leaving my role in Newcastle and setting up my own fully functioning studio whilst growing my client base. I have worked with over 30 clients now, and maintain ongoing contracts with Rhi Dancey Ltd, Tit4Tats, Ella Mia and Issey Swimwear, whilst working on smaller, short-term projects for other clients in between.”
Reflecting on that time, Alex said, “I’m thankful that I had the courage and determination needed to focus solely on my own business, as the opportunities and experiences this decision granted me are endless. Working for myself gave me the confidence and skills I needed in order to become both the best seamstress I can be for my clients and the best technician I can be for my students.”
Thinking about the skills she is able to bring to the degree, she said, “Garment development is my main area of expertise; flat pattern cutting, sampling, grading and garment realisation are all skills I am well versed in. I love helping to bring the designs of my clients to life, and I want to teach our students everything they need to know so that they can do the same with their own designs.”
When asked why she wanted to join the course, she said, “As my business work takes place remotely from my own studio, I wanted to take the opportunity to work in a more hands-on role, teaching in person and helping students to learn in a creative, collaborative institution. In my role as Creative Technician, I am on hand to share my knowledge and help our students learn everything they need to know in order to be both competent and confident when creating and developing their physical garments.”
If you are interested in a career in the fashion industry make sure you check out our degree page here. Future students can also find out more about the course and school by booking on an open day where you can speak to staff and students, check out studios, campus and find out a little more about what it’s like to study in Hartlepool, book your place today!