Dean Liggett

Dean Liggett serves as Lecturer in Fashion at Belfast School of Art, Ulster University. His academic position bridges industry expertise with educational innovation in fashion and textile design. He maintains an active research profile while contributing significantly to curriculum development and sustainability initiatives within the fashion industry.

Liggett graduated from Ulster University with a first-class honours degree in textile and fashion design. His professional journey spans international experience across Ireland, the UK, and Italy, including significant work with prestigious silk manufacturer Mantero Seta SpA in Como.

His research focuses on the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion practices, particularly examining hand skills in luxury fashion production. Liggett's work explores sustainable approaches to textile waste and circular economy models in fashion, drawing from his early industry experience implementing waste-reduction techniques before sustainability became mainstream in the industry. His current PhD research investigates the complex supply systems supporting haute couture production, documenting the continued relevance of hand skills in global fashion structures.

Liggett actively contributes to academic initiatives including serving as Ulster University's representative for FACE (Fashion academics Creating Equality), where he leads the action group for radical curriculum decolonisation. He also champions Athena Swan initiatives, leading the Belfast School of Art's application for accreditation. His recent research outputs demonstrate consistent scholarly activity from 2019 through 2025.

His professional engagement extends to organizing and participating in numerous fashion-related events including Collect Art Fair 2025, PILOT Presents featuring Marije Vogelzang and Shaun Leane, and 'In Conversation with FACE Fashion Academics Creating Equity.' Liggett also completed consultancy work on 'A Stitch Through Time' from 2020-2021.