Dean Davies

Dean Davies is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Communication at the University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol, within the Department of Creative and Cultural Industries, Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education. He joined as a Lecturer in 2017 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2018. A UWE Bristol alumnus, he holds a BA(Hons) in Fashion with Communication (2013) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

His research and creative interests lie at the intersection of fashion, identity, and regional representation. He specializes in fashion photography and visual storytelling that centers on Northern English narratives, particularly through the lens of youth culture, female friendship groups, and subcultural communities. His acclaimed project Manchester Girls exemplifies this focus, reimagining fashion imagery through authentic, community-driven participation. His work blends documentary realism with constructed narratives, emphasizing inclusivity and place-based identity.

His recent publications and features—such as in DAZED, AnOther Magazine, and It's Nice That—explore themes like Y2K fashion revival, sustainable fashion collaborations (e.g., with Stella McCartney), and emotional documentary projects like Blood Bond. These works collectively highlight a consistent trend: using fashion as a medium for social storytelling and cultural preservation, especially of underrepresented Northern voices.

• Award-winning fashion image-maker
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Successful Kickstarter campaign for Manchester Girls photo book
• Judge for Creative Review’s Annual Photography Award

Davies actively mentors students, frequently collaborating with them on creative projects, thus bridging academic instruction with professional practice. He has worked with major brands including adidas, Versace Jeans Couture, DAZED, Disney, and Puma. He is also the director of the independent publishing platform TRIP, further expanding his influence in creative media. His work is grounded in community engagement, often casting local participants and highlighting regional identity.

His creative practice functions as a living lab, integrating teaching, research, and public engagement. Projects like Manchester Girls and Sheffield Goths serve as both artistic outputs and pedagogical tools, fostering student involvement and public dialogue on representation in fashion.