Ann Marie Kirkbride

Ann Marie Kirkbride is a practice-based researcher and educator at Northumbria University, specializing in fashion design and illustration. Her interdisciplinary work bridges creative practice with social themes like diversity and ageing. She has exhibited nationally and collaborated with industry partners including Marks & Spencer and Slazenger.

• Education: MA in Design Studies (2016), PGCLTHE (1998), BA in Fashion Design (1985)
• Expertise: Fashion illustration, trend analysis, knitwear design, enterprise/marketing
• Research Focus: Fashion as an interface for personal expression, older consumer engagement

She employs drawing as a foundational tool for understanding design problems, working with muses to challenge conventional fashion ideals. Her 2013 publication, Illustrating Fashion's Invisible Woman, exemplifies her focus on integrating marginalised narratives into design practice.

Academic Affiliations: Associated with Northumbria University's Fashion Design department. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2015), completed Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (Research & Innovation) in 2013.