Johnny Diamandis

Johnny Diamandis is a Part-Time Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), combining over two decades of industry experience with academic teaching. He holds a BA (HONS) in Fashion Design from Central Saint Martins UAL (London). Previously, he served as a Visiting Professor at the Royal College of Art (RCA, London) from 2006–2016 and Parsons School of Design from 2008–2011.

His professional career spans roles as Head of Outerwear Design at Burberry, Global Design Director at Evisu, and founder of J Panther Luggage Co.—a USA-made luggage brand internationally recognized in The New York Times and Condé Nast. Collaborations include Game of Thrones (with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), White Mountaineering, Cat Footwear, and CrossFire Tencent. He has showcased designs at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Shanghai Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week.

Research interests focus on merging digital design tools (e.g., CLO3D for motion and patternmaking) with functional aesthetics, blockchain applications in fashion, and vintage garment construction techniques. His teaching emphasizes hands-on, practical approaches to design, integrating both physical and digital prototyping. He co-founded AK Club in Shanghai and currently collaborates with Exposure Creative Agency on conservation lifestyle branding.

His pedagogical expertise spans RCA, Parsons, and SAIC, where he supports CLO3D integration in curricula. Influences include music, outdoor functionality, and military-inspired construction, reflecting his holistic view of form, function, and cultural context.