Nicola Ridd-Davies

Qualified with a 1st class Hons Degree in Fashion, Telestia Advanced Pattern Cutting for Training Providers and over 25 years experience in the Fashion Industry, including 10 years with lifestyle brand TOAST ( www.to.ast/uk/ ) as Womenswear & Menswear Pattern Cutter and Technical Coordinator.

 I currently offer Garment Technology Consultancy on a freelance basis to the industry and am the Creative Director of Visible Clothing http://www.visibletailoring.com/ , an ethical manufacturing centre in Daramshala, India, which is committed to maintaining excellent standards and conditions of work. I also teach from my studio ‘The Little Stitchery’ and for ‘Make it in Wales’, running structured workshops and courses on Pattern Cutting, Made to Measure Dressmaking and Technical Sewing Techniques.

I specialise in identifying and responding to my clients’ demographic and creating relevant size charts and bespoke pattern blocks. I have a deep understanding of the issues and limitations of current industry standards and offer a tailored solution which reduces cost, increases sales and reduces waste.

I support the Fashion Revolution movement and am committed to upholding the values and ethics of the fair trade fashion sector. I will not support any mentee found to be employing unethical practices.

Mentoring can be offered in the following areas;

Pattern Cutting (Womenswear, Menswear and Childrenswear)

Grading

Design Aesthetics

Sampling

Product Development

Tech Packs

Critical Paths (Timelines)

Manufacturing processes

Equipment

CAD

Sizing

Costing

Don’t under value yourself or your business.

Be flexible/open-minded and let the business grow organically.

Listen to your customers’ feedback.