Elena Etheridge

Elena Etheridge is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion at Manchester Metropolitan University's Manchester Fashion Institute, specializing in pattern making innovation and sustainable construction methods. Her research explores welding and bonding technologies as alternatives to traditional sewing, examining their potential for design innovation and manufacturing efficiency.

Education includes:

• MA by Research: Pattern making for new fabric joining technologies
• BA (Hons) Fashion
• Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

Etheridge's MA research developed a holistic design approach integrating technical capabilities of welding/bonding technologies. This practice-based enquiry created contemporary womenswear demonstrating how these methods can simplify construction while offering new aesthetic possibilities. Her work examines historical pattern cutting approaches to inform sustainable contemporary practice.

Creative practice includes textile collaborations exploring tactile surfaces and sound-emitting fabrics. Recent exhibition work features garments constructed from full loom-width textiles to honor weaving craftsmanship and eliminate waste.

She teaches across fashion programs and holds memberships in the Higher Education Academy (Fellow) and Chartered Management Institute (Member).